Ahead of the new lad starting on Sunday, I have had a rummage back through Tannehill’s game-by-game stats this season to see what would constitute an improvement in our QB play.
I think it will also help contextualise what is achievable with the current roster and let us see whether Levis’ showings over the next few games show promise for the longer term.
Below are a selection of QB stat benchmarks, with a side-by-side of where this would put a performance in comparison to the six games Tannehill has played this season:
| If Levis Achieves… | Compared to Tannehill this is… |
|---|---|
| 13 rushing yards | Better than all 6 games |
| 199 passing yards | Better than 3 games |
| 53% completion rate | Better than 3 games |
| 1 passing TD | Better than 4 games |
| 1 interception | Better than or equal to 4 games |
| 3 sacks | Better than or equal to 4 games |
| Sacked on 10% of snaps | Better than or equal to 4 games |
Source: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TannRy00.htm
If I had to make some observations, I don’t think generating comparable yardage/TD numbers is going to be the hardest part for the boy. Sacks and turnovers are going to be key given his college tape and I suspect he has the potential to blow past these figures in his first few games. In view of his lightning-fast release and Oscar-worthy play fakes, it would be great to see Tim Kelly leaning into the run and quick-game to help him adjust early on.
If we can see 220 all purpose yards, with a touchdown, one interception and under 4 sacks a game, I think that’s a positive start.
I think this is a reasonable way to set statistical bars but for me the eye test is going to be the marker. Its crazy to me that the majority of fans seem to be throwing in the towel after 6 games when a week from now we could be sitting back at .500 with a young star at QB.
Im very skeptical/anxious about the qb situation based on vrables press conferences. He’s made it clear that Tannehill is still qb1 and has said both of the other guys will play otherwise, as well as reports saying Levis will start that he has pretty much shut down. My interpretation is that Levis is going to start and if he’s rolling he won’t come out of the game. Tannehill has done nothing to elevate this offense this year, and if Levis comes in and the offense starts rolling I dont see how you dont let him see how far he can take it. I think the “both will play” is to nuetralize the overreaction if they decide after a series or two that Malik gives them the better chance to win the game and want to make a change. It will be extremely disappointing if the offense scores 10+ pts on the first two drives and isn’t in on the third drive, even if he only is 2-6 with 30 yards.