http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...tannehill-says-hell-start-sunday-for-dolphins The video at the top of the page is pretty good. He very explicitly calls Philbin's **** policy that isn't really a policy of not naming starters a "distraction" and talks about "distractions" that it has caused. The confidence that he's showing talking about it makes me think he has some solid backing in his feelings, either from players or a certain adviser or both. I don't think a guy who doesn't still have the locker room on his side would throw his head coach under the bus like this. Especially not if the locker room is firmly behind the coach and his staff. Unless he's gone rogue, but a guy who's under contract for 1-2 years usually doesn't go that rogue unless you're Cary Williams.
Sounds like those two are seriously at odds with one another Im not sure I can ever recall a qb declaring himself as the starter without his coach's backing. Im not a philbin fan but it seems inappropriate for RT to say this even if its true. Its a direct challenge of authority. Its looking like philbin has lost control of the locker room.
With Bill Lazor saying that he has no doubts Tannehill is the starter about two days ago and allegedly swallowing his words when talking about the end of the half in Buffalo, I'm getting a vibe that Philbin has lost what little command he had of the locker room and team overall. Philbin doesn't talk to his QB, he doesn't get involved in the locker room, and his player dealings involve telling them to tie their shoe laces. Add in the reports of Marino being less than impressed with Philbin and I'm beginning to believe that his grace period is fast approaching its end. That's not to say I'm absolving Tannehill of sucking, but Philbin has seemingly been hammered from multiple angles and from three important people.
If this is what it looks like, Ross needs to step in. Either fire philbin or back him up but you cant let the inmates run the asylum. Somebody needs to be in charge.
There isn't a simple solution to this one. Has lazor done enough to merit being given the reigns for the next 13 weeks? Coyle certainly hasn't. So we chuck Philbin and there isn't a replacement. Philbin has put himself and Ross in an impossible position. Ross can't realistically publicly back him, doing that strengthens his arm. All Ross can realistically say is 'we'll see how this season plays out then make a decision'. I'd bet that RT is starter here next year with a new head coach. The other problem (the Matt Moore problem if you will) is that replacing RT to win games now hinders our chances of an early draft slot. Far better to let RT play and win or lose on his back. A far better indication of the future. Moore is not a player for the future.
I like it when Ryan's pissed, he shows some fire. Can't wait for Sunday (I have no expectations one way or another).
