Speculations now swirling about Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill‘s season after a non-contact knee injury. In the worst case scenario, the Dolphins may be in need of another player to fill his spot. The best option currently on the roster is Matt Moore, who played solidly when Tannehill went down last season. However, Moore lacked any sort of star power. He averaged about 220 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception per game. For a playoff hopeful team like the Dolphins, however, a low-floor, higher-upside wild card like a certain Colin Kaepernick may better suit their needs.
Colin Kaepernick, Miami Dolphins May be Potential Fit
Just a mere four seasons removed from leading the San Francisco 49ers to three straight playoff berths, Colin Kaepernick cannot find a job. Is it that he simply can no longer perform at a respectable level, as some are trying to claim? Doubtful. After last year’s national anthem protest, Colin Kaepernick has been the most talked about man in the NFL, and not necessarily in a good light. Thus, owners are afraid of the distraction and unavoidable spotlight a Kaepernick signing would inevitably put on their team. Understandable, but the estranged ex-49er has shown that he almost certainly has something left to offer teams.
As recently as last season, Kaepernick was efficient and played decently, even on a team devoid of talent. He threw for 2241 yards along with 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions. His receivers definitely weren’t household names, as the team’s top options were Torrey Smith and Quinton Patton. The dual-threat quarterback also showcased that he’s still got the wheels, rushing for a career-best 6.8 yards-per-carry on his way to 468 yards and two additional touchdowns. A capable dual-threat quarterback on a team with a strong running game and receivers like Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, and DeVante Parker? That absolutely screams potential.
Adam Gase: Perfect Man for the Job
The potential success of a Kaepernick-Dolphins marriage stretches beyond just player personnel. The scheme and coaching staff, particularly head coach Adam Gase, would perfectly suit Kaepernick’s skills. Gase is known for being a quarterback guru. He’s the guy who brought the best out of former Chicago Bear Jay Cutler and made him look good. Under Gase, Cutler dramatically cut down on turnovers, posted his career best quarterback rating, and had one of the most statistically sound seasons of his career. After Gase left, Jay Cutler imploded, and is now calling games in the press box, instead of playing in them.
Colin Kaepernick possesses more talent than Jay Cutler, and is arguably more talented than Ryan Tannehill as well. Under the tutelage of Adam Gase, Colin Kaepernick could potentially have a career year. Gase is famous for molding his offense around the specific skill set of his quarterback to maximize their production. With the amount of talent available on the roster, Gase would have a field day crafting the perfect offensive scheme to bring Kaepernick’s best out of him. The trifecta of Kaepernick, Jay Ajayi, and Jarvis Landry could become a three-headed monster, at least for one season. An option read with that personnel would have defenses reeling around the league.
Should Ryan Tannehill truly end up needing season-ending surgery, this would be an intriguing option for the Miami Dolphins. It would be wise for the team’s ownership and coaching staff to keep open minds. Perhaps the riskiest option could yield the most reward.
Main image credit:
