NFL Media's Michael Irvin turned heads Wednesday with his crystal-ball act, predicting Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys will become the first wide receiver to be NFL MVP.
Bold prediction, indeed, but Warren Sapp's forecast wins the gold medal for zaniness.
During Wednesday's "NFL GameDay Season Preview" on NFL Network, Sapp announced that Miami Dolphins second-year pro Ryan Tannehill will go toe-to-toe with Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. In 1984, his second season with the Dolphins, Marino threw for 5,084 yards, an NFL mark that stood until Drew Brees shattered it in 2011.
"The second year won't be a sophomore slump for Ryan Tannehill," Sapp said. "He will break Dan Marino's (mark) of 5,084 yards. That's right ... he's gonna break it. Ryan Tannehill loves to throw it around the yard. Quarterback-driven league. Watch it."
Tannehill was the No. 1 candidate in our "Making the Leap" series and has the look of an ascendant talent. With Mike Wallace in the fold, the Dolphins are a sure bet to test teams deep this season, but Tannehill threw for a mundane 3,294 yards as a rookie last season.
We're on board with an increase in Year 2, but another 1,800 yards? That's aggressive.
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