Coaches and players aren't publicly supporting Ryan Tannehill

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
Usually, a head coach will stand up during the week and publicly defend his quarterback regardless of what he thinks of him. Behind closed doors, it may be different but a head coach will shield that controversy away from the public eye so it doesn’t become a distraction. Unfortunately, Joe Philbin didn’t read that part of the coaching manual and now has a quarterback controversy on his hands with a divided locker room. However, he isn’t concerned about it and also isn’t concerned about how the offensive players will approach the week without having a commitment to Ryan Tannehill.

“Not one bit. Not one bit. It’s the same thing. I haven’t told anybody else who’s starting either. We always go into the week, we’re preparing for an opponent. We’re going to get ready to play and get our best guys ready to play.”

From the point of view of the players, Mike Wallace didn’t come out and support Tannehill because he said he has enough to worry about with his own job.

“That’s not really for me to decide. I have enough to worry about with my own position and trying to do well and try to stay on top of my job. I can’t worry about what Coach is going to do. Whoever Coach puts out there, that’s who we’re going to roll with and we’re going be behind him 100 percent no matter who it is.”

In addition, one player privately told Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post that the idea of starting Matt Moore was intriguing but also feared that he might be worse. Branden Albert was another player who refused to back Tannehill and instead gave the company line.

“He’s the quarterback right now,” Albert said. “That’s all that matters. I think he’s doing what he needs to be doing. He’s been trying. That’s all anybody can ask of him. I’m going to keep protecting him like I need to.”

Rishard Matthews had a chance to come out and support Tannehill as well but told Abramson that things could be better, although he thinks he is doing fine.

“It’s the third game,” Matthews said. “We’re still learning a new offense. He’s leading the offense, he’s doing what he needs to do. Things could be better but it’s a learning process for us.”

It’s certainly interesting down in Miami and the only way the rumblings will stop is if Tannehill has a big game on Sunday and the Dolphins come out with a win. If not, buckle up. 

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