Ryan Tannehill vs. Matt Moore: Latest Updates on Miami Dolphins' QB Battle

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 25

ESPN.com has the latest comments from Joe Philbin on the Tannehill situation:

"

One of the functions of the head coach is to create an atmosphere free from distractions. And to the degree that I contributed to any of those distractions, intended or not doesn't really matter, that falls on me. It's my responsibility, so certainly I accept that responsibility as a head coach. 

Really, that's all I have to say on it.

"

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 24

James Walker of ESPN has an update on Tannehill's status for Sunday:

Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports on how Tannehill learned about his status:

Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post shares how Tannehill feels about the situation:

Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports on Matt Moore's practice habits this week:

Original Text

This is the all-important third NFL season for Ryan Tannehill, and he's done little to secure his spot as the Miami Dolphins' future franchise quarterback.

After an uninspiring 1-2 start, head coach Joe Philbin is noncommittal as to whether Tannehill or veteran backup Matt Moore will be under center for the Dolphins in Week 4.

NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano documented Philbin's vague rhetoric on Tuesday:

While nothing has been acknowledged publicly, Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post reports that Tannehill may be down to his last straw. Tannehill will, in all likelihood, get at least one more chance to prove himself against the Oakland Raiders.

Armando Salguero of The Palm Beach Post reports several players echo this notion:

Abramson outlined where Tannehill ranks in a couple of advanced statistics with his 5.03 yards per attempt and 74.1 passer rating:

The good news is that Miami will be taking on a winless Raiders team, though the game is in London and not at Oakland. Tannehill has struggled to adapt to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor's new system, and after upsetting the New England Patriots in Week 1, the Dolphins have been outscored 63-25.

James Walker of ESPN praised Tannehill for at least one of his positive attributes, which needs to shine through in Week 4:

Tannehill began his college career at Texas A&M as a receiver, so it was going to take some patience on Miami's part to develop him. Switching offenses on him in 2014 from the schemes he knew well in his first two NFL seasons may not have been the best move for the 2012 No. 8 overall draft pick.

But as is often stated, this is a bottom-line business, and Tannehill evidently hasn't shown the Dolphins enough for him to be endorsed as the starter.

The last time Moore saw extensive action was 2011, when he started 12 games for Miami and threw 16 touchdowns to nine interceptions for an 87.1 passer rating. He'd likely only be a stopgap option for another hotshot signal-caller, though.

Ross Tucker of Sports on Earth weighed in on Philbin's handling of the Tannehill situation:

It's a massive crossroads in Miami—especially now with the AFC East as up for grabs as it's been in recent years. Perennial champion New England has struggled, and the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills don't look too formidable because of their own troubled QB situations.

A little more patience and faith in Tannehill could go a long way, or it could backfire. The question is whether Moore offers a better enough alternative to plug into the lineup almost one-quarter of the way through the season.

The Dolphins have a dilemma and could be looking for their next long-term solution at QB in the upcoming draft with Tannehill entering a contract year in 2015.