I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Dan Hennings thoughts on the offense right now. Check the story out here. http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/09/dan-henning-unf.html
Two insights I found interesting. When asked what he had seen from Ernest Wilford in practice this week, Henning answered,
“[Friday] will be more of an indicator for me because I have him slated to do some specific things in practice. That will be the litmus test for me. Some of the things that we did in that last game with him, the way he caught those balls, we want to try to get him in those spots.” I don't know if Henning was confused, but HE HAD to have known that Wilford was inactive.
The second thing I found of interest was his response about Chad Pennington's lack of arm strength affecting the playcalling. Here's what Henning had to say:
“If I felt like that was necessary to take that into account we wouldn’t have him out there. He has to be able to run whatever we are doing. I don’t see that as a shortcoming. I remember when he came into the league, and at this point in time, we’re talking about a very smart guy. We’re talking about a guy who has great anticipation there, knowledge of coverages, tremendous knowledge of coverages. I can remember Bob Griese here at the same age, when I was coaching Bob here at the same age, and I can remember Dan Fouts in the league at the same age, they had no stronger arm than Chad Pennington has. If things are smooth and operable around him, this guy is going to be a very effective quarterback.”
I bring up Pennington because if you watch the Chad Pennington that used to tear up our defense and the guy that played for us on Sunday, you see two different quarterbacks. I think with a few more games and practices under his belt, getting more familiar with our receivers, Pennington should show us the QB skills that made him effective with the Jets. I think the key is anticipation. Pennington always compensated for his lack of a cannon arm by anticipating the throw better than almost any QB in the league. He would throw to a spot and the ball would always come out on time. That's his strength. When the receivers get better at timing and become more reliable in getting to those spots, Pennington will shine.
Two insights I found interesting. When asked what he had seen from Ernest Wilford in practice this week, Henning answered,
“[Friday] will be more of an indicator for me because I have him slated to do some specific things in practice. That will be the litmus test for me. Some of the things that we did in that last game with him, the way he caught those balls, we want to try to get him in those spots.” I don't know if Henning was confused, but HE HAD to have known that Wilford was inactive.
The second thing I found of interest was his response about Chad Pennington's lack of arm strength affecting the playcalling. Here's what Henning had to say:
“If I felt like that was necessary to take that into account we wouldn’t have him out there. He has to be able to run whatever we are doing. I don’t see that as a shortcoming. I remember when he came into the league, and at this point in time, we’re talking about a very smart guy. We’re talking about a guy who has great anticipation there, knowledge of coverages, tremendous knowledge of coverages. I can remember Bob Griese here at the same age, when I was coaching Bob here at the same age, and I can remember Dan Fouts in the league at the same age, they had no stronger arm than Chad Pennington has. If things are smooth and operable around him, this guy is going to be a very effective quarterback.”
I bring up Pennington because if you watch the Chad Pennington that used to tear up our defense and the guy that played for us on Sunday, you see two different quarterbacks. I think with a few more games and practices under his belt, getting more familiar with our receivers, Pennington should show us the QB skills that made him effective with the Jets. I think the key is anticipation. Pennington always compensated for his lack of a cannon arm by anticipating the throw better than almost any QB in the league. He would throw to a spot and the ball would always come out on time. That's his strength. When the receivers get better at timing and become more reliable in getting to those spots, Pennington will shine.
Well, now I need to hear the actual conference.
