Sunday, November 17, 2013

Tannehill after win: 'We're focused on football'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Miami Dolphins have been carrying around a bit of baggage lately. That baggage comes in the form of names like Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, but we're sure you're aware of it all by now.

"There's a lot going on, but we're not focused on that," Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said, via ESPN.com. "We're focused on football."

Tannehill said as much after beating the San Diego Chargers in a must-win situation will all the chips stacked against him, so we'll take his word for it.

Despite getting sacked four times and throwing an interception, Tannehill amassed 268 yards through the air and connected with tight end Charles Clay on what would be the eventual game-winning touchdown. Clay went 34 yards on the scoring connection and totaled 90 yards on six receptions to lead his team.

Miami overcame a 20 percent conversion rate on third down en route to a 20-16 win. The Dolphins were helped by a few back-breaking Chargers penalties, which negated 11 points and overshadowed a 127-yard rushing day by Ryan Matthews.

"We're not playing well enough to overcome those things," Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers, who threw for 298 yards, a touchdown and an interception, said regarding the penalties.

The Dolphins, who sacked Rivers three times, are all of a sudden on the fringe of the Wildcard race, at 5-5 and just a tiebreaker away from ousting the New York Jets for the final playoff spot.

"Someone's got to get that last wild-card spot," Dolphins tackle Tyson Clabo said. "Why not us?"

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