Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III get all the attention. But Ryan Tannehill eventually will be talked about with them when folks discuss the great quarterback class of 2012.
Tannehill threw for 319 yards on 34 attempts Sunday in Luck's stadium, helping the Miami Dolphinsbeat the Indianapolis Colts 24-20. The Dolphins are 2-0 and feeling good after an offseason of free-agent spending.
This isn't a case of Tannehill's supporting cast being better. It was an evenly matched game between two solid teams, but Luck had better protection for most of the day. T.Y. Hilton and the Colts' running game offered Luck solid support. But Miami's defense -- which is one of the better units in the NFL -- stopped the Colts on their final four drives of the game. Luck has been incredible at creating late-game magic at home, but his final drive stalled inside the Dolphins' 30-yard line.
Luck and Tannehill had a memorable duel last season, with the Colts coming out on top. Perhaps this win will help get Tannehill some deserved attention. He did a great job in the first half avoiding pressure to complete tough third-down throws. Tannehill got Mike Wallace involved with nine catches for 115 yards and one touchdown, and he also made a number of difficult, pinpoint throws to Brian Hartline.
Tannehill and Luck figure to be battling for a long time for AFC playoff positioning. This round went to the Dolphins, and we wouldn't be surprised if it's a factor when we're examining wild-card tiebreakers come December.
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