Every coach across the NFL preaches competition at each position group. For that matter, competition is a foundational staple of all successful coaches; from intramural youth to the professional ranks. Competition is the heartbeat of all athletics — and winning is king.
In Miami’s recent history, there has been less winning at presumed position battles and more coddling and favoritism. This is in reference, of course, to how Ryan Tannehill never had any real competition for the starting quarterback position. As a rookie, Tannehill lost the training camp battle with David Garrard. It wasn’t until Garrard suffered an unfortunate injury that Tannehill was thrust into the starting spot. That was the first, last and only competition held at the most crucial position in sports for Miami over seven seasons — and it wasn’t even a true victory for Tannehill.
Couple that with the previous regime’s propensity to sign familiar faces and hand out fat checks that forced them to justify unearned paydays and a lack of competition became ingrained in Miami. Superior talent, often times, was wasted in the name of “these are my guys.” Sure, coaches swore up and down that competition was ubiquitous but superior players holding their helmets on the sideline said otherwise. Such was life in South Florida for far too long.
When Flores says each position will compete, however, it feels legitimate.
With bloated contracts shed, the front office and coaching staff overturned and the Tannehill experience finally over in Miami, there are no exceptions to the rule. Players are going to have to earn their keep. So simple. So elementary. And yet after years and years of the concept of “competition” being an absolute sham within the Dolphins organization, so refreshing.
To the victor goes the spoils!
