Ryan Tannehill (Oakland @ Mia) "The Good, The Bad and ......

Not a coincidence, but not scheme either, IMO. I thought he compared favorably to Rodgers coming out because of his ability to throw on the move, and that's what they're capturing. His comparing favorably to Rodgers is probably one reason he's here, otherwise Philbin may have just told Ireland to do whatever it takes to get Flynn.

 

I don't think it's a coincidence. Tannehill is arguably the most athletic QB the Dolphins have ever had. The throw he made to Bush while completely laid out just be before he hit the ground was insane.

You just don't see guys make that play. Not only did Tannehill make it, it was an accurate throw.

 

I agree with you, ckparrothead, in that #26 was indeed watching Tannehill. He was in perfect position to pick six the ball until he loses Hartline, maybe thinking Hartline made a break for the back corner? Why else would he turn completely around 'less it be he does not know where Hartline is and/or he is not fully understanding the coverage?

It absolutely matters that his back was turned on Hartline. I have watched this thing over and over, frame by frame. #26 is looking for Hartline, and in no way is paying attention to Tannehill once his back is turned.

Tannehill taps, when he should have had that ball zipping toward Hartline. There is an opportunity that was missed by a few "little things" that contribute to #26 being able to make a play on the ball. If the ball is held high and he does not tap, the ball gets there quicker. These little things absolutely do matter, and it mattered on this particular play. Tannehill should throw the ball a little closer to the pylon as well, away from the defender.

Looking back, I initially thought Tannehill had a bead on Hartline a little after the snap. You are correct in that #26 was eyeballing Tannehill, and making the break was necessary. But then #26 turns his back, and it was not even a quick turn. Hartline is looking back and has a good 1yd+ on the defender, and the angle is certainly there to make that throw. Ball should have been there.

But, c'mon, Tannehill does not have quite the zip that Aaron has and is nowhere near as accurate. Not even close. Aaron can get away with some of these things. Ryan cannot. At least, not yet. And the proof was in the pudding. Tannehill does all of these little things, Dan Carpenter is kicking the XP on the next play.

And the mechanics, coming from the waist like he does, allows for more deviation in the throw because of the extended motion. He keeps the ball high, he is less likely to be inaccurate. While he did make an accurate throw to Hartline (I think he should have made a throw away from Hartline) on this particular play, it might not be the case the next time.

It is just my opinion, and I understand that it is much tougher when the cleats hit the field. I am just of the mindset that if there is an opportunity to do even the littlest of things correctly and the outcome is not as expected, then at least my conscience is clear. My occupation depends on it. Even when playing baseball in high school, I did all of the little things that made up for my being not as fast or as big as the other guys. It certainly helped me and I have brought that mindset with me as I have grown into adulthood.

I absolutely think little things done the right way can pacify, even eliminate, deficiencies regarding athleticism, etc. And because Tannehill does not have the most accurate, or fastest ball, these little things help him. Peyton Manning is a great example of doing all of the little things right in order to complete his game as a QB.

 

While I didn't get to see the game, and had to rely on reading the play by play stats after the game was played I saw what I wanted to see in our rookie quarterback...progression!

Was Ryan Tannehill facing one of the league's more powerful defenses? No, not by any means whatsoever. The Raiders are one of the league's laughing stocks and this game pretty much was nothing more than a glorified scrimmage but even such, Tannehill showed the poise and confidence to be able to bounce back from week one's heartbreaking loss to Houston. Does he still have a long way to go before he is a top tier quarterback in the league? Sure he does but in my opinion, this is what you want to see from a young rookie quarterback, getting better week after week.

And it also didn't hurt having Reggie Bush burning up the turf rushing 26 times for 172 yards. Having a game plan commiited to the rush (40 rushing plays called overall if memory serves me correctly) keeps defenses honest, having to commit to a run defense and not continuously in pass defense like Chad Henne had to face all the time.

Record wise, this season may not be what all fans hope for, but I think as far as the rebuilding process is concerned, I don't think we could be any happier with what I envision as the final product