Held back for much of his first two seasons from running the football under former offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is blossoming into one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

Always blessed with good speed, the former college wide receiver has been given the green light in Lazor’s offense to take advantage of his wheels. The results have ignited an offense that is rounding into form and gaining momentum.

The Dolphins are 4-1 over the past five games and Tannehill has posted four of his best passing days of the season during this span. During this same time frame, Tannehill has rushed for over 30 yards a game – ripping off a 20+ yard run in each of the past four games, leading the league in yards per carry and running the read option with a proficiency that has been a thing of beauty.

Tannehill is aware of the positives his running has had on his offense.

“It definitely helps us out I think; it helps our run game, sparks some big plays, keeps their backside honest, creates some more running lanes for the guys inside,” Tannehill said. “It’s just a matter of taking what’s there. I think whether it’s making a play with my legs on a pass play scrambling through the middle or like you said, a designed read play, just taking what’s there and making the best of it.”

The utilization of Tannehill’s legs in the read option is having a positive residual effect on the entire Dolphins offense and most importantly on Tannehill’s overall game. Midway through the season, Tannehill has more rushing yards on the year than he did in either of the past two seasons. It’s no coincidence he’s looked more confident behind center because of it, posting over a 100 quarterback rating in three of their past four victories.

Since the increased usage of Tannehill’s versatility on designed runs, his awareness in the pocket has improved significantly. It seems as though the designed runs help Tannehill get into a rhythm where he has a better feel for the game. That level of awareness running the read option, whether to hand it off or keep it or when to slide and avoid direct collisions, is carrying over to his pocket presence.

The consistent knock on Tannehill over his first two pro seasons was his lack of ideal pocket awareness. Even though he played behind a porous offensive line that was historically bad last season, some of those sacks can be attributed to Tannehill for not feeling the pass rush.

Now a days, Tannehill is more aware and fluid in the pocket, climbing it to step into his throws or rolling out to avoid the pass rush and buy time for a receiver to get free down field.

Tannehill’s second passing touchdown versus the San Diego Chargers was a great illustration of his development. On this specific play, Tannehill stepped up into the pocket to make his throw but the line collapsed and made him pull down the ball. Tannehill was able to elude the rush and roll out to his left to find a wide open Rishard Matthews breaking free towards the pylon for an easy pitch and catch.

In years past, this play would’ve concluded in a sack and Tannehill himself sees this improvement, aware that he’s the driving force behind an effective offense that relies on him to get the football into the hands of his playmakers.

“I’ve been progressing,” Tannehill said. “I think I’m not where I want to be at by any stretch, but I’m progressing. I see improvements, see better throws, see the ball coming out quicker, creating some in the pocket. It’s just a matter of, and I think we always say this, making the plays that are there, taking advantage of the looks that we get, making the throws when we get a shot, and giving our guys a chance to make a play. I think you see the kind of playmakers we have on the outside, so its just a matter of me getting them the ball.”

Not necessarily the type of quarterback who is going to rely on his wheels like a Colin Kaepernick or Cam Newton, Tannehill’s growing comfort in trusting his athletic ability is helping him become a more complete quarterback. If Tannehill can keep growing and become more consistent, then by the end of this season he will have alleviated all doubts about his status as Miami’s franchise quarterback.