Quote:
• The AFC East may be there for the taking this season, with the New England Patriots struggling through a difficult offseason and QB Tom Brady down several of his favorite receivers from 2012. The Miami Dolphins would love nothing more than to swoop in and steal a division crown, which is why GM Jeff Ireland spent money in abundance this offseason.
In reality, though, Miami’s playoff chances likely come down to the play of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. If that is the case, the Dolphins may be in pretty good shape, says WR Brian Hartline.
“He’s really taken a huge step,” Hartline told team season-ticket holders, according to the National Football Post. “He’s making every throw, his deep ball looks awesome, intermediate ball is great, he has great touch … his improvement has been amazing.”
Tannehill started all 16 games last season for the Dolphins, in his rookie year in the league. He finished with a respectable 7-9 record but tossed just 12 touchdown passes and barely topped 200 yards-per-game passing.
Given Miami’s win-now approach to 2013, the expectations will be elevated for Tannehill from the get-go. Any early stumble might push the Dolphins to turn to experienced backup Matt Moore, who opted to re-sign with the franchise rather than pursue a starting gig elsewhere. ...
http://nfl.si.com/2013/06/28/off-the-sn ... -dolphins/