The Sports Xchange

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was on top of his game Wednesday, throwing seven touchdown passes and no interceptions during the minicamp practice.

Tannehill had a similar showing last week during OTA (Organized Team Activities) and many, including Tannehill, think it’s a sign of growth.

“I feel really comfortable in this offense right now in the sense of knowing exactly where everyone is supposed to be, and being more of a coach on the field this year as opposed to trying to learn the whole system with everyone else like I did last year,” Tannehill said.

Tannehill, who received a $96 million contract extension last month, has had a good offseason by most accounts.

His passes have been crisp and accurate, he hasn’t made many mental mistakes and his pocket presence has been as good as it could be for workouts with no pads or hitting.

Tannehill has raised his profile both in the organization and outside during the offseason. In addition to the contract extension, he landed an endorsement deal for Axe body spray, held his offseason camp for youngsters, was consulted on a few free agent moves and got the chance to chat with wide receiver Mike Wallace before he was traded to Minnesota.

It’s been quite an adventurous offseason for Tannehill, who seemed to have the wide receivers corps tailored to his strengths. And he seems to be becoming a better player.

“I definitely think I’m growing,” Tannehill said.

–Wednesday was the final day of minicamp for Miami. Coach Joe Philbin opted to cut camp, scheduled for three days, down to two. The players will gather Thursday but they won’t practice.

“We got a lot accomplished,” Philbin said. “I really feel good about the two days we had in the minicamp.”

–Coach Joe Philbin put the Dolphins through lots of red zone, goal line and third-down situations on offense and defense during the offseason.

Those are some of the areas the team faltered most frequently last season. Philbin thinks his players learned their lessons quickly.

“One of the things I feel best about in the offseason program is the situational work we’ve done,” Philbin said.

–Left tackle Branden Albert (knee), who tore two ligaments, is still expected to be ready for the Sept. 13 opener at Washington. But no one yet knows whether he’ll be ready for the start of training camp in late July.

Safety Louis Delmas (knee) and cornerback Will Davis (knee), who each sustained a torn ACL, were both back for minicamp, as promised, and are expected to be full speed for training camp.