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Whether or not the national media is noticing the 3-0 Miami Dolphins, the league is. For the second time in the three week old NFL season, second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill was one of the nominees for the AFC Offensve Player of the Week award.
Tannehill was initially nominated for his Week 2 performance against the Indianapolis Colts. He was 23-for-34 for 319 yards and a TD in that game, earning a 107.4 passer rating and a 24-20 victory. This week, against the Falcons, Tannehill's 24-for-35, 236 yard, 2 TD, 1 INT, and 94.5 passer rating in the 27-23 victory earned him the nod again. Tannehill directed a 75-yard drive to score the game winning touchdown with 38 seconds left.
That drive is up for a fan vote for the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week. (Hint, hint....GO VOTE....A LOT!).
Unfortunately, for the second straight week, Tannehill was beaten out for AFC Offensive Player of the Week, this time by Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning also won the award for his seven-touchdown pass performance in Week 1. San Diego Charger quarterback Philip Rivers won the award in Week 2.
Tannehill was not the only Dolphins nominee up for consideration this week for an award. Rookie Kicker Caleb Sturgis was nominated for the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award, losing it to Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning. Sturgis connected on two field goals, one from 46-yards and one from 50-, as well as three extra points.
However, Lanning had a ridiculous day for a punter, averaging 46.8 yards on his five punts, threw a touchdown pass on an 11-yard field goal fake, and he kicked an extra point for the Browns.
Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe was also in on the action this week, being nominated for AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his 10 tackle performance against the Falcons. Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston, who posted 4.5 sacks, seven tackles, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble won the award.
Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace was a Week 2 nominee for AFC Offensive Player of the Week, while linebacker Philip Wheeler was on the defensive side of the award that same week. In Week 1, Miami had wide receiver Brian Hartline, defensive end Cameron Wake, and cornerback Dimitri Patterson all nominated for their respective awards.
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