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The Horrid Career of Dan Henning

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by AdamC13, Dec 16, 2010.

  1. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Wow...talk about an OC that doesn’t get it. In light of this article:

    http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolp...e-things-wrong-with-the-dolphins-offense.html

    I thought I would post teams points scored, points per game and ppg rank with Henning being the OC:

    Buffalo Bills 1997: 255 total points / 15.9 ppg / 29th out of 30 teams

    NY Jets 2000: 321 total points / 20.1 ppg / 17th out of 31 teams

    Carolina Panthers 2002: 258 total points / 16.1 ppg / 30th out of 32 teams

    Carolina Panthers 2003: 325 total points / 20.3 ppg / 15th out of 32 teams

    Carolina Panthers 2004: 355 total points / 22.2 ppg / 13th out of 32 teams

    Carolina Panthers 2005: 391 total points / 24.4 ppg / 8th out of 32 teams

    Carolina Panthers 2006: 279 total points / 16.9 ppg / 27th out of 32 teams

    Miami Dolphins 2008: 345 total points / 21.6 ppg / 21st out of 32 teams

    Miami Dolphins 2009: 360 total points / 22.5 ppg / 15th out of 32 teams

    Miami Dolphins 2010: 225 total points / 17.3 ppg / 31st out of 32 teams

    Unbelievable! Only “ONCE” in “10 YEARS” has an offense with Henning as the OC finished above “13th” in the league in points per game.

    So why again is he our OC? And how again is it everyone else’s fault but his?
     
  2. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    Yeah, but he's really old. Age = experience right? AMIRITE?
     
  3. dolfan22

    dolfan22 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    This is another illustration of what Einstein described as tdefinition of insanity " doing the same thing over and over again , and expecting different results"

    Don't see different results , obvious what needs to change isn't it?
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2010
  4. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Yes, he is old and has experience, but he makes up for that with poor judgment.
     
  5. gunn34

    gunn34 I miss Don & Dan

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    Those stats could also say that he has gotten better every year except this year and one other.

    I hope he's not here next year, but it's more then just the OC's fault.
     
  6. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Or they could say that he was so bad in Buffalo and NY they let him go right away. In Carolina, it took him 4 years for the offense to peak at 8 for "one" year before taking an absolute nose dive into the toilet. In Miami, it peaked at 15 before taking a similar nose dive.

    Would you want to keep a QB that in "ten years" ranked 13 or below nine times, 21 or below five times, 27 or below four times, 29 or below three times and second to last two times in QB ratings?

    I would agree with you if Hennning had shown anywhere that he could build and offense, get them in the top 10 and then keep them there for at least a couple of years before a collapse. I think 10 years is long enough for an OC to try and prove himself.
     
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  7. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    Why no mention of points allowed?
     
  8. Rhody Phins Fan

    Rhody Phins Fan Well-Known Member

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    Because he's an offensive coordinator. What does points allowed have to do with Henning?
     
  9. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    Because an offense thats designed to control the clock, control the ball, control field position, and limit mistakes will inherently give your defense an advantage? The two are pretty inter-dependent. Just like Peyton Manning's offense gives his defense an advantage, and how Chan Gailey's offenses put his defense at a disadvantage.
     
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  10. Killerphins

    Killerphins The Finger

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    Henning hasn't attempted to do any of these things this season and our defense has still played very well. So much for your theory.......
     
  11. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    Its not really a theory. Its well established that expected points are higher coming off an INT. But then again, I never suggested he did any of those things I noted. I simply asked what the points allowed were.
     
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  12. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Defenses have been added...

    Buffalo Bills 1997: 255 total points / 15.9 ppg / 29th out of 30 teams
    Defense Allowed: 367 tp / 22.9 ppg / 23rd

    NY Jets 2000: 321 total points / 20.1 ppg / 17th of 31 teams
    Defense Allowed: 321 tp / 20.1 ppg / 13th

    Carolina Panthers 2002: 258 total points / 16.1 ppg / 30th out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 302 tp / 18.9 ppg / 5th

    Carolina Panthers 2003: 325 total points / 20.3 ppg / 15th out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 304 tp / 19 ppg / 10th

    Carolina Panthers 2004: 355 total points / 22.2 ppg / 13th out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 339 tp / 21.2 / 15th

    Carolina Panthers 2005: 391 total points / 24.4 ppg / 8th out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 259 tp / 16.2 ppg / 5th

    Carolina Panthers 2006: 279 total points / 16.9 ppg / 27th out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 305 tp / 19.1 ppg / 8th

    Miami Dolphins 2008: 345 total points / 21.6 ppg / 21st out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 317 tp / 19.8 / 9th

    Miami Dolphins 2009: 360 total points / 22.5 ppg / 15th out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 390 tp / 24.4 ppg / 25th

    Miami Dolphins 2010: 225 total points / 17.3 ppg / 31st out of 32 teams
    Defense Allowed: 244 tp / 18.9 ppg / 8th

    Not seeing the correlation you were referring to. Other than, good defenses seem to save Henning's butt from being fired.

    For example, in Carolina under Hennings worst year (2002) the offense finished 30th and the defense finished 5th. Also, under Hennings best year in Carolina (2005) the offense finished 8th and the defense finished 5th.

    I am not seeing the inverse relationship I think you are referring to. In his six years in Carolina in three of those years the defense gave up 302 points (2002), 304 points (2003), and 305 points (2006). Whereas, the offense scored 258 points (2002), 325 points (2003), and 279 points (2006). Does not appear to be a direct cause-and-effect in which Henning's play-calling benefits the defense.
     
  13. azfinfanmang

    azfinfanmang Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Any of us that were as bad as our jobs as Henning has been would be fired or demoted (Unless Union or Federal employee of course).
    A change at OC in the offseason almost HAS to be an instant offensive upgrade.
    Perhaps we do need personell change on the field as well, but with the incompetent OC we have zero idea which personell.
     
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  14. frozenfin

    frozenfin Well-Known Member

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    The only time in Henning's NFL career did he find success was as OC for Washington in the 1980s. He was given the Hogs, arguably the greatest O Line in NFL history, the group who won Super Bowls with three different QBs and three different RBs. Kippy Brown would have succeeded in Washington circa 81-82 as well.

    Everywhere else is epic fail. When he was head coach in Atlanta and San Diego, his defenses were better than his offenses. I pulled all the numbers but then my window froze...
     
  15. HULKFish

    HULKFish Artist and Scribe

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    The ONLY time this offensive scheme is successful is when it is able to out-physical the opponent. That is a GLARING fact... When the running game stumbles Henning has CONSISTENTLY proved that he doesn't have the foggiest clue of what to do to get a WIN!!!!

    What does that tell me? That tells me that Henning doesn't have the brains to put a sound gameplan together... When does the scheme of this offense catch anyone off-guard??? EVER!!!
     
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  16. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Although Henning may be a better OC than a Head Coach...

    Henning has NEVER had a winning season in 7 years as a HC, two years he had a record of 6-10, and three years a record of 4-12.

    Henning's overall win percentage as a HC is a dismal .342 (38 wins, 73 losses, 1 tie).

    His teams have scored a combined 2,068 points and given up 2,416.

    How is it he has ANY job in the NFL?
     
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  17. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    I don't think he was the OC for Washington...

    Unfortunately, I remember watching the Super Bowl that year when they beat Miami 27-17. Theismann breaking up a pick-6 in the end zone which would have given Miami a 24-13 lead in the 4th quarter and Riggins taking a 4th and 1 (if memory serves me correctly) 43 yards for the TD.

    The Redskins that year finished 12 in offense ppg, but 1st in defense ppg only giving up a minuscule 14.2 pg.
     
  18. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    it is what it is but why?
     
  19. gilv13

    gilv13 Well-Known Member

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    This bears repeating from the article. Props for author for speaking his mind along with us fans.



    None of this is wrong. Henning is to be applauded for his relative candor. But I struggle with the fact that not once does the coach mention that, well, his coaching could perhaps have been better on an occasion or two or 10 this season.

    It's like he is disconnected from the mess. It's as if he only calls plays and if the execution is 100 percent by those darn imperfect players, the plays he calls would work perfectly.

    I'm trying not to be harsh or unfair. I've been told by a couple of folks that coach Tony Sparano is "disappointed" with me because I'm holding some of his assistants, such as Henning, responsible for some of the Dolphins struggles this year.

    Well, maybe if some of those assistants would hold themselves responsible, I wouldn't have to say a word.
     
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  20. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Well you see...he's a really good friend of Bill Parcells...and...well, I mean, a REALLY good friend...so, you see...
     
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  21. MarinePhinFan

    MarinePhinFan Banned

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    "We have to block better. We have to throw better. We have to run better routes. We have to catch the ball. We cannot have penalties. We have to move the ball in a more consistent, efficient manner than we have in the last three week -- not unlike we did in the Raiders game."


    Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolp...-with-the-dolphins-offense.html#ixzz18JihO0be


    Not one mention of himself or that maybe he needs to call better plays.
     
  22. Tin Indian

    Tin Indian Rockin' The Bottom End Club Member

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    Henning has a pair of Superbowl rings from 2 different stints in Washington back in the 80's.
     
  23. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    With Joe Gibbs as the Head Coach, yes.
     
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  24. Phinatic19

    Phinatic19 New Member

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    Age = retirement home.
     
  25. CaribPhin

    CaribPhin Guest

    As much as I want to, I can't like this. There's a blight mark on it in the Thanks section.
     
  26. frozenfin

    frozenfin Well-Known Member

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    Although Joe Gibbs and Joe Bugel are most recognized with that Redskins era (rightfully so), Henning was OC 81-82 and 87-88. Gibbs was head coach and Bugel was O Line coach.
     
  27. DePhinistr8

    DePhinistr8 Season Ticket Holder

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    Good find....
    This is why I feel like we should wait on passing judgment on Henne until he gets a bit more experience and we have an OC that is worth a sh*t.
    Unfortunately, the phins front office hasn't called me asking about my feelings .... yet ....
     
  28. gunn34

    gunn34 I miss Don & Dan

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    The truth is more like CK said. He is great friends with Parcels
     
  29. FinsAreLife

    FinsAreLife Well-Known Member

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    He really is a piece of crap OC. Theres no other way to put it.
     
  30. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    all of his offenses are predicated on power running and ball control. they are not meant to be high scoring. using points scored as a barometer is worthless as a way to judge the effectiveness of his offenses. bottom line he has two rings and was a field goal away from getting his third this decade. his offenses was also good enough to play in the NFC championship only five years ago. anyone that thinks you can receive a paycheck from the NFL for over twenty years and call it a horrid career and believe that he doesnt know what he's doing is living in fantasy land
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2010
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  31. DePhinistr8

    DePhinistr8 Season Ticket Holder

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    Points scored isn't a valid barometer of an OC? So...the only thing that really matters...scoring MORE points...doesn't matter?
    We probably shouldn't judge head coaches by wins and losses, either.
     
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  32. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Ball control or no ball control - he does not get the job done.

    One would hope that a good ball control offense would be able to help keep points off the board but in the last decade that just doesn't fly b/c offense still have explosiveness (classic case is the Indy game last year).

    Henning is here because he's part of the "Old-Boy Network" in the NFL. He had some decent years in the old Redskin days and Parcells - not just b/c he's friends - asked him on board b/c of his style and ability before the last decade.

    But, the problem here is that Tony buys into the old boy network; in fact he's of such a philosophy that he fits in with most of those guys. But they really shouldn't keep him.

    He has to be asked to retire. If he doesn't, I think the Dolphins are doomed next year. They may be anyway if Henne is the QB but if we have the "H" brothers there - it won't likely be a pretty offense.
     
  33. CaribPhin

    CaribPhin Guest

    So when faced with a ball control O, and a bad Defense, Henning shouldn't adjust to score more points? He should just keep doing what he's doing so that he can lose lose lose?
     
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  34. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Interesting...I thought what got Carolina to the championship game that year had a lot more to do with their defense in which they amassed 42 turnovers to go + 16 and had 45 sacks. Then in the wildcard game their defense shut out the Giants to win 21-0. Their offense did show up in the divisional game against the Bears (29-21), but it was a result of throwing for over 300 yards and 3 TD passes (including 58 yard and 39 yard TD passes to Steve Smith).
     
  35. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    you have to consider what he's given to work with. he's never been given an elite QB in his entire career. you want to score points? you need a top 5 QB. Henning's career is filled with Delhomme, Pennington, Henne, Testeverde, Doug Williams, Joe Theisman, etc... and those are the best of the bunch. Right off the bat with those QBs you are out of the running for the top scoring offenses. An analysis of his that simply uses ascoring is a false analysis and superficial. People hire Henning when they have crap on the offensive side because they know he can make it work somewhat. As I said you dont receive a paycheck for over twenty years if you dont know what you're doing
     
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  36. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    right because having a good defense automatically gets you into the championships
     
  37. Merauder

    Merauder Perseverance

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    I see there is still one person defending Dan Henning. I guess there is no talking any sense into some people.
     
  38. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    No, not automatically but is sure helps when your defense doesn't give up many points and gives the offense the ball as a result of a hell of a lot of turnovers.

    Were talking about the "ONE" decent year of offense when Henning was the OC out of "TEN." I would think a good OC would be able to build a good offense and that offense would be able to maintain its level of excellence over several years. You don't? You think one year out of ten qualifies him as a solid OC?
     
  39. Killerphins

    Killerphins The Finger

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    Answer: We would have hit on that if Chad Henne hadn't........
    Question: What is Dan Henning's favorite scapegoat?
     
  40. Merauder

    Merauder Perseverance

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    If you recall, Henning's best buddy Bill called out Henne before the God damn season even started. I guess Bill told Dan it was "ok" to shred Henne in the media. What a joke.
     

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