Ryan Tannehill had his most clutch game of the year to jam a big fat loss down the throats of the Patriots at Sun Life Field. If the Broncos can pull out the victory, Miami may have dealt a critical blow to the Patriots chance to repeat. To say that such an abysmal season could be redeemed by one game would go to far, but this win coupled with the complete overhaul at least breathes a bit of hope in to the situation.
Tannehill was finally given a mobile platform to work with for an entire game as well as the support of a consistent and effective run game. Whatever Tannehill may or may not develop into going forward, this is the recipe for the system and play calling that will bring the mold for him to be at his best. The most crucial aspect of the game was Tannehill’s long ball and clutch performance on pressure downs, all of which came through in spades. Whether is was his legs on 3rd and 13 or the deep balls to Parker…he shined like a star – at least for today. It was pretty evident that the rest of the team feeds off his success.
The defense stepped up big putting pressure on Brady inside on out and stopping the run as Shelby, Vernon and Suh all had big days. Young players flashed signs of something more for next season as Lippet, Sheppard and Hewitt all had their best games of the season. The defense gang tackled, made big hits, and played 4Qrts to limit Brady to 134 yrds on 12 /21 passes, which is nothing short of mind blowing and not even the best sportsbook in the world would have bet on that.
But it was Parker who showed that the 1st round pick might end up being a very good pick. He used speed and his 6′ 3” frame to dominate inside and outside the hashes with great grabs and agility. He and Landry showed the possibility of them being a “thunder and lightening” of receiver core for many years to come.
None of this erases this awful season, but at least watching the Jets get knocked out and Miami with the opportunity of kicking the Pats out of first in the conference this season will end with a smile. Now on to the total overhaul!! Go Fins!!!