Les Shapiro details on The Sports Show on May 19, 2015, why Ryan Tannehill is not an elite quarterback and why the Miami Dolphins made a mistake.
A couple of years ago, sports fans were debating the question, “Is Eli Manning an elite quarterback?” And that was after he had already won two Super Bowls and was named MVP of both.
Now, the same question is coming up about Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. We’re asking, because Tannehill : $96 million, with a signing bonus of $45 million. The extension takes him through the 2020 season.
He’s now considered a franchise quarterback — the first one Miami has had since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season.
So, is Tannehill “elite?”
Well, his numbers are entering that category. He’s improved in each of his three seasons, last year taking a big leap forward, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 4,045 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions.
But he has yet to make a Pro Bowl. He has yet to win an AFC East division title (thank you, Tom Brady). He has yet to make the playoffs, let alone get to or win a Super Bowl!
So, elite? Let’s pump the brakes a bit.
Let’s ask the real question here; the only one that really counts. Can he win a Super Bowl?
Well, lesser quarterbacks have. It used to be, before this league became a passer’s delight, marginal quarterbacks like Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson could win the big one if they were surrounded by historically good defenses.
But in the last 15 years, you need to be a really good or great quarterback to even get to the big game. It’s a passing league. You need great passing.
So, does Tannehill fit that description? Maybe. What will help him is if the Dolphins surround him with elite talent. And lately, they’re doing a better job of that.
Miami is giving Tannehill a lot of help at receiver, signing Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings this offseason and drafting receiver DeVante Parker in the first round. They also added tight end Jordan Cameron. Oh, and on defense they scored Ndomakong Suh. This can be a formidable team. Better than the 8-8 they were the last two seasons — with Tannehill at quarterback.
If Brady does stay suspended four games, maybe the Dolphins can make a run at the AFC East title. Tannehill’s contract is elite, but the quarterback himself? Let’s first see if he can lead Miami to a winning season and an actual playoff appearance.
Eli is elite. Tannehill? Let’s give it some time. And that’s More with Les.
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