(Video courtesy Placekicker1)
Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore isn’t hanging his head.
Moore, who led the team to a 6-3 record in its final nine games last season, admitted he was disappointed to hear rookie QB Ryan Tannehill was named the starter for Friday’s preseason game against Atlanta and the season opener on Sept. 9 against Houston.
But he isn’t ready to give up.
"Obviously, if you play this game you want to play," Moore told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "As a leader of this team you want to be back there with the guys, but I understand the decision. I support the decision and I’m behind coach [Joe] Philbin and Ryan 100 percent, and I’ll be ready if they need me.”
Moore has completed 12 of 27 passes for 136 yards with one touchdown and one interception during his two exhibition games. He remains firmly entrenched at No. 2 on the depth chart and could get a shot as the starter if Tannehill struggles or is injured. Pat Devlin is a clear third while former Pro Bowler David Garrard is battling a knee injury which will keep him out for up to three more weeks.
However, Moore’s contract situation could make him a wanted man. If another team suffers an injury to its top quarterback, the former Oregon State standout has proven his ability to be a short-term starter and has only one year left at $2.5 million on his contract.
Steinbach calls it quits: Guard Eric Steinbach is done in the NFL.
The nine-year veteran from Iowa announced his retirement Wednesday. Steinbach, who had battled myriad injuries, including most recently back problems, was projected as a top reserve after signing a free agent contract late last month.
“I talked to him yesterday about all the great things he has in his future and he should have no regrets,” Philbin said. “He’s got a wonderful young family. His wife, they’re expecting their third child here soon, and [we] really enjoyed having him on the ball club even though it was just for a short period of time. He was very well respected by his teammates here, and I wish him all the best.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.