Forget 2012 Playoffs, Tannehill needs to show improvement going into 2013

The Miami Dolphins are 13 weeks into the 2012 season and currently sit at 5-7. As they stare at another losing season - a franchise record fourth consecutive losing season - the bigger picture still remains; Will Ryan Tannehill develop into the franchise Quarterback South Beach has longed for since you-know-who retired? Despite providing some midseason hope of a 2012 playoff push, Dolfans are back to the original hope of the 2012, Ryan Tannehill will become the QB of the future.

The Dolphins 2012 first round selection had a chance to show his mettle on Sunday against the Goliath-like New England Patriots. After displaying great resolve and rallying from a seven-point deficit to beat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12, Tannehill had the opportunity to take another step in his development by beating Tom Brady's Patriots. Not only did Tannehill and the Dolphins not win the game, but Tannehill struggled mightily at times. This was not more evident than in the first quarter when he missed a deep pass to a wide open Brian Hartline, which would have resulted in the Dolphins tying the game at 7.

In the third quarter, when the Dolphins trailed by seven, the Dolphins defense pinned the vaunted Patriots offense deep in their end of the field twice; this gave the Dolphins offense great field position. On both Dolphins drives, Tannehill and the Fish went three and out. When it looked like the Dolphins defense swung momentum in favour of the Dolphins, the Dolphins gave momentum right back; they never regained that momentum.

Tannehill didn't fare well against the division-rival Patriots

What I'm seeing from Tannehill right now is not an ability to extend drives but a lack of ability to start drives. At an alarming rate, the Dolphins O continues to go three and out; it's not any more prevalent than at the start of the game. The Dolphins received the ball first in games against New England, Buffalo and Tennessee. They could only muster one first down in the opening drives of those games. I believe early success for Tannehill will lead to success later in the game, especially if the Dolphins can play with the lead.

With four games left and the playoffs all but a pipe dream, Tannehill's improvement is the number one priority of the Dolphins coaching staff. Now is the time for Tannehill to step up and claim the team as his, for the next 15 years; it's what Dolfans have longed for, for the last 15 years.