| Dolphins rookie QB Ryan Tannehill threw three interceptions in this debut against Houston on Sunday. (US Presswire) |
Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman said the team's home opener against the Oakland Raiders will be a huge measuring stick for rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
“I think from the first game to the second game, for any team, it’s huge, especially for a young quarterback," Sherman said. "One thing I know about Ryan, he corrects himself and he is accountable. (He says) 'I can do that better,' and he fixes things.”
Tannehill completed 20 of 36 passes for 219 yards with three interceptions in a 30-10 loss to the Texans in Week 1. The eighth-overall pick in April’s draft also was sacked three times. The more troubling stat, however, was receiver Davone Bess being the only player at his position to catch a pass from the rookie before the fourth quarter.
“I don’t think it will be a problem,” Sherman said. “The preseason has shown that the ball’s going to be spread around quite a bit. But if it ends up being a pattern, it would definitely be a concern that the receivers aren’t catching the balls.”
Great returns: Marcus Thigpen demonstrated against the Texans why he is in the Canadian Football League record books.
The running back and ace return man ran back a punt 72 yards for a score in the third quarter for the team’s only touchdown of the game. Thigpen is the only player in CFL history to score a touchdown five ways in a single season: kickoff return, punt return, missed field goal return, rushing and receiving.
“Boy if we could get a score every week, I’d be real happy,” Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said. “The tape shows that usually players don’t do things independently. On that play (receiver) Legedu Naanee had a great block there, as did other players as well. I thought our effort and our energy in our special teams was very, very good. I thought it was excellent, and he did a nice job.”
Help wanted: Miami hasn’t ruled out making additions to the secondary or receiving corps.
The passing defense was mediocre at best against the Texans, yielding 266 yards and a touchdown. Veteran defensive backs Jonathan Wade (cut) and Vontae Davis (traded) were both projected to make an impact this season, but are no longer with the team.
On offense, the receiving position was hit when the team was forced to cut Chad Johnson after he was arrested following a domestic incident. Johnson was projected as the No. 1 option in the passing game. Miami has worked out several veteran free agents such as Jabar Gaffney.
“I think (general manager Jeff Ireland) and his staff consider any player at any time at any position,” Philbin said. “I think it’s just the nature of pro football is you’re always looking to improve and, if there’s somebody that in their opinion is going to help us be a better a football team, I’m sure they’ll explore that option.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSDolphins.