As a rookie in the NFL, Ryan Tannehill still has a ton to learn. Between memorizing the plays, adjusting to lifestyle changes and dealing with an incredibly steeper level of competition, the transition from college to the pros is always a challenge for any rookie quarterback. However, most rookies likely already know what division every team is in. Understanding the geography of the NFL isn’t exactly essential, but it seems like something Tannehill struggles with.
“I wasn’t a huge pro fan growing up; I wasn’t loyal to any one team, so I don’t really know the divisions, and even really conferences,” Tannehill during the fourth episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks. “I know most of the conferences but some of those, I really have no clue. And they don’t make sense. You have the AFC East, and we’re freaking in the bottom of the map, and the directions don’t make any sense where the teams actually are.”
It’s true that a few things got out of whack when the NFL expanded from three divisions in each conference to four, but Miami being in the AFC East makes perfect sense. Could they be in the AFC South? Technically yes, but Florida is just as much east as it is south.
Even backup quarterback Matt Moore was surprised by Tannehill’s lack of knowledge with the layout of the NFL. Moore proceeded to give the rookie a pop quiz on the divisions and he got the entire AFC East correct but listed the Giants in the NFC North. He also thought Kansas City was an NFC team. Fortunately for Dolphins fans, memorizing divisions has nothing to do with on-field performance.
Remind me again what it is that Tannehill’s hot wife sees in him?
Helmet knock to Shutdown Corner
