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Miami Dolphins second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill has helped lead his team to a 3-0 record this season. And he's done it despite spending more time on the ground than he would like.

Tannehill was one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league as a rookie last season. He was taken down 35 times, which was tied for the eighth-highest amount.

So far, the undefeated Dolphins haven't been able to reverse that direction. Tannehill has been sacked a league-leading 14 times already.

Despite that lopsided statistic, he's completed 71-of-107 passes for four touchdowns.

"I think he's doing a really, really good job. He's sticking to his reads," said Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace. "He's going through his progressions really fast and he's making plays for the team. ... He's been really doing a great job of leading the team and hopefully he continues."

But since the Dolphins will be facing a New Orleans Saints pass rush that's produced eight sacks, including four last week, coach Joe Philbin would like to see Tannehill stay on his feet.

"While we are 3-0, there are a lot of things we have to do better, especially Sundays game, we had two giveaways, we got sacked five times, the opponent ran the ball pretty well against us, so just from that one game, as nice as a win that it was, there are a tons of things that need to get corrected quickly," Philbin said.

Philbin said the Saints play "good ole' fashioned defense." While it's nothing too elaborate, they've been playing really well, he said.

"The one thing you see on tape is they pursue well to the football," Philbin said. "Their defensive backs are playing well. Their pass rush is very, very good. Their two ends are excellent."

More important, they have an attitude change Philbin credited to new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

"Schemes are great, but there are a lot of excellent coaches in the National Football League and I think it is more about what kind of chemistry you build with that particular group," he said.

Added Wallace: "They're playing really well. Guys are assignment-sound out there. Everybody is where they need to be. Their defensive line is playing really well, getting a nice rush every single play. Guys (are) pushing the pocket back. They're doing a good job out there. Their defensive backs are playing real physical."


Graham honored: Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after he had nine receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the Saints 31-7 win against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

"His production over the last two weeks has been off the charts," Philbin said. "He obviously has great size and weight. He seems to be a natural running down the field and going up and catching the ball. He can catch the ball in traffic. He can catch the ball when he gets hit. He has excellent concentration and hands. His size and length are an issue and it's a concern when you go play him. He has done a great job."

Miami Dolphins preparing for Saints' pass rush: notebook | NOLA.com

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