Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
19 of 32
Next
Mandatory Credit: Doug Murray-Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Doug Murray-Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images /

Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill’s return

After suffering a partially torn left ACL late in the 2016 regular season and opting not to have surgery, with an eye on returning for a playoff game, Tannehill re-tore the same ligament during training camp last year and missed the entire season. The Dolphins brought in Jay Cutler as a late fallback, with the expected overall result, and their backup plan this year behind Tannehill (Brock Osweiler, David Fales and Bryce Petty) actually looks worse.

Prior to the injury, Tannehill was making steady (if slower than ideal) progress as a passer and he has shown promise as a dual threat. But that production dipped in 2015 and 2016, and now with a knee injury in his past there’s a new baseline for him as a runner.

In some respect, perhaps tied to his lengthy absence, it’s hard to believe Tannehill is 30 years old. The ship may have already sailed on his ever becoming a top-flight quarterback, befitting of his status as a former top-10 pick. But with little to confidently lean on, Tannehill’s return to full strength is a beacon for hope and excitement for the Dolphins heading into the 2018 season,

Home/NFL