5 things to watch from Miami Dolphins on Sunday

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

SACKS

The Dolphins gave up three sacks last week and this week the Jaguars will try and get to Tannehill like the Redskins did. They have watched the tape of the game and will likely try and attack directly Jamil Douglas and Dallas Thomas. The Dolphins biggest issue is that Tannehill still doesn’t “feel” the pressure. He moves in and out of the pocket well and doesn’t get rattled by pressure but he has been forced to keep his head on a swivel and when he is looking for pass rushers to avoid, he loses site of his receivers down field. Ultimately it’s a combination of both the line and the passing game causing these issues. With the talent Miami has at receiver and tight-end there is no reason Miami can’t avoid the sacks simply by getting the ball out of the hands of Tannehill and into the hands of a receiver.

RYAN TANNEHILL

Last week was an escape for Tannehill. He wasn’t as accurate as his stat line indicates. At least three balls should have been intercepted and another one likely would have been had the defender been in better position. Tannehill has two hiccups in his game right now. The first is holding the ball too long and that is something he has had a problem with since his arrival in the NFL. He has improved don’t get me wrong but it’s time to take another step forward. The 2nd is something there is no excuse for. Again we saw Tannehill having balls batted down at the line of scrimmage. Washington has average to above average defensive lineman but they are not great. Miami is going to face much better defensive fronts this season and specifically the next two weekends after Jacksonville. Tannehill has to do a better job of elevating his passes and he needs to find whatever it takes to increase his accuracy downfield.