I think this has actually been the plan all along with this staff regarding Tannehill. The icing on the cake is that he has become very proficient in these short-to-intermediate passes. He is also becoming a guy who stays inside the pocket just a tad longer, throwing from different angles, and is now more accurate when he does it.
I think play-action has always been a big part of the plan, and will continue to be part of it. Having good backs who can hit the holes quickly and decisively is what I believe this staff appreciates.
If you look at last year, Moreno was THE GUY until his unfortunate departure. You have an unproven second-year guy who is a little on the smaller side, and doesn't really have the "umph" of a Moreno. What do you do with that? Can he take the pounding? You really do not know until he goes out there. People can say what they want about how the staff uses certain players, but I certainly appreciate the development of some of these guys. Some haven't quite panned out, but some may be ahead of schedule by reason of injury, etc. Miller is a prime example.
With the running last year, at a point in the season, you have a few guys out of place along the line, a "backup" back, and a new offense. It would be easy to say 'run more', but defenses were at times basically daring Tannehill to throw. And because of the injuries along the line, they stacked and these short-to-intermediate throws became our bread and butter. And Tannehill succeeded, shown by his efficiency in the numbers.
What to work on this year? Red Zone conversions and the longer passing game. I am very pleased in how this staff has brought along Tannehill amid the injuries, etc. And I am pleased in Tannehill's ability to work through these things and has become proficient in many areas of his game. Everyone knows he needs work. But I am okay with waiting to see the final product, because I think we will all be very pleased.
**While I think Tannehill is athletic enough to run, this is not something you do with your new $90M QB. I don't think this is his strong suit. He has fantastic straight-line speed for a QB (kind of Brian Hartline-ish), but he lacks the wiggle to consider it as a staple. It also increases his likelihood of injury.
Let's not mistake his sneaky athleticism for a freak like Cam Newton. He is just not built that way. Yes, he can run when the situation calls for it. But let's temper our temptation to run him more because the calls caught teams off-guard last year. Your QB will get lit up with that mindset.
He is a 'traditional' QB first and foremost. Keep him in the pocket where he belongs.**
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