Ryan Tannehill

One of the biggest issues for Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been his lack of consistency. But there are recent signs that show Tannehill is making strides in that department in his third season.

Tannehill has posted a 100.0 passer rating or better in three of his past five starts. He has been on his "A" game lately in victories over the Oakland Raiders (109.3 passer rating), Chicago Bears (123.6) and Sunday's 37-0 blowout win against the San Diego Chargers (125.6 rating). It's not a coincidence that Miami is 4-1 during this stretch where Tannehill is playing some of the best football of his career.

Miami’s starting quarterback impressively outdueled MVP candidate and Chargers Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers Sunday at Sun Life Stadium. Tannehill completed 11 of his first 13 throws and produced back-to-back touchdown drives to start the game. He finished with 288 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

“Just getting more comfortable in the offense and getting out and playing. I think that’s been the biggest thing,” Tannehill said. “That, and guys around me are making plays. When that happens, obviously it elevates my play.”

Miami offensive coordinator Bill Lazor has done a good job of focusing on Tannehill's strengths, the story added. Lazor came over from the Eagles and was under Chip Kelly. The story went on to say the Dolphins rarely throw the deep the ball, which is an area Tannehill struggles. Tannehill had only one completion of 25 yards or more Sunday and the offense still produced 37 points. But Lazor has Tannehill throwing short and mid-range passes accurately while also using Tannehill's athleticism to run the football more and move the pocket. Tannehill had his fourth straight game with an explosive run of 20 yards or more.