Dolphins QB Race: David Garrard, Matt Moore or Ryan Tannehill?

The race among David Garrard, Matt Moore and Ryan Tannehill to earn the starting Miami quarterback job is entering its second week and it's still to close to call. Here's a breakdown of what each is counting on to start the season opener against Houston on Sept. 9

David Garrard

Last year: Did not play (back surgery)

Career stats: Nine seasons, 16,003 yards, 89 TDs, 54 INTs, 85.8 QB rating

What he has over Moore and Tannehill: Proven success.

Garrard's combination of experience and success gives him the inside track, but he still must prove he's overcome the back surgery that sidelined him all of last season. Garrard threw 2,734 yards with 23 TDs and 15 INTs in 14 games with the Jaguars in 2010. Garrard, a Pro Bowler in 2009 when he threw for 3,597 yards, has been impressive so far in training camp, according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King who attended a recent practice.

Garrard's take, via USA Today: “My chances are pretty good. I don't think they would have me here or even say that it was open competition if my chances weren't good. I know I can still play.”

Matt Moore

Last year: 2,497 yards, 16 TDs, nine INTs

Career stats: Five seasons, 5,137 yards, 32 TDs, 26 INTs, 80.1 QB rating

What he has over Garrard and Tannehill: Continuity.

Moore was one of the few bright spots on last year's 22nd-ranked offense. He salvaged what could have been a truly disastrous season, as he went 6-6 as the starter after Chad Henne underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. The Dolphins finished 6-10, but won six of their past nine games under Moore, who threw 12 TDs against four INTs over the final seven games.

Moore's take via The Miami Herald: “I'm in the middle somewhere. There are always things that I need to work on, but that's what training camp is for.”

Ryan Tannehill

Last year: Started at Texas A&M, where he threw for 3,744 yards, 29 TDS, 14 INTs

Career stats: None. He was selected eighth overall, marking the first time the Dolphins drafted a quarterback in the first round since Dan Marino in 1983.

What he has over Garrard and Moore: Familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman.

Tannehill, who has the advantage of playing under Sherman who coached Tannehill at Texas A&M, missed the first two days of training camp because of a contract dispute. Still, Tannehill is a longshot to win the job this year, but the Dolphins didn't take him eighth overall to have him sit on the bench for very long.

Tannehill's take via ESPN.com: “I feel like I'm in it. Maybe I am being naïve, but the coaches haven't given me any indication that I'm not, so I'm going to go out there every day and do my best to get better every day and hopefully win the job.”

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