NFL: 2015 All-Breakout Team

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Aug 29, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have agonizingly waited for a saviour ever since the legendary Dan Marino retired in 1999. After 16 different starters under center, the Dolphins finally found their next franchise quarterback in Ryan Tannehill.

Tannehill is the forgotten quarterback of the 2012 NFL draft class. Andrew Luck is living up to the absurd hype, Russell Wilson has made it to two Super Bowls, including one victory, while Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins are frequently the target of criticism in the media.

Quarterbacks don’t typically come into their own until much later than other positions. Tannehill’s growth so far is reflected in his numbers which have improved every season over the last 3 years and culminated with career-best figures in yardage, touchdowns, interceptions, completion % and passer rating last year.

Year	Age	Tm	GS	QBrec	Cmp	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	Int	Y/A	Rate
2012	24	MIA	16	7-9-0	282	484	58.3	3294	12	13	6.8	76.1
2013	25	MIA	16	8-8-0	355	588	60.4	3913	24	17	6.7	81.7
2014	26	MIA	16	8-8-0	392	590	66.4	4045	27	12	6.9	92.8
Career			48	23-25-0	1029	1662	61.9	11252	63	42	6.8	84.0

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table

Tannehill clearly responded well to Bill Lazor‘s scheme and the Dolphins made a concerted effort in the offseason to help Tannehill play up to his ability. They adding several weapons for Tannehill to threaten every level with, and he is still supported by the excellent Lamar Miller. This is shaping up to be a year Tannehill puts up the monster numbers.

Tannehill has a great feel for touch passes and that’s one of the biggest reasons he played well under Lazor, an offense where he is expected to throw to spots to allow his receivers to create extra yardage. He’s improved his ability to handle pressure and as a young quarterback, should continue to improve mentally further.

He won’t start getting the media credit he deserves until the Dolphins can get into the playoffs after 7 years away, but I think the stars have aligned for him. The fourth year is right around the time when quarterbacks take the next leap and it coincides well with his supporting cast being as strong as it’s ever been and the familiarity of the new system. This is why I expect big things from Tannehill and the Dolphins this year.

Next: Carlos Hyde

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