Tannehill, Ajayi poised to become dynamic duo
DAVIE – Keep an eye on two offensive differencemakers for the Dolphins – running back Jay Ajayi and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Both are coming off strong showings in 2016, and both, according to coaches and teammates, are having strong offseasons.
If Ajayi and Tannehill deliver on what they showed in Tuesday’s minicamp and in OTAs (organized team activities) they should be a dynamic and, perhaps, dangerous duo next season.
There’s even an outside chance Tannehill and Ajayi could approach the top tier of NFL quarterback-running back combinations along with Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell or perhaps Atlanta’s Matt Ryan and Devonta Freeman.
Right now most of the excitement is because of Ajayi, who rushed for 1,272 yards in 2016 and made his Pro Bowl.
“I definitely feel like I’m a long way ahead this year (compared to where) I was last year,” he said.
But Tannehill, who missed the last three regular season games and the playoffs due to two sprained ligaments in his left knee, has also created a buzz.
Tannehill threw 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season while compiling a career-best 93.5 passer rating last season. His star is still rising, according to coaches and teammates, because his accuracy and decision-making have improved in the last few months.
“He’s gotten better throughout our entire offseason process,” coach Adam Gase said.
Ajayi has raised eyebrows with Gase and offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen because of his offseason work, specifically his receiving and routerunning. Simply saying Ajayi is an improved player doesn’t even scratch the surface.
“That’d probably be beyond an understatement,” Gase said.
Gase said Ajayi’s knowledge of the offense is the real shocker. Gase said Ajayi’s questions have been second-level.
“They’re almost quarterback-ish questions for a running back,” he said.
Ajayi, who had 27 receptions for 157 yards last season, has worked especially hard on his receiving. Ajayi has been detail-oriented, working on things such as hitting his landmarks on routes, which means running to the correct depth, sharpening his edges on routes as opposed to rounding them off, and finishing with the catch.
Tannehill sees the of the work.
“I’ve seen him take particular care in his routes and have an effort in each route,” he said. results
That’s crucial because Tannehill thinks the offense’s effectiveness depends largely on third down conversions and extending drives.
The Dolphins ranked 25th in the NFL last season in third down conversions at 36.7 percent. New Orleans led the league at 48.6 percent.
“I think as an offense we’ve got to stay on the field longer…but ultimately it comes down to getting first downs,” Tannehill said.
To that end, Tannehill is making strides. According to coaches and teammates he’s been comfortable and more accurate during the offseason. They say he’s making the correct reads and accurate throws.
If the Tannehill-Ajayi duo continues to show improvement it could do wonders for the offense.
The Dolphins were 24th in offense last season at 332.8 yards per game and 17th in scoring at 22.7 points per game.
Tannehill said it “ultimately comes down to putting yourself in third and manageable situations and converting.”