Ryan Tannehill Vs. Sam Bradford: Recap Of Scoring Drives In St. Louis Rams Vs. Miami Dolphins Game

Oct 14 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) drops back to pass in the second half in a game against the St. Louis Rams at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Rams 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Ryan Tannehill had an relatively impressive drive in the 3rd quarter, but was shut out for much of the rest of the game. Of the Dolphins’ 9 drives throughout the game, the rookie’s offense stalled on 6 drives, resulting in punts to the Rams. In fact, only 2 out of the 9 offensive tries stayed alive for more than 25 yards before sending some special teams unit onto the field. When starting at or behind their own 20 yard line, the Miami Dolphins and Tannehill eventually went three-and-out on 5 out of 5 drives and averaged 11.2 yards per possession. However, when starting at their own 38 or above, they scored 3 out of 3 times, averaging 40 yards and 5.6 points per possession. He put his team in position to score 22% of the time in this game, but was above to convert on those two drives

The St. Louis Rams average starting field position was from their own 20 yard line, although 3 of their drives started inside the 20. Bradford led the Rams to 46.8 yards per drive, which ended in 3 missed field goals, 2 made field goals, 1 touchdown, and 3 punts. On the one occasion where St. Louis started beyond the 30 yard line, Bradford converted two critical 4th downs, scored a touchdown, and converted a 2-point conversion to pull the Rams within 3 points at the end of the game. He put his team in reasonable position to score on 55% of his possession, not counting the 66 yard attempt by Zuerlein at the end of the game, although some would claim that as reasonable.

However, at the end of the day, Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins were able to capitalize on the missed field goals and mistakes of the St. Louis Rams that led to great starting filed position for the offense. Their ability to convert on those mental mishaps turned an average performance into a critical win heading into their Bye Week. There was nothing spectacular about the play of any single member of the Miami Dolphins team, but when it mattered the most, they were able to turn their opportunities into points and knock off the previously high rolling St. Louis Rams at home, moving to 3-3 on the season and tied for the lead in the AFC East.