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100% behind Pennington but what about the long-term scenario?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by hugoguzman, Nov 10, 2010.

  1. hugoguzman

    hugoguzman New Member

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    Now that the team has decided to bench Henne and start Pennington, I will cheer for the latter Chad to succeed and take this team to the postseason.

    That said, this move seems to put the entire regime in a rather odd position.

    If Henne never starts for the Dolphins again, it will mean that the regime invested almost three years - and a high second round draft pick - only to bench said player after 21 starts. Not exactly a vote of confidence for the regime's ability to scout talent, make draft selections, or develop young quarterbacks.

    If Pennington succeeds in getting this team to the playoffs, what then? Does Miami go with Pennington in 2011 while simultaneously drafting a QB in the first round? Do they keep Henne as insurance? What about Tyler Thigpen?

    If Pennington fails and is rebenched (or gets hurt) what then? Does Henne get a chance to redeem himself or do they go to Tyler Thigpen? And what about 2011? Does Henne get a chance to be the starter again? Does Thigpen get a chance to be the starter? Do they draft a QB in the first round?

    Because I'm a Dolphins fan first and foremost, I'm simply going to get focused on the Titans game and rally behind Pennington.

    But this rather desperate move has created a whole crapload of question marks in my mind.

    The only thing that is not a question is this:
    If the regime feels that they have enough info on Henne to determine that he is not the franchise quarterback of the future, then they had damn well use a first round pick in the 2011 draft to pick up a quarterback. No more retreads and projects.

    P.S. I really hope that if Henne's days in Miami are over, he doesn't move onto another team only to make all of us wish that the franchise had given him more time to develop.
     
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  2. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    It's a win now league, anything else is conversation.

    Love this move, everyone and I do mean EVERYONE is accountable when Sparano is doing things properly, otherwise there is no motivation and players tend to go soft.
     
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  3. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    And if we don't make the playoffs with this move, what then? Not much good can come out of it, because I fear even if we did make the playoffs with Pennington, we'll be one and done, and it won't be pretty.
     
  4. Hexonx

    Hexonx Active Member

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    Long term, this coaching staff can't see that far ahead. Hell they can't even put a complete offense plan together. While we are at it, can we make Ronnie Brown the starter at running back and see what he does with 30 carries. So frustrated with this team lately.

    I know for one thing, I will not be sad if Sparano is fired at the end of the year, I don't think he has it to be a winning coach. He lacks balls, I mean what do you have to lose shove all in and see what happens.
     
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  5. Dolphins1Beatles

    Dolphins1Beatles Ziggy Stardust

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    Was this a week too late? A week ago the Touchdown deficient Dolphins had Randy Moss in the palm of their hands and let him go to the Titans.

    As you all know, Pennington was Moss' Quarterback in College and they had a good relationship. I would imagine Moss would've loved to play with Pennington again, but I guess that is just our terrible luck.

    The Pennington decision was obviously last minute, you have to imagine if he was the starter last week or if Moss was available this week, Moss would be here. We still missed the boat, imagine the most accurate QB with a happy Moss, Marshall, and Bess with Ricky and Ronnie in the backfield.
     
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  6. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Wow, so Henne went 4-4, but deserves the benefit of the doubt, but not Pennington?

    We win the next two, were will we be? Does it make more sense to make this move now, prior to those games, or to wait until after them?

    We avg 1 TD per game, you tell me.
     
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  7. mommabilly

    mommabilly No riders allowed

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    First off, I like this move, never was a Henne guy myself. Kid is not bad but far from being good, IMO.

    Went to a lot of summer camp practices and have to be honest, Pennington threw the nicest ball out of all three QBs and that was day after day, not just in certain drills.

    Like I have said, they had to do something. Changing OC during the season is not good either regardless of how one feels about Henning. With a 4-4 record, the LAST thing you want to do is bring in a new offense.

    I appreciate the fact they realized something had to be done and they did it. I am positive its not going to make everyone happy but hey, they did something. I feel it was useless after 8 games to expect Henne to magically get better the second half of the season, I just do not see it.

    You do whatever it takes to be respectful again. Henne was never even in that game at Baltimore, not by any means of the imagination. We have to worry about right now, not draft picks next year, not if Henne will ever work out, not on who is available as QB next year. We have 8 games to play, whoever works out the best for us is the guy but in order to realize that, you have to try something. I give Tony credit on making the change. Good or bad, he tried something. I think it cannot be worse then what we have been seeing so far this season.

    On the lockeroom whispers. There is an old saying, where there is smoke, there is usually a fire. I am sure there were many that broke their rear ends and turned around and looked at Henne and wondered themselves if he was the right one.
     
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  8. mommabilly

    mommabilly No riders allowed

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    Playoffs would be great but you are not going to get to the playoffs with a QB that checks down each and every play. I completely lost all faith in Chad Henne during the Baltimore game. Its time, its been time.

    When you have All Pros like Reed openly admitting they KNEW Henne would never dare shy away the given play or dare not take a chance, you knew your goose was cooked at the QB position. When defense KNOWS what a QB is going to do, thats bad. real bad.

    Playoffs or no playoffs, I am happy they did something. Who is to say Pennington cannot play 3-4 more years ? Who is the judge that makes that decision ? Warner was supposedly washed up after his debacle at the Giants and he did pretty good. I always liked Chad Pennington even when he was with the Jets. I thought the Jets were nuts for letting him go. Now he gets his chance to play again and I am happy he did.
     
  9. hugoguzman

    hugoguzman New Member

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    It's hard to say that Sparano doesn't have balls when he just benched his starting quarterback - a guy they've groomed for nearly 3 years - midway through the season with the team still in playoff contention.

    My issue not with balls. It's with how this decision could affect the long-term prospects of the franchise.
     
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  10. hugoguzman

    hugoguzman New Member

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    It's exactly this mentality that has put this franchise into the tough spot they've been in since the late 90's.

    Instead of focusing on building a solid base, they make decisions based on a "win now" mentality.

    But guess what? You can't "win now" while also trying to develop a young QB.

    Now that said, if the regime is convinced that Henne is not the answer and never will be, then so be it. Start Pennington the rest of the way and then draft a QB in the first round of 2011 draft.

    Unfortunately, if Sparano was telling the truth in his press conference and this is not the case (he said that they still believe that Henne is the QB of the future) you have a potential for disaster in that you'll likely bring back Henne in 2011 so that he can get his "fair shakes" so to speak.

    If after getting that "fair shake" in 2011, it's still clear that he's not the future, then you've essentially put the franchise right back to square one...looking for a franchise QB.
     
  11. finsincebirth

    finsincebirth Well-Known Member

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    No, no no no. I said this on fanhell, but if Penny takes us to the playoffs and even the Super Bowl I'd be thrilled. However he is no way the future at quarterback. At 34 and with two arm surgeries you can't tell me otherwise. So hey we win the Super Bowl, but then we'll be a Tampa Bay or Baltimore who wins and then sucks for years. I want to be a New England, Indy or Pitt who is successful for years to come. I can give up a year or two of mediocrity to get that.
     
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  12. Dolphins1Beatles

    Dolphins1Beatles Ziggy Stardust

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    Well there is some good news, Marshall worked with Pennington mostly during the offseason, and we all know Bess, Ricky, and Ronnie have played with him. Pennington also has an easy time adjusting.
     
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  13. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    If we dont make the playoffs, this move was a waste of time.
     
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  14. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    And if we don't win the next two with Pennington at the helm? Not only is this season wrecked at that point, but you've got to start over next year as well...Pennington's what, 34 or 35, not exactly inspiring confidence for success after this season is over. Whenever that may be.
     
  15. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    Blame Ross, not the coaching staff. A coaching staff that knows it has a job next year might have been willing to sacrifice the season to develop their QB of the future. A coaching staff that needs to win now will abandon development for wins
     
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  16. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    You trade up for a QB who you think is the answer. That's the best move for the future at this point.
     
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  17. RGF

    RGF THE FINSTER Club Member

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    No, it really isnt. The coaches finally realized that Henne (whom i liked,for the most part ) isnt the long term answer.

    He did have ample time to progress more than he did at this point in time. Personally I was getting a little tired of his wobbly passes and poor reads also.
    Why waste more time with a QB if their minds are already made up. I never saw any fire in this guy so, it was time to make a change.
     
  18. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    Not making the playoffs with henne is the same as not making the playoffs with Penny.

    Only difference is we know for sure what we have in our 24 yr old QB as opposed to our 34 yr old QB.

    If we don't make the playoffs, this move was a waste of time.
     
  19. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    do you even know who chad pennington is!?
     
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  20. AbideN703

    AbideN703 Yes, I'd hit it

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    Aren't the Dolphins one of the youngest teams in the NFL? That's the exact opposite of going about it the way the Jets have (whether right or wrong). You can certainly 'win now' even with a young QB. Look at Flacco and Matt Ryan.

    The Dolphins haven't mortgaged their futures so that they can win now. If anything they're developing the hell out of the team b/c of how young they are, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
     
  21. AbideN703

    AbideN703 Yes, I'd hit it

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    All I've ever wanted is one Super Bowl win. If the Dolphins get that, I as a fan would be set for life.

    :wink2:
     
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  22. m ino

    m ino New Member

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    they thought henne was the answer in the second.i don't trade up just to say we got a qb in the first so he must be good.is there anyone coming out this year thats worthy of doing that?
     
  23. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    Luck and Locker are good QBs, only problem is the Bills and Niners need QBs more than us.
     
  24. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    If Andrew Luck comes out, he's the only one.


    And you never draft a QB in the 2nd if you're thinking he's the answer. You draft him because you think he can be the answer (with time and work).
     
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  25. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Like I said in the other thread, Henne isn't done here. It's not the same as on field experience but there's still plenty for him to learn on the sidelines. There have been many other scenarios very similar to this one and the guys who got benched eventually got their shot again and never looked back. I expect the same to happen with Henne.
     
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  26. SeanP

    SeanP Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    The more I think about this, the more I'm hoping and praying that's the case. That we go to Philly and do some wheeling and dealing for either Vick (Well, as I understand it he'll be an FA, so dealing with him, not the Eagles), or Kolb. I think Vick has really turned around his persona, and is playing great. I think they gave up on Kolb, not all that unlike we did Henne, but the difference is they had an option for a long term player in Vick.

    The more I think about this the less angry I am, but more frustrated that there doesn't seem to be a long term gameplan, or at least one that is evident to the fans. I feel like we're going to be in flux for months without knowing whether this was a colossal blunder, or an important fix.
     
  27. RGF

    RGF THE FINSTER Club Member

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    I think , at this point, we know exactly what we DONT have in a 24 year old QB.
     
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  28. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    if not Pennington, Thigpen, Henne is through for 2010
    look to the Eagles for a free-agent solution or to next years draft
    while we're moving all these people around
    better take a look-see @ a pro-bowl calibre Center & a running back
     
  29. hugoguzman

    hugoguzman New Member

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    Funny that you bring up the Jets and Ravens.

    Both teams are definitely playing well despite having young QBs (as are the Atlanta Falcons) but if you look at Henne's overall production through 20 or so starts it's on par with what Sanchez has done, more or less on par with what Flacco did in his first 20 or so starts, and perhaps a notch below what Ryan did in his first 20 starts.

    And yet none of those teams benched their young QBs.

    Go figure.

    P.S. And the fact that those teams have all made the playoffs in the past two years and look headed that way again are not necessarily votes of confidence for those young QBs (especially not based on their play in their first 20 starts). They are a testament to a stronger overall roster.

    Miami's roster is much younger and less cohesive than those three teams, so it should be expected that they would not have as much immediate success in terms of reaching the playoffs. It should not be used as a reason to bench a young QB prematurely (just to save their jobs). If that's what's happened today, then I blame the owner first and foremost, followed by the head coach.
     
  30. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    The Redskins will pay Vick a fortune that we won't match, or he will take a discount to play with Andy Reid again.

    Getting a top QB in the draft will not be easy with teams at the top needing them. Luck, Locker and Mallet could all be gone before we pick.

    But benching our young QB for a 35 year old with 2 surgeries was a fantastic move! :no:

    Bill Cowher pls.
     
  31. sloppyjoer

    sloppyjoer New Member

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    To early to start worrying on drafting another QB methinks. I still think Henne can do it, he just may need a bit more time on the sidelines. He's still young. And I'm fine with Penny takin the start, should shake some things up, it may only be for just this game. We really can't afford another loss to another potential AFC playoff contender.
     
  32. m ino

    m ino New Member

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    fitzy is playing pretty good in that system for the bills so we will see how the rest of the season goes.but the vikings are another team thats going to be needing a starting qb if they don't go after vick.

    wow,right after i post this nfl talks about mcnaab on the hotseat..that was quick as i thought he was doing ok for his first year there.whats shanny doing up there?
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2010
  33. m ino

    m ino New Member

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    why would the redskins bring in vick when they just brought in mcnaab?
     
  34. HenneGivenSunday

    HenneGivenSunday New Member

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    lol well looks like I might have to alter my username after this season.

    I like Henne, I think he has the tools. Lately, however, I have been questions whether or not he's the right QB for this system. It's not just him though; we need an OC who knows how to work our offense. A HC that doesn't have wet dreams over field goals.

    I have no problem with Sparano, but I would like a coach that's not afraid to go for the kill every now and then.

    And on the topic of good QB's to draft, I really like Ryan Mallet.
     
  35. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    how long are you willing to throw away our games, hoping this guy will pan-out? simple truth is Henne can throw the ball far & hard, he is a thrower not a passer & a backup not a starter. next year we'll deal with our reality which will demand another QB. meanwhile, Pennington is the best option to lead this offense. there are no guarantees, especially stepping in @ this point in the season, but Chad the Elder is the best choice.
     
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  36. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    We don't know S***.

    Here's what we know. Chad Henne Might have been able to get us to the playoffs last season if Pennington didn't start us off 0-3. And so far this season, against a brutal schedule, Henne had us at 4-4 and one of those wins came against a potential NFC champion in the Packers.

    We're 4-4 in the middle of the season. Henne might have gotten us tot he playoffs, he might not have. Either way, we don't know S***.
     
  37. Frumundah Finnatic

    Frumundah Finnatic U Mad Miami?

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    The coaches are not thinking about any long term scenario, they are covering their own asses.
     
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  38. Coral Reefer

    Coral Reefer Premium Member

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    Im not on board with the move at all and frankly my confidence in this entire mgmt. staff is at an all time low.

    The kid QB'd his way to a 4-4 record against some of the toughest defenses in the league. He was on the leash of conservatism they admittedly put him on YET they regularly abandoned the run and expected him to throw the ball almost 40 times a game.

    The offensive philosophy and what they call never meshed.
    It's like we have Sybil running our offensive scheme.

    Sure Henne has his negatives.
    So does Pennington and we know those all too well.

    So we decide to set back the teams progress towards the future simply to sit a QB with one set of weaknesses for a much older QB with another set glaring weaknesses. Is that really a step up?

    If they fell Henne is that much of a hinderance then they better well put QB at the top of the draft list once again.
     
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  39. brandon27

    brandon27 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Great... so you think its OK that we bench a guy we are trying to develop into a starting qb (because thats what you do with QB's drafted in the 2nd round), so that we can win a couple of our remaining games this season? Then start fresh next season with Henne or someone new? Why is it that you want to repeat the last 10 years of searching for QB's over and over again?

    I'll say this... if we loose say... the next two games, and the playoffs are done and over with, even though they pretty much already are... we better see Henne back out there as we try and develop him further to be sure we know what we have.
     
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  40. hugoguzman

    hugoguzman New Member

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    I'm pretty sure that if the Dolphins were to lose their next two games and fall to 4-6, Henning, Sparano, and Ireland are out the door.

    Remember that the owner is both a fan of Henne and predicted that this team would reach the Super Bowl (and is good friends with Carl Peterson).

    I'm pretty sure that he won't be very happy if they bench his preferred QB only to get knocked out of playoff contention in November.

    On the flipside, if Pennington leads this team deep into the playoffs, it might actually be the best thing that ever happened to this franchise because it will likely allow them to:
    -start Pennington going into 2011
    -not use a first-round draft pick on QB
    -continue to let Henne play the role of apprentice behind Pennington
     
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