Phin Phanatic
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4 keys of the game the Miami Dolphins need to do to beat the Titans

By Matt Serniak

Oct 31, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) reacts to a defensive play against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) reacts to a defensive play against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 19: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans looks to throw the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field on September 19, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Let me just say that I don’t care one bit how the Dolphin’s defense brings Ryan Tannehill to the Earth. If it comes off the edge, up the gut, or a situation where they burrow underground and then pop up out of turf to drag Tannehill down below like the Undertaker used to do when he would be under the ring, so be it.

But, I really think that the best way to disrupt what Ryan Tannehill likes to do is to bring pressure right into his grill and make him try and run around you. Let’s not act like we don’t remember how this guy used to operate for the Dolphins. I think I’m being generous here when I say that Ryan Tannehill has the pocket presence of an ant. Sorry for all the ants reading this but it’s true. He doesn’t have the sense to feel the rush coming from his outside and when he gets defenders right in his grill in the middle of the pocket he typically gets sacked. Try this stat on for size.

Miami’s aggressive, blitz-at-all-cost approach should do Tannehill in a few times. I’m not saying that Tannehill will be Ian Book back there but he has a hard time doing anything with pressure in his face.

Also, not sure if you know this, but Ryan Tannehill used to play receiver in college. It doesn’t get brought up too often but it’s true. This means he’s a read-deal athlete capable of running. We all remember when Tannehill would break contain and pick up yards. I wish it happened more often but it happened here and there.

At this point in his career, Ryan Tannehill isn’t likely to run around to many guys especially the likes of Ogbah, Phillips, and AVG. But, he does do damage when he runs straight ahead. He did it in a crucial spot in the 49ers game last Thursday. This means Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, Jerome Baker, and Elandon Roberts need to make sure they have Tannehill in their grasp and have solid lane discipline when they blitz. Has to happen, no questions asked.

Tannehill can hurt the Dolphins if they treat him like a scrub. He’s far from a scrub. But if they handle him like they’ve handled the last seven quarterbacks they’ve played, they should be in a good spot.

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