Bill Lazor tailoring the offense to fit Ryan Tannehill

Written by Matthew Cannata at 10:15 AM EST | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
Ryan Tannehill was a big question mark coming into this season and through the first few games, he remained a big question mark. However, after playing very well in three consecutive games (with the exception of the first half against the Packers), he’s starting to gain more attention and people are starting to take notice of him around the NFL. 

One of the primary reasons for that is because there is an offense here in Miami that is finally tailored to his strengths and Tannehill agrees.  

“It’s a natural progression, right? As a play caller, as an offense, as you get in the flow of things, you figure out the things that your team is good at, that your players are good at, and you try to highlight those things. You can’t only do those things because you have to be balanced. But I think Bill (Lazor) has done a great job of game planning, and then when the games come around, calling great games. Then it goes back to the game scheme. I’ve always thought he’s done a great job so far this year of calling the game.”

Tannehill admitted that he didn’t think it would take him this long to feel the offense out, especially after the game against the New England Patriots. However, it has taken him a while to adjust to it but said he’s been getting more comfortable every day he practices and every week he steps on the field for a game. That confidence can only be boosted by the fact that for the first time in his short NFL career, Tannehill believes that the Dolphins have a complete offense.
 
“Yeah, I’m excited about the guys we have. I think we have all the pieces in play, from the offensive line to the playmakers outside. I’ve said from the time we started, we came in the spring, that I’m excited about the guys that we have in the locker room. Not only their playmaking ability, but chemistry that they bring, the quality of guys that we have. And they’re playing well right now. It’s fun to go out there and play when the guys around you are playing with confidence and playing well. We just have to continue that and keep growing and building on that.”

One area of the offense that Tannehill has excelled in is the two-minute situation. Even as a rookie, Joe Philbin said that he wasn't bad in this area and pointed out the comeback against Seattle and the drive that put another one into overtime. Philbin also was sure to note that Tannehill played extremely well in the two-minute drill in his second year. Why is he successful in that area? Philbin offered his thoughts on the situation.

"I think sometimes and I think it all depends, it could be potentially easier if you’re playing a team that maybe doesn’t do as many things in the two-minute drill or not as much diversity from a defensive standpoint, I think there could be some merit in that statement. But also as you guys know, let’s say you get a negative play in a two-minute situation, a sack occurs or something like that, it can get a little bit sticky as we like to say. I think there is probably some truth that if you’re completing passes and moving the sticks and the defense is playing a prevent type situation where their coverages aren’t changing every play, potentially it could be a little bit easier.”

---