Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has yet to develop into a full-fledged franchise quarterback. Though he passed for more than 4,000 yards for the second consecutive season this year, the Dolphins still ranked just 26th in total yards per game (331.7), 19th in passing yards per game (238.2) and 27th in points (19.4) despite improved offensive talent. Today, wide receiver Greg Jennings is saying that some of Tannehill's struggles are due to a lack of freedom within the offense.
Jennings contests that Tannehill has "been hand-held his entire career," while on the team's official radio show, The Finsiders. He added, "I'm going to speak for Ryan right now, which I typically don't do. He wants some more freedom."
This isn't the first time we've heard these claims. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported last October that Tannehill requested more control of the offense from then-offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who did not acquiesce. It's worth noting that Tannehill's best statistical season came under Lazor in 2014. Will new head coach Adam Gase try a different approach?
If we're judging Gase on the 2015 season, it's doubtful that he'll give the 27-year-old Tannehill more room to operate on offense. As the offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears this past season, Gase did not give quarterback Jay Cutler the longest of leashes, which may have contributed to his bounce back season. John Mullin of CSN Chicago reported late last year that Gase chose to "truncate...Cutler's flexibility options" when it came to play calling while providing "limited audible latitude." Of course, Peyton Manning was awarded full freedom of the offense when Gase was his coordinator with the Denver Broncos, but that qualifies as a special circumstance.
Tannehill will likely have to earn the privilege of additional audible calls and more control of the offense. Until then, expect Gase to call the shots from the sidelines.
