Tannehill's Run Game Helping Him To Round Into Complete Quarterback

On a 2nd and 7 from the Dolphins own 43 yard line, with 2:51 remaining left in the 3rd quarter, during Sunday's contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ryan Tannehill took a shotgun snap and prepared to launch the ball downfield. When he spotted that his receiving targets were blanketed by defenders in black, Tannehill made a snap decision to go ahead with plan B, run like the dickens. Tannehill dashed out of the pocket, sprinting into enemy territory; he evaded two would-be tackles, splitting right through the linebackers. He darted towards the sideline, amassing 30 yards on his most impressive carry of the season. That play would help lead the Dolphins to another field goal and ultimately an impressive 24-3 win over the lowly AFC Conference and state rivals.

That run not only provided insight into the immense athletic ability of the former wide receiver-turned quarterback Texas A&M Aggie, but also highlighted that he's maturing as an NFL Quarterback. This game was not a one-off; Tannehill has gained 77 yards in the last three games using his legs, including a 52 yard effort yesterday against the Jags. Earlier in the season, as the Dolphins 2012 first round selection was getting acclimated with the quicker professional game, he would have tried to fit that ball into an impossible receiving window or get sacked because he didn't make a quick enough decision. What that 30 yard run exemplified yesterday was quick decisive action that we've come to expect from the great signal-callers in this league. He quickly acknowledged his receivers were covered and there was room to sprint downfield. He's starting to realize his legs are every bit the threat as his cannon-like arm. This realization will bode well for the future franchise quarterback and the Dolphins organization as they continue to build around their rookie centrepiece.

Tannehill diving forward for extra yards

Tannehill churned out his best performance of the year yesterday, completing 78% of his passes and accumulating a 123.3 quarterback rating (or a 90.3 QBR for you ESPN-following readers). He also threw for 2 touchdowns, matching his career high for touchdown passes in a game (Week 7 v. The Rams). It must be said, that the pitiful 2-12 Jaguars have the 31st-ranked defense but Tannehill has to show this type of ability and poise against all opponents.

Hopefully Tannehill will continue to use the running threat in his arsenal, rounding into a complete quarterback.

Next, he's got to work on those deep balls. We hope the 2013 offseason is all about aiding him in that pursuit.

Forget 2012 Playoffs, Tannehill needs to show improvement going into 2013

The Miami Dolphins are 13 weeks into the 2012 season and currently sit at 5-7. As they stare at another losing season - a franchise record fourth consecutive losing season - the bigger picture still remains; Will Ryan Tannehill develop into the franchise Quarterback South Beach has longed for since you-know-who retired? Despite providing some midseason hope of a 2012 playoff push, Dolfans are back to the original hope of the 2012, Ryan Tannehill will become the QB of the future.

The Dolphins 2012 first round selection had a chance to show his mettle on Sunday against the Goliath-like New England Patriots. After displaying great resolve and rallying from a seven-point deficit to beat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12, Tannehill had the opportunity to take another step in his development by beating Tom Brady's Patriots. Not only did Tannehill and the Dolphins not win the game, but Tannehill struggled mightily at times. This was not more evident than in the first quarter when he missed a deep pass to a wide open Brian Hartline, which would have resulted in the Dolphins tying the game at 7.

In the third quarter, when the Dolphins trailed by seven, the Dolphins defense pinned the vaunted Patriots offense deep in their end of the field twice; this gave the Dolphins offense great field position. On both Dolphins drives, Tannehill and the Fish went three and out. When it looked like the Dolphins defense swung momentum in favour of the Dolphins, the Dolphins gave momentum right back; they never regained that momentum.

Tannehill didn't fare well against the division-rival Patriots

What I'm seeing from Tannehill right now is not an ability to extend drives but a lack of ability to start drives. At an alarming rate, the Dolphins O continues to go three and out; it's not any more prevalent than at the start of the game. The Dolphins received the ball first in games against New England, Buffalo and Tennessee. They could only muster one first down in the opening drives of those games. I believe early success for Tannehill will lead to success later in the game, especially if the Dolphins can play with the lead.

With four games left and the playoffs all but a pipe dream, Tannehill's improvement is the number one priority of the Dolphins coaching staff. Now is the time for Tannehill to step up and claim the team as his, for the next 15 years; it's what Dolfans have longed for, for the last 15 years.