Why the Miami Dolphins should name Ryan Tannehill it's opening day starter!

 

   What started out as a three man race for the starting Quarterback position in South Beach has since narrowed down to two players,but the Miami Dolphins are no closer to naming their opening day pivot. Both Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore showcased sub par outings in the Phins second preseason game versus the Carolina Panthers,leaving many still wondering "who should get the job?". The answer is easy,it should be Tannehill. Despite looking like nothing but the second coming of Chad Pennington (Captain Checkdown), Tannehill didn't commit any turnovers and drove Miami's offense into the redzone twice in the first half versus Carolina. He's already familiar with Offensive Coordinator Mike Sherman's playbook from his collegiate days at Texas A&M where Sherman was also his O.C. It's also normal to start a rookie QB during the first year in today's NFL but neither of those are primary reasons to give him the gig. Simply,they should because they need to know what they have in their prospect.

    If Tannehill struggles and doesn't show any signs of a promising future,USC's Matt Barkley will be available in the 2013 Draft. For those of you with short term memory, Miami started 0-7 last season and were well on there way to winning the Andrew Luck sweepstakes before they decided to wake up and finish 6-3 down the stretch. I'm not suggesting they'll stumble out of the gate again or that they should tank but the overall team isn't better than last year's squad,at least on paper. They have no play makers on offense except for Running Back Reggie Bush after trading Pro Bowl Receiver Brandon Marshall. Last season their defense was solid but has looked terrible through two exhibition games after switching from the 3-4 to 4-3 scheme. If the D is terrible then I don't even know how to describe the offensive line because that has been the most disappointing part of the Dolphins performance in the preseason thus far. Add in first time Head Coach Joe Philbin,who has already looked very uncomfortable on T.V. when cutting Wide Receiver Chad Johnson from the roster during HBO's Hard Knocks and you have the makings of a team headed towards a long and disastrous season.



       This could land the Dolphins in great position to potentially select Barkley. He's regarded as the top Quarterback prospect and would've challenged Luck as the first overall pick had he decided to enter the draft this past Spring. Some may question why would Miami select another franchise QB in the first round,especially in back to back years? The Panthers did the same when they drafted Jimmy Clausen (2010) then Cam Newton (2011) and we can all agree that its worked out pretty well for Carolina. Hopefully for the Dolphins whether they have a good season or not they see growth and promise in the talents of Ryan Tannehill. The Phins would be better served getting more offensive help if Tannehill can solidify his position as the franchise QB. He has minimal options but achieving more than expected while working with less would quickly win over Dolphins fans who've been longing for a Pro Bowl caliber Quarterback since Hall Of Famer Dan Marino retired in 2000.

10 Big Names Still available in NFL Free Agency

The NFL is back in business after a 5 month lockout. The off season has officially started because already the Brett Favre coming out retirement rumors have begun. Hopefully, we don't see the old man return with the Philadelphia Eagles as the early speculation has suggested. Philly is Michael Vick's city, just ask Kevin Kolb. Kolb being traded to Arizona for Domonique-Rodgers Cromartie and a 2nd round draft pick in 2012 is one of many transactions that have taken place over the first few days of free agency. Nothing will be official until later this evening. A lot of talented players are up for grabs and every club will be looking to get a head
start on improving their roster. Here's a list of 10 big name players who have yet to sign contracts or could be traded.

1. Nnamdi Asomugha ( CB-Raiders in 2010 ) 

He's the best Cornerback in the league. Much like Darrelle Revis, quarterbacks are afraid to throw to the receiver he's covering. That's exactly why I see Asomugha signing with the Jets. He's already admitted to talking to Revis about playing together and if he joins gang green in New York it will give them the best cornerback duo in NFL history, potentially. He's gonna be the most sought after defensive free agent so his price tag will be hefty. Another good fit for Asomugha is in Baltimore. They need help badly on the corners so expect them to make a run at Nnamdi. Imagine a Ravens defense with Ed Reed and Nnamdi Asomugha running the secondary, Ray Lewis and Holati Ngata running the Linebackers and Lineman.....scary right!?

Likely Destination : New York Jets, Oakland Raiders
Best Fit : New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens

2. Lamar Woodley ( LB - Steelers in 2010 )

When you think of Steelers defenders, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Casey Hampton and even Brett Keisel come to mind. One player you can't sleep on though is Lamar Woodley. He's a big part of 3-4 and will help any team that runs that set. I expect Pittsburgh to find away to keep him but if he wants a change I think joining the Patriots would be a comfortable switch.

Likely Destination : Pittsburgh Steelers
Best Fit : Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys


3. Braylon Edwards ( WR- Jets in 2010 )

He's been very inconsistent throughout his career and prone to dropping the ball but is still a solid #2 wide receiver. He was a pro bowler with Derek Anderson as his QB so with the right pivot passing to him,he could put up big numbers. He wants to return to the Jets but New York may not have enough money to lock him up long term. With Donovan McNabb in Minnesota and top receiver for the Vikings,Sidney Rice headed to Seattle, expect the Purple and Gold to make a pitch for Edwards.

Likely Destination : Minnesota Vikings
Best Fit : Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings

4. Cedric Benson ( RB-Bengals in 2010 )

After being cut loose by the Bears, Cedric Benson redeemed himself with 3 consecutive 1,000 plus yard rushing season in Cincinnati. He's had off field problems in the past in Chicago and just as recent as 2 weeks ago over an alleged assault. Teams maybe hesitant to take chance on Benson but he's still under 30 and proven that he can carry the load by himself at Running Back. I believe the Bengals will find away to keep him but he's exactly the type of running back that Peyton Manning could use in Indianapolis. Also,the Redskins could make a play for Benson with Clinton Portis gone.
Likely Destination : Cincinnati Bengals
Best Fit : Washington Redskins , New York Giants

5. Ronnie Brown ( RB-Dolphins in 2010 )

Has been a disappointment after being picked 2nd overall in 2005 by the Miami Dolphins. Ronnie Brown has battled a lot of injuries and when healthy looked non-existent on the field a lot of the times. His brightest moments have come when running Miami's Wildcat offensive formation. Joining a team in secondary role is his likely situation. Sharing duties with LeSean McCoy and operating trick plays in Philadelphia with Michael Vick is his best fit. New England has a habit of taking former Dolphins and rejuvenating their career so don't be surprised if he joins the Patriots.

Likely Destination : New England Patriots
Best Fit : Philadelphia Eagles , Tampa Bay Buccaneers

6. Zach Miller ( TE-Raiders in 2010) 
He's the best Tight End available. Oakland has an improving offense and the best situation for Miller. Zach is a big part of their  receiving core but with Heap gone in Baltimore he could be an attractive replacement at TE in Baltimore.

Likely Destination : Oakland Raiders
Best Fit : Oakland Raiders , Baltimore Ravens





7. Plaxico Burress (WR)

Fresh off his time served in prison, Plaxico Burress has been reinstated by the NFL. It'll take a while for him to catch up with the flow of the game after missing 2 seasons and being older. Returning to Pittsburgh is the ideal situation. He'll have teammates and old friends inside of a respectable program that could help him repair his image. He'll back up Hines Ward and Mike Wallace as the 3rd wide receiver. This will allow Burress to come along slowly with minimal pressure to produce. Plaxico has also said he's considering returning to the Giants.

Likely Destination : New York Giants
Best Fit : Pittsburgh Steelers , Philadelphia Eagles

8. Randy Moss ( WR-Pats / Vikings / Titans in 2010 )

Randy Moss had a nightmare season last year that started in New England,then took a pit stop in his return to Minnesota before finishing in Tennessee. Moss is getting up there in age but is still a deep threat. He'll only join a contender in search of his first Super Bowl title and no team will spend money or sign him to a long term contract. The New York Jets are a great option, that could sign him for 1 year to play along with Santonio Holmes as Braylon Edwards replacement. He wanted to return to New England however that is unlikely after the Patriots just picked up Chad Ochocinco from the Bengals.

Likely Destination : New York Jets
Best Fit : New York Jets , Arizona Cardinals

9. Terrell Owens ( WR-Bengals in 2010 )

A lot of critics have rushed to declare Terrell Owens career over after discovering he had surgery on his torn ACL. I wouldn't go so far that fast. This is the same man that hustled is way back from ankle and leg injuries to appear in his only Super Bowl game,where he an MVP caliber performance. Of course he was a lot younger back then in 2004 but he still has the same work ethics despite his off field diva attitude. After fully recovering, expect T.O. to sign with a team that is making a serious playoff and title push. A division that he has no prior affiliation to could be his destination. Kansas City and San Diego are 2 teams that will fight for the AFC West title as their way into the playoffs and don't have much solidified talent at Wide Receiver outside of their number 1's Dwayne Bowe and Vincent Jackson. Last season Owens caught 9 TD's, had 72 receptions on 983 yards receiving at the age of 37.

Likely Destination : Too early to determine due to injury
Best Fit : San Diego Chargers , Kansas City Chiefs

10. Steve Smith ( WR-Panthers in 2010 )

First he said he's finished in Carolina now just as recent as Thursday Steve Smith has said he'd like to end his career with the Panthers. The problem is they're a young team with Cam Newton or Jimmy Clausen likely to start at QB. If they don't win quick he'll change his mind and want to seek a job with a contender before the trade deadline. Julius Peppers left without Carolina receiving anything in return so they could trade Smith while he still has some value remaining. The short but explosive wide receiver has already mentioned the idea to return to his home in California to play with the Raiders or Chargers. The latter of the 2 would be the ideal fit for Smith.

Likely Destination : Carolina Panthers
Best Fit : San Diego Chargers , San Francisco 49ers

Welcome To " Bailey's Blitz " blog on Sports

   I'll be writing on daily sports topics and news, previews and reviews and I'll give my picks for all the bettors out there. Eventually, I'll be uploading audio from podcasts with a few of my teammates as well. I hope you enjoying reading my blog and give lots a feedback.

     Here's a link to some of my earlier work that I completed in June 2011. I did an NBA and NHL Finals preview,also an NBA Mock Lottery Draft amongst other things. Check it out!


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