Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill's first preseason start is in the books, and it's reasonable to assume that coach Joe Philbin will not be naming the rookie the Week 1 starter this week.
Sessler: QB race opens in Miami
With QB David Garrard out for knee surgery, the Dolphins have a two-QB race between Matt Moore and Ryan Tannehill, Marc Sessler writes. ** More ...**
Tannehill completed 11 of 23 passes for 100 yards, was sacked three times and had four passes batted down by Carolina Panthers defensive linemen in the Dolphins' 23-17 loss. Four of the Dolphins' six possessions in the first half were three-and-outs, and a fifth possession gained one first down before punting the ball back to the Panthers.
The rookie did lead one touchdown drive, completing 7 of 11 passes for 67 yards before Daniel Thomas plunged in from the 1-yard line. That also happened to be a drive when the Dolphins ramped up their no-huddle offense, which the team plans to use more under Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman.
A problem with Tannehill's Friday night performance was that he frequently locked in on his first read and rarely moved to a second or third option. That's to be expected, though, from a quarterback making his first NFL start, and it should be noted that Tannehill didn't turn over the ball. Tannehill also got little help from his offensive line, particularly right guard Artis Hicks and rookie right tackle Jonathan Martin.
Matt Moore didn't help himself by completing 5 of 15 passes for 57 yards in the second half. Tannehill still appears to be the likely starting quarterback to open the season, although Philbin might not make that official until after next Friday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. **
Follow Brian McIntyre on Twitter _@brianmcintyre_.
