redclamcrowder
Cure for the Common Person
I enjoyed watching Pennington as the QB of the Miami Dolphins very much, I really did. I feel he is a smart, efficient leader and a worldclass act of a man. He brought a "can-do" attitude to Miami and has been nothing but a true professional since he's been here. Ever since Marino left, Miami has paraded a bunch of has-beens and no-namers under center year after year. Pennington's arrival gave Miami faithful something to believe in everytime the team dropped back to pass. Pennington helped contribute to one of the greatest turnarounds in professional sports. HOWEVER I also have to acknowledge that he, despite his many skills (accuracy, football IQ, etc) is limited as a QB. I do not fault him for this nor do I fall under the group of people who say "Pennington sucks". I like Chad Pennington a lot, but at some point I think we all need to realize he is not the answer at the QB for this team. Today, we got a glimpse at life without Pennington, and yet, I couldn't help but feel this day was meant to come sooner than we had expected.
*Just a heads up, this may be a bit long*
I know, I know. Some people will be quick to say "OK smarta**, then who is the answer at quarterback?" and I'll be quick to tell you that I do not have an answer for you. Pennington is a prime QB to lead a team with a suffocating defense and stellar special teams (both of which would have the potential to score on their own). He would be able to play 'manager'-style football. That description does not fit this Dolphin team. We NEED a QB who CAN make a huge throw down the field, who CAN hit his receivers in stride (rather than have them wait for the ball to come to them) so we can finally get a little YAC.
No, Pennington is not the sole problem with our team. He does not play defense. He is not responsible for the case of the 'drops'ies that seems to be plaguing our team. He cannot block for himself. However, his limitations as a passer are hurting this offense. Defenses know they do not need to respect a downfield passing attack. Our running attack may be working fairly well over the past few weeks, but soon opponents will focus solely on our ground game and force whoever our QB is at the time to beat them. Pennington's game may work well against average defenses. However, time and time again he proved he cannot handle superior defenses (the Baltimore playoff loss for example).
I am grateful that Pennington was able to lead us into the playoffs last season, but as a Dolphins fan first and foremost, I can't help but dream of more. Maybe I was just spoiled by last season's success and quick turnaround. Either way, in my heart I do not believe Pennington will ever lead this team to a Superbowl (let alone actually win it). I have no proof of this (nobody does one way or the other) and it is just my opinion. However, after many years in the league, I think I can feel safe in assuming we have seen the best that Chad Pennington will ever have to offer. He is a proven commodity. We know he's accurate and we know he'll give you 110% every Sunday (and each day of the week in practice as well). We also know he is limited in arm strength, which of course is not the only criteria for successful QBs (how many Probowls and Superbowls have JaMarcus Russel, Kyle Boller, and Brodie Croyle appear in?). We know defenses will come at Chad hard and force him to make throws he is either uncomfortable making or those that he cannot make. Defenses will dare Pennington to use his arm and fit pass after pass into tighter and tighter spaces.
Pennington gave Miami everything he had in his short time here. However, after today's injury, I believe Pennington's run in South Florida is over. I do not know the extent of his injury so there is no guarantee he will not return as a starter. However, this season at 0-3 is all but over. I think the statistic is only 2% of teams who have started 0-3 have made it to the playoffs that same year. Miami's chance at making it to the postseason is all but nil at his point. It's time for one Chad to pass the torch to another Chad (Henne, that is). It's time for Miami to know what they've got in their second round quarterbacks (though I suspect Henne will be the focus for this season, not White).
Today was Chad Henne's trial by fire, and by no means did he excel. Worse, he made some stupid mistakes on the field that further put another nail in Miami's coffin (pick 6 anyone?). With that in mind, I'm giving Henne a pass. I've seen many Pennington supports make the arguement that "if Pennington had played like Henne played today, everyone would be calling for his head, but since it's Henne, everything is A-OK". While I understand this sentiment, I disagree with the idea. Pennington is a multi-year veteran with many games worth of experience and playing time. Henne has a grand total of 2 games to his resume (plus a few unimpressive preseason performances). Who deserves the pass more? Pennington, as a seasoned vet, should not make the mistakes expected in young, inexperienced QBs like Henne. The younger Chad should have a little more leeway because of his inexperience.
Chad Henne needs time and live game experience to learn certain aspects of the NFL. No matter how much film you study, no matter how many games you take part in with a clipboard, you will never learn the nuances of the game that come with time and experience. For this reason alone I feel Henne needs to be cut some slack. Today, I thought he played like crap overall. But, it was just ONE GAME. If Henne continued to play like he did today over the next six-eight games with little to no signs of improvement, I will be among his biggest doubters. Until then, I see no reason not to feel hope about our potential star-in-the-making (notice I said POTENTIAL there; he has the tools, but I want to see him put everything together first before handing him a Superbowl
).
As I noted earlier, I feel this season is a wash for Miami. I'll be among the first to say I didn't expect this to happen nor did I want it to happen. The fact remains however this team is still (unfortunately) rebuilding and retooling itself. The quarterback isn't the only part of Miami's problem (just look at the p***-poor pass coverage and our butterfinger WR core). For now, its time to evaluate what we DO have in our younger players. Barring a miraculous 13-0 run to end the year, Miami has no chance at the playoffs and should be looking towards progress heading into next season. Even if Pennington is able to return to play, let him sit. Put Henne and (and White in situational roles) to the test and see if either player is THE ANSWER to our QB woes. If neither player stands out and both fail to show promise, Miami should find itself owning a relatively high draft pick in which to select from an impressive group of college QBs (Bradford? McCoy? Tebow? Snead? I don't follow college exclusively, so I'm just throwing big names out there).
Today Miami lost an excellent field general in Chad Pennington. I wish him nothing but a speedy recovery and good luck in the future (likely with another team after his contract ends this season). For now, all Dolphans should rise up and support whoever starts at QB for the Dolphins, regardless if that person is Henne, White, or any other player brought in. If Chad Pennington should be put back into a starter's role (if his injury is not too severe) I would support him all the same regardless of the fact that I would disagree with the decision to rename him the starter. Hopefully in a few weeks, Fin Fans can be talking about how excited they are by the recent play of Henne or White. Lets keep our focus forward Dolphans, and let the past remain exactly where it is: in the past. Go DOLPHINS!!!:up:
Note: PLEASE try to keep this thread from turning into a "Pennington-lovers VS Henne-lovers". With all the negativity and hostility in this forum, I was hoping to be objective enough to create a sense of unity for the members of the afore-mentioned groups as well as those posters who find themselves choosing no side (in addition to those taking a 'wait-and-see' approach).
*Just a heads up, this may be a bit long*
I know, I know. Some people will be quick to say "OK smarta**, then who is the answer at quarterback?" and I'll be quick to tell you that I do not have an answer for you. Pennington is a prime QB to lead a team with a suffocating defense and stellar special teams (both of which would have the potential to score on their own). He would be able to play 'manager'-style football. That description does not fit this Dolphin team. We NEED a QB who CAN make a huge throw down the field, who CAN hit his receivers in stride (rather than have them wait for the ball to come to them) so we can finally get a little YAC.
No, Pennington is not the sole problem with our team. He does not play defense. He is not responsible for the case of the 'drops'ies that seems to be plaguing our team. He cannot block for himself. However, his limitations as a passer are hurting this offense. Defenses know they do not need to respect a downfield passing attack. Our running attack may be working fairly well over the past few weeks, but soon opponents will focus solely on our ground game and force whoever our QB is at the time to beat them. Pennington's game may work well against average defenses. However, time and time again he proved he cannot handle superior defenses (the Baltimore playoff loss for example).
I am grateful that Pennington was able to lead us into the playoffs last season, but as a Dolphins fan first and foremost, I can't help but dream of more. Maybe I was just spoiled by last season's success and quick turnaround. Either way, in my heart I do not believe Pennington will ever lead this team to a Superbowl (let alone actually win it). I have no proof of this (nobody does one way or the other) and it is just my opinion. However, after many years in the league, I think I can feel safe in assuming we have seen the best that Chad Pennington will ever have to offer. He is a proven commodity. We know he's accurate and we know he'll give you 110% every Sunday (and each day of the week in practice as well). We also know he is limited in arm strength, which of course is not the only criteria for successful QBs (how many Probowls and Superbowls have JaMarcus Russel, Kyle Boller, and Brodie Croyle appear in?). We know defenses will come at Chad hard and force him to make throws he is either uncomfortable making or those that he cannot make. Defenses will dare Pennington to use his arm and fit pass after pass into tighter and tighter spaces.
Pennington gave Miami everything he had in his short time here. However, after today's injury, I believe Pennington's run in South Florida is over. I do not know the extent of his injury so there is no guarantee he will not return as a starter. However, this season at 0-3 is all but over. I think the statistic is only 2% of teams who have started 0-3 have made it to the playoffs that same year. Miami's chance at making it to the postseason is all but nil at his point. It's time for one Chad to pass the torch to another Chad (Henne, that is). It's time for Miami to know what they've got in their second round quarterbacks (though I suspect Henne will be the focus for this season, not White).
Today was Chad Henne's trial by fire, and by no means did he excel. Worse, he made some stupid mistakes on the field that further put another nail in Miami's coffin (pick 6 anyone?). With that in mind, I'm giving Henne a pass. I've seen many Pennington supports make the arguement that "if Pennington had played like Henne played today, everyone would be calling for his head, but since it's Henne, everything is A-OK". While I understand this sentiment, I disagree with the idea. Pennington is a multi-year veteran with many games worth of experience and playing time. Henne has a grand total of 2 games to his resume (plus a few unimpressive preseason performances). Who deserves the pass more? Pennington, as a seasoned vet, should not make the mistakes expected in young, inexperienced QBs like Henne. The younger Chad should have a little more leeway because of his inexperience.
Chad Henne needs time and live game experience to learn certain aspects of the NFL. No matter how much film you study, no matter how many games you take part in with a clipboard, you will never learn the nuances of the game that come with time and experience. For this reason alone I feel Henne needs to be cut some slack. Today, I thought he played like crap overall. But, it was just ONE GAME. If Henne continued to play like he did today over the next six-eight games with little to no signs of improvement, I will be among his biggest doubters. Until then, I see no reason not to feel hope about our potential star-in-the-making (notice I said POTENTIAL there; he has the tools, but I want to see him put everything together first before handing him a Superbowl
). As I noted earlier, I feel this season is a wash for Miami. I'll be among the first to say I didn't expect this to happen nor did I want it to happen. The fact remains however this team is still (unfortunately) rebuilding and retooling itself. The quarterback isn't the only part of Miami's problem (just look at the p***-poor pass coverage and our butterfinger WR core). For now, its time to evaluate what we DO have in our younger players. Barring a miraculous 13-0 run to end the year, Miami has no chance at the playoffs and should be looking towards progress heading into next season. Even if Pennington is able to return to play, let him sit. Put Henne and (and White in situational roles) to the test and see if either player is THE ANSWER to our QB woes. If neither player stands out and both fail to show promise, Miami should find itself owning a relatively high draft pick in which to select from an impressive group of college QBs (Bradford? McCoy? Tebow? Snead? I don't follow college exclusively, so I'm just throwing big names out there).
Today Miami lost an excellent field general in Chad Pennington. I wish him nothing but a speedy recovery and good luck in the future (likely with another team after his contract ends this season). For now, all Dolphans should rise up and support whoever starts at QB for the Dolphins, regardless if that person is Henne, White, or any other player brought in. If Chad Pennington should be put back into a starter's role (if his injury is not too severe) I would support him all the same regardless of the fact that I would disagree with the decision to rename him the starter. Hopefully in a few weeks, Fin Fans can be talking about how excited they are by the recent play of Henne or White. Lets keep our focus forward Dolphans, and let the past remain exactly where it is: in the past. Go DOLPHINS!!!:up:
Note: PLEASE try to keep this thread from turning into a "Pennington-lovers VS Henne-lovers". With all the negativity and hostility in this forum, I was hoping to be objective enough to create a sense of unity for the members of the afore-mentioned groups as well as those posters who find themselves choosing no side (in addition to those taking a 'wait-and-see' approach).
