Ryan Tannehill spreading the football around the field

Written by Matthew Cannata at 9:05 AM EST | Twitter: @PhinManiacs

On Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, Ryan Tannehill completed 24 out of 34 passes for 288 yards and threw for 3 touchdowns. More importantly though and maybe more impressive is the fact that he was able to spread the football around the field to ten different receivers. This, of course, helps keep the defense off balance and keeps them guessing every play.

 “Balance is great to have. You can’t load up on one particular player,” Joe Philbin said. “If you do, you’re going to have some guys who’ll take advantage of you. You’ll have favorable matchups somewhere else. I think the protection Ryan [Tannehill, QB] had today gave him the opportunity enough to go to the second guy, go to the third guy on some plays where, maybe, if you don’t have that, and we’re not making those third down conversions – I’m thinking of the one third down he hit I think Mike [Wallace, WR] down the middle in a crossing route – he sat in there…it seemed like a long time.”

One of the receivers was Jarvis Landry, who had 46 yards on 5 receptions. Philbin said he likes the way that Landry plays the game and that he brings energy to the unit.

“We said a number of times, he’s a football player – he gets the ball in his hands and makes some things happen. He can kind of ignite the team a little bit. He’s got great energy for the game, and plays hard, and he’s done a good job.”

Charles Clay was another one who had a big day, catching 5 passes for 65 yards and scoring 1 touchdown. This was a game where Clay was targeted early and often and it helped pay dividends for the offense.

“That’s the big thing, and I feel like that’s more troubling for a defense when they have to worry about so many guys getting open and things like that,” Clay said. “He (QB Ryan Tannehill) does a great job of reading coverages and spreading the ball like that, so just having him back there pulling the trigger gives us confidence as a group.”

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