Ryan Tannehill was the third quarterback taken in the 2012 NFL Draft, but his play this season has earned him praise from teammates and opposing coaches alike.
The Dolphins sit at 3-3 and in a four-way tie atop the AFC East after earning a 17-14 win over the Rams. Tannehill put up solid numbers — 21-of-29 for 185 yards and two touchdowns — but what really impressed Rams coach Jeff Fisher was not his play, but his demeanor.
"He's got too much poise, too much experience in the system," said Fisher. "He's going
to be a good player."
Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman coached Tannehill at Texas A&M, overseeing his development from a wide receiver to quarterback in his final two years. Coming into the NFL with the same offense he flourished under at the college level eliminated the learning curve that most rookie signal callers face.
Fisher sent blitz package after blitz package towards Tannehill but just as he did two games ago against the Cardinals — 431 yards with 306 against the blitz — Tannehill made the aggressive defense pay.
Fellow rookie Jonathan Martin has also been impressed by Tannehill and believes that No. 17 has a case to be mentioned with Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck.
"Tannehill is balling right now," said Martin. "I think he's got to be the best rookie quarterback out right
now."
Tannehill has thrown for 1,454 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions through his first six NFL games, putting him right in the middle of the pack as far as rookie quarterbacks go.
He may not be Dan Marino yet, but at least Dolphins fans can have confidence that the man under center has the respect of his teammates.
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