The Dolphins' trust in quarterback Ryan Tannehill is growing, and through that trust Tannehill is gaining a measure of power within the organization.
Don’t look at the on-field stuff as evidence, look at the off-field stuff. Tannehill, who got a $96 million contract extension in May, said he occasionally gets consulted on transactions.
“They’ve been great to me this offseason as far as communication through free agency, through the team last year,” Tannehill said during last week’s minicamp.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-news-0618-20150617-story.html
“Obviously, the contract is huge. [But] they put their money where their mouth is, so to speak, with the contract and really taking my viewpoint and my thoughts on things throughout the offseason.”
We’ve all known the Dolphins trust Tannehill to run their offense. He’s been doing it for all three of his NFL seasons.
But now we know they trust his decision-making ability in matters crucial to the franchise. That’s significant.
Teams frequently consult quarterbacks about moves or possible moves. However, not every starting quarterback get consulted.
It’s a clear sign of advancement, and that’s what we’re witnessing with Tannehill and the Dolphins.
You’ll recall Tannehill had a conversation with wide receiver Mike Wallace before the Dolphins traded Wallace to Minnesota.
Tannehill might have gotten early word the Dolphins were going to release veteran wide receiver Brian Hartline.
In March, while participating in a charity golf event at the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral, Tannehill was asked whether he’s consulted on transactions.
“Sometimes,” he said.
Asked whether he was consulted on the Hartline move, Tannehill deferred.
“I’m not going to get into details,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter. It’s a decision they felt was best for the team, and it’s the business.”
You can bet Tannehill was at least given a heads-up on the Hartline move.
Tannehill, I’d argue, has had the wide receiver corps recast to his strengths. The deep ball, a weakness for Tannehill, won’t be a major focal point as it was when Wallace was on the team.
And the strength of most of the current receivers is the short and intermediate routes, which are patterns that play to Tannehill’s strength.
The Dolphins’ offense reflects the philosophies of coach Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.
But because the Dolphins trust him enough to consult him on some transactions, I’m guessing the Dolphins’ offense also has lots of Tannehill’s fingerprints.
