The Dolphins changed offensive coordinators and general managers this offseason and they may be open to changing quarterbacks down the road as well.
Jason LaCanfora of CBSSports.com reports that Dolphins coach Joe Philbin was talking up Matt Moore to prospective G.M. candidates before Dennis Hickey was hired for the job and quotes a source who has spoken to Philbin about the quarterbacks as saying that Philbin wants to push Ryan Tannehill more next season.
Per that source, Moore could work his way into the lineup if Philbin “doesn’t see improvement” from Tannehill. That makes sense given the implied pressure that Philbin has to win in 2014, but a benching-worthy meltdown by Tannehill next season won’t do much to enhance Philbin’s chances of making a long run on the sideline in Miami.
Philbin’s fate is ultimately going to be tied to the quarterback that the team drafted in the first round in 2012 because inserting Moore would be a temporary measure that signaled the Dolphins have to start looking for a franchise quarterback all over again. The chances that they’d do that with Philbin aren’t particularly great.
The chances of improvement from Tannehill and a long stay for Philbin will be greatly enhanced by putting together an offensive line that can provide more of an obstacle to opposing pass rushers next season. If they can’t do that, it might not wind up mattering much which quarterback is behind them because offenses aren’t helped by quarterbacks running for their lives regardless of the name on the back of the jersey.