2021 stats: 13 games | 65.7 pct | 2,965 pass yds | 7.1 ypa | 14 pass TD | 13 INT | 225 rush yds | 6 rush TD | 7 fumbles
The first year of QB Index, I chronicled the great rookie class of 2012 every week. Tannehill was the forgotten man of that group behind RG3, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson, but he was better than expected as a rookie. I wrote at that season’s conclusion that I “expect him to at least be a solid NFL starting quarterback.”
Nine seasons later, with two of the names above him in those rookie rankings now retired, Tannehill still stands tall in the pocket, taking massive hits on completions and incompletions alike. I’m often surprised when he gets up. It sounds condescending to say I’m proud of Tannehill, but this season has shown a lot. With no speed outside or pass protection around him, he’s held up far better than his numbers suggest, elevating his teammates. He’s a solid NFL starting quarterback.
