One stat proves why Ryan Tannehill is the ultimate Pro Bowl snub

The Tennessee Titans quarterback has proven he’s worthy on higher considerations. 

When NFL fans think of franchise quarterbacks, Ryan Tannehill doesn’t come to mind. The Tennessee Titans‘ man under center is good, but there’s little pizzaz to his name, unlike Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

Tannehill is in the middle ground between rising young talent and aging standout. That’s not a terrible thing, but it does make the 32-year-old feel mixed in a crowd of gunslingers despite his numbers being great.

On Monday, the NFL announced the Pro Bowl rosters for both the AFC and NFC. Tannehill was left off in favor of Watson, Allen and Mahomes.

He shouldn’t be, and one stat proves why.

Everyone remembers the rise of the former Miami Dolphins starter taking over for Marcus Mariota in Tennessee in Week 7. The Titans finished 7-3, surged their way into the playoff conversation and made it to the AFC Championship game.

Since taking over as the starter, Tannehill leads the NFL in touchdown passes (61), passer rating (112.8) and yards per attempt (8.5). He also is tied with Mahomes in interceptions (10) and has thrown for over 6,000 yards in 24 games.

Need we say more?

Ryan Tannehill’s struggles were one of coaching

Never forget that Tannehill spent the better part of three seasons under the direction of Adam Gase in Miami. Yes, while Gase took the Dolphins to the postseason in his first season, the now-Titans star suffered a season-ending injury in Week 14 against the Cardinals.

Last week, the Titans saw just how dangerous their offense could be with a passing game. Tannehill finished 21 of his 27 passing for 273 yards and five total touchdowns. Meanwhile, it marked the fifth straight game Tennessee’s offense had tallied 30 points or more.

Derrick Henry once again pounded his way to a great outing, rushing 24 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown.

For the season, Tannehill has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 31:5. The franchise posted its first double-digit win season since 2008 and is in prime position to make another deep push at the playoffs.

Many believe the offense has relied heavily on Henry’s rushing attack. That’s true, but it’s Tannehill’s arm and accuracy that keeps defenses on their toes and off-guard. Without it, who knows if Henry would still be the league’s top back for years to come?

That’s worth at least a Pro Bowl vote or two.