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Dolphins in hunt, can Tannehill make them legit threat?
DAVIE, Fla. — Quarterback Ryan Tannehill isn’t the main reason the Miami Dolphins are 7-5 and currently holding the final playoff berth in the AFC.
But Tannehill’s improvement is a big reason the Dolphins are experiencing success.
“I think he feels better when he comes off the field,” coach Joe Philbin said. “He has a pretty good command of what he’s doing. I think he feels like he’s in control when he’s out on the field, which is very important at that position.”
In Monday’s 16-13 victory over the New York Jets, Tannehill was 25-for-35 passing for 235 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
The impressive part was Tannehill completed 71.4 percent of his passes.
That was his fifth consecutive game completing at least 70 percent of his passes. He’s the only quarterback in the NFL to hit that mark this season.
Additionally, he has completed at least 70 percent of his passes in seven games this season. Only Drew Brees (New Orleans) and Philip Rivers (San Diego) have been as efficient.
“I think Ryan is throwing the ball better,” Philbin said. “I think his receivers are helping him better. I think at times the protection has been better, too. That’s certainly something we need to keep working on.”
Tannehill still doesn’t throw a good deep ball. He misfired on two against the Jets.
But he has established career bests in completion percent (66.5), rushing yards (289) and passer rating (92.1).
He also has a chance for career bests in touchdown passes (24 is his best; he has 20) and interceptions (13 is his career low; he has nine).
Miami has a long way to go before earning its first playoff berth since 2008. But Tannehill is doing his part and showing the growth many Dolphins fans wanted to see.
“I think his confidence is better,” offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said. “I think the team’s confidence in him is better. … I, believe it or not, expect it to keep getting better.”
NOTES: WR Brian Hartline (knee bruise) didn’t play in the second half against the Jets. His status for this week is unknown. If Hartline is sidelined or limited expect WRs Brandon Gibson and Rishard Matthews to get more playing time. … WR Jarvis Landry has 57 receptions, which is the third-best total for a rookie in franchise history. RB Terry Kirby has the record (75 in 1993) followed by WR Jack Clancy (67 in 1967).
REPORT CARD VS. JETS
PASSING OFFENSE: B-minus – Tannehill was decent (25-for-25, 238 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT) but he missed a couple of deep balls. TE Dion Sims (4 receptions, 58 yards) was solid, as was the entire receiving corps. The pass protection allowed two sacks. Nothing spectacular here, but good enough.
RUSHING OFFENSE: C – RB Lamar Miller (13 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD) was OK. But Miami didn’t do anything impressive here, finishing with 74 yards on 18 carries. Tannehill had four carries for 13 yards.
PASS DEFENSE: A – QB Geno Smith only attempted 13 passes, so there wasn’t much to do. S Reshad Jones’ INT with 39 seconds left was the highlight. Miami also had two sacks.
RUSH DEFENSE: F – The Jets rushed for 277 yards. The poor tackling has become a major issue once again. This was the second consecutive game Miami allowed at least 200 yards rushing, Denver had 201.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B-minus – K Caleb Sturgis hit a 26-yd field goal with 1:57 left, but he also missed a 43-yarder. This was the only blemish on an otherwise improving special teams unit. DE Dion Jordan deflected a punt and DT Jared Odrick almost blocked one.
COACHING: C-minus – The poor tackling and shoddy run defense is becoming a major problem again. The halftime adjustments, however, are still working effectively. The Dolphins outscored the Jets, 10-0, in the fourth quarter to get the victory. But the tackling problem could sink this team.
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