No Ryan Tannehill, No Problem for Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins could be playoff-bound for the first time since 2008. And they could be on their way even without Ryan Tannehill.
Following a near-disastrous 1-4 start, the Miami Dolphins have rebounded to win seven of their last eight games. With an 8-5 record, the team remains in the playoff hunt, as well as the AFC East title race. But during Sunday’s 26-23 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals, the club was dealt a big blow as quarterback Ryan Tannehill went down with a knee injury.
Does that mean that the club’s path to their first postseason appearance since 2008 is seriously impeded? Think again.
The fifth-year quarterback deserves plenty of credit for the team’s turnaround the last two months. He was hitting on at least 60 percent of his passes in each of his last eight contests. That was good for 13 scores compared to only five interceptions. During Miami’s 1-4 start, he threw six touchdown passes and was picked off seven times.
Then came the emergence of running back Jay Ajayi and the sudden development of the offensive line. Thanks to the second-year performer, Adam Gase’s club are averaging a solid 132.4 yards per game on the ground during the club’s current 7-1 run. In their first five outings of the season, Miami came up with 60 fewer rushing yards per contest (72.4).
While the defense still leaves a bit to be desired, they are turning the opposing team over. Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh and company are very vulnerable to the run. But the Phins have already forced 21 turnovers this season in 13 games. This compared to only 16 takeaways all of last season.
So veteran Matt Moore will be running the offense. He’s a proven commodity that has seen his share of stops around the league. He’s currently in his sixth season with the franchise and hasn’t started a game since 2011. That year, he owned a 6-6 record with the club. He completed 60.5 percent of his throws for 2,497 yards and 16 touchdowns with just nine picks.
Losing Tannehill is a blow. But it’s certainly not a death knell to the club’s postseason hopes. It’s a team that’s dependent on its ground attack this year. And where have we seen that around the league this season?
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