Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill struggled with tipped passes in his first career start against the Houston Texas last Sunday, and he has focused on he can do to improve that aspect of his game in practice this week.
The rookie starter discussed the issue in a post-practice press conference on Thursday:
It's something we addressed, we talked about. Talked to some guys on our defense - is there anything that I'm giving away? Is there indicators? What's going into it and come away with the same? Not a lot we can do about it. Four out of the five batted passes were number 99. The guy just has a knack for batting passes.
They're all on quick games, short throws. It's not like you're going to be able to throw over the guy who was jumping up. During the downfield passes, obviously you need to find the throwing lane. When you're throwing the quick game, it's tough to be able to move and you want to say you want to move to find a throwing lane.
Well, if you're throwing a quick slant, you don't have a lot of time to move. The guy just has a knack for batting balls. You've got to be aggressive up front. I have to be able to get the ball out quickly and have a high release, but other than that, there's not a whole lot you can do about it.
Tannehill did not impress in the season-opener, going 20-36 for 219 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. He finished with an abysmal 39.0 quarterback rating against the Texans. Tannehill struggled with accuracy throughout the preseason, completing just 53 percent of his passes and gaining only 5.3 yards an attempt.
The 24-year-old rookie out of Texas A&M will try to do better as the Oakland Raiders visit Sun Life Stadium at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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