Miami Dolphins Name Ryan Tannehill Starter in Actions But Not Words

The Miami Dolphins unofficially named rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill the starting quarterback during practice earlier today. The eighth overall draft pick has been battling with Matt Moore and David Garrard to claim for the starting position, but it now appears, he is set to be officially named the winner of the battle.

Garrard was taken out of the competition, despite being the clubhouse leader heading into training camp and the first preseason game, when he was forced to have surgery on his knee. Moore, meanwhile, has been given every opportunity to reclaim his starting position from last season, but he has never been able to show the understanding of the offense required to give him the role.

Now, the Dolphins have given Tannehill the apparent nod at the start of the week leading up to the dress rehearsal game this week against the Atlanta Falcons. According to a tweet from Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, the Dolphins have given every first team snap to Tannehill today. While not an official nod to Tannehill starting, the team had been rotating first team reps between Moore and Tannehill after the Garrard injury. That practice seems to have stopped today.

So, without admitting to anything, it appears head coach Joe Philbin may have settled on his starting quarterback. Now, the question will become, is the fan base ready for a rookie to start - and make rookie mistakes - for the Dolphins?