The Miami Dolphins made an improbable run to the AFC East title last year behind Chad Pennington. Earning a second straight division crown will be considerably harder due to a season-ending injury to their quarterback and a winless start.
With Pennington finished for the year due to a shoulder injury, the Dolphins will give Chad Henne his first career start when they host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Miami (0-3) went 11-5 last season after finishing 1-15 in 2007, but the Dolphins could be in for another long year.
Pennington's play was the key to the 2008 turnaround, as the veteran led the NFL with a 67.4 completion percentage was second with a 97.4 passer rating. He threw for a career-high 3,653 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He won't be able to improve on those numbers this season. Pennington threw for 359 yards with one TD and two INTs in the first two contests before suffering a dislocated right shoulder in last Sunday's 23-13 defeat at San Diego.
Only three teams since 1990 have gone to the postseason after losing their first three games.
