ESPN analyst and former Jets GM and Dolphins executive Mike Tannenbaum talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about preparing for Sam Darnold, Adam Gase’s qualities and his relationship with Rex Ryan.
Q: You hired Adam Gase with the Dolphins. Did you like the Jets’ decision to bring him in?
A: It makes a lot of sense. When you look at what’s happened in the NFL recently: Adam with Darnold, Kliff Kingsbury with Kyler Murray, Freddie Kitchens with Baker Mayfield, even Matt LeFleur with Aaron Rodgers — those hires were looked at through the lens of, how do we match guys at the quarterback position. I love the experience they have on the other side of the ball with Joe Vitt and Gregg Williams, too. Two guys who bring a lot of experience and wisdom to the table. Those combinations make a lot of sense to me.
Q: What were your thoughts on Darnold as an AFC East rival?
A: Very talented, can make all the throws. He can put pressure on your defense with his speed, plays with his eyes down the field and with good accuracy. He has all the traits you’d want in a starting NFL quarterback.
Q: What are the challenges for Baker Mayfield this season?
A: He’s like a point guard. He’s going to have to distribute the ball and keep a lot of guys happy. … How they handle adversity will be a true test to how well they do. … The arrow is up on Baker, but he’s a very young quarterback who has one win against a winning team. While the trajectory and outlook is high, there are going to be growing pains. They don’t have the experience or the success that the Steelers and Ravens have. That’s why our sport is so fun because on paper the Browns look so good, yet experience matters and we are going to see how that plays out.
Q: How do you view the game differently as an analyst, opposed to an executive?
A: It’s definitely different. I am watching the sport and the news cycle at a much higher level just in terms of the various transactions, holdouts and injuries and seeing how that affects every team, as opposed to what each move means for the Miami Dolphins. I am casting a much wider net and it’s interesting to see the different approaches. It’s been a great learning experience and hopefully I bring a different perspective to the conversation.
Q: Have you seen Rex Ryan around Bristol?
A: I’ve always had a lot of respect for Rex. He’s a friend and he does a great job in the media — happy to be his teammate again. Obviously we had a lot of success together when we worked together for the Jets.
