Miami Dolphins, Things To Be Thankful For: Ryan Tannehill

It’s November, and the Miami Dolphins are in the midst of a tough playoff hunt. The team is in this position, due in large part, to third year quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins most recent memory of this situation? 2008. The Dolphins most recent memory of having consistent success? 2001. When Jay Fiedler was brought in to be Dan Marino’s replacement. This is not something the Dolphins are used to seeing. Marino was the last quarterback Miami had a reason to get excited over. That’s why this Thanksgiving, the Miami Dolphins need to be thankful for the promise that Ryan Tannehill has shown.

Thing’s didn’t exactly get off to a good start early this year for Miami. Outside of their opening win over the New England Patriots, the Dolphins stalled. With losses at Buffalo and in Miami against the Kansas City Chiefs, questions about Tannehill’s ability as a franchise quarterback filled the newsroom for Miami. It got to the point where head coach Joe Philbin refused to announce his quarterback, causing a stir, according to Tannehill. The benching never happened. Instead, a fire was lit in Tannehill, sparking a dramatic improvement in his play.

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In the first month of September Tannehill struggled. He was completing a mere 60 percent of his passes. Despite the low percentage, he showed something in their game against the Oakland Raiders in London. He showed that the distraction of his status had no negative affect on him. But, instead a positive one. Tannehill had one of the best games of his career, responding with a 278 yard, two touchdown performance in a 38-14 victory. Most importantly, though, was his ability to hit his receivers. At the time, he recorded a season high in completion percentage of 74.2.

Ever since then – Tannehill has risen to the occasion – proving to be a top fifteen quarterback in the NFL. It is clear he is improving on a week-to-week basis. The win against Oakland sparked a stretch in which Miami would win four out of five games. During the streak, Tannehill threw for ten touchdown passes to just four interceptions. His best game coming against the San Diego Charger. Tannehill threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns.

But it wasn’t just Tannehill’s passing game that impressed. For the first time in his career, we saw him use his athleticism in the run game. He became just the third quarterback in NFL history with four straight games with a rush of at least 20 yards. The use of the read option, and a successful running game added a dimension this offense did not have before.

Right now things are a little bit different, as the Dolphins are going through a bit of a rough spot in the season. They have lost two out of three games. Both losses coming in heartbreaking fashion. In both these games the Dolphins had a fourth quarter lead, only to have a defensive meltdown; being outscored a total of 32-11 in the fourth quarter of these losses.

Although the team is having trouble winning games, Tannehill is not the right man to put the blame on. He has done nothing but shined over the last three games. In the two losses, he has posted a passer rating of 93.3%. He has also completed at least 70 percent of his passes. He has completed at least 70 percent of his passes in each of his last four outings.

His most recent game came against the Denver Broncos. In this game Tannehill showed that he has what it takes to go head-to-head with one of the best quarterbacks the game has ever seen. Heading into the fourth quarter Miami had a 28-17 lead. The defense was unable to hold Manning, staying on the field for excessive amounts of time. When Tannehill did get a chance late in the game, he threw a ball into tight coverage that was intercepted.

He redeemed himself when Miami got the ball back. He quickly drove the team down the field for a touchdown. The Dolphins even converted the two-point conversion. Miami failed to receive the onside kick, losing the game 36-39. Tannehill finished the game with three touchdowns and a passer rating of 104.9.

Only a game back, Miami is not out of the playoff race. They need help from other teams; however, it is possible for them to make the postseason. In order to do so, they need Tannehill to continue playing like he has. The Dolphins are enjoying the success of their first-round draft pick back in 2012. He, more than anyone else, should be something the Miami Dolphins are thankful for on this Thanksgiving.