Ending the Henne Era in Miami Would Be Unwise

Because it's far too soon.

People need to calm down about Henne. If the Dolphins replace him they'll be making a mistake far too many teams have made over the last 10+ seasons. It takes time for QBs to learn an NFL system and adapt to the pro. game. Also, and I know this is STARTLING for many people, the talent around you matters. Crazy, I know. Henne just started his 23rd NFL game, a loss to the Browns. He's being blamed for the loss. Even though his play was bad today people think he needs to go. Let's check the numbers...

In 23 starts Henne is 473 of 771 (61.3%) for 5,167 yards with 23 TDs and 27 INTs. That's a 76.5 QB rating in his 23 starts, in which his team is 12-11.

Here's another current QBs stats after 23 starts. Mystery QB was 459 of 765 (60.0%) for 4,685 yards with 24 TDs and 27 INTs. That's a 73.4 QB rating in his 23 starts, in which his team was 9-14.

Anyone care to guess who the "mystery QB" is?

To spare everyone some time, and for those that don't care, "mystery QB" is Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees. Yep, performed worse than Henne overall. I think Brees is doing just fine, don't you?

So calm the hell down people. It took Brees until his 4th year in the league to start being a Pro Bowl-caliber QB.

SWIFT ACTION & YOU CAN VOTE

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

Two "sports" items particularly caught my attention in today's Reading Eagle (note I avoided all the Eagles losing stories) & you don't have to live here to appreciate them.

The first is that YOU CAN VOTE (no matter where you live) for the Best Berks County Sports Figure. My choice is Kerry Collins who led Wilson High School to the PA. State Championship Game, went on to get screwed out of a National Championship at Penn State in 1994, and is an NFL veteran of 15 years who also led the N.Y. Giants to the Super Bowl. Others you can vote for include Allison Baver (Olympic Speed Skater), Pete Carril (Reading HS, Princeton & NBA Coach), Rocky Colavito (Baseball), Carl Furillo (Baseball), Chad Henne (Football), Stu Jackson (Basketball), Betsy King (Golf), Kristy Kowal (Swimming Olympian), Donyell Marshall (Basketball), Michael Matz (Equestrian), Rick Mears (Racing), Lenny Moore (Football), Roger Penske (Racing), Andre Reed (Football), Gene Venzke (Track & Field Olympian), and Charlie Wagner (Boston Red Sox organization 1938-2006, as well as friend of my pal Jack Devlin). A lot of worthy choices there, so YOU CAN VOTE now by emailing your selection to sunday@readingeagle.com.

The other item related to "SWIFT ACTION" by a Dunkin Donuts employee during an attempted robbery with a knife. After not giving the robber the money he demanded, the employee initially fled the store out the backdoor & the robber tried to follow him, but the employee held the backdoor shut so the robber couldn't escape. The robber then tried to get out the front door, but the employee beat him there & held that door too after running around the building. The robber then ran back & forth between the doors several times only to be stopped each time by the speedy employee. As the robber finally escaped, the police arrived & apprehended him. The employee would appear to have the speed & anticipation skills of a good defensive back which is the sports tie-in to this story.

So to tie these two "sports" stories together, take SWIFT ACTION & YOU CAN VOTE Now for the Best Berks Sports Figure.

Already Questioning the Madden 10 Player Ratings

Pasta Padre has linked to an MS Excel file that contains all of Madden 10's player ratings. Now, EA has tweaked how players are rated hoping to create less superstars. But after looking over some of the ratings I am a bit baffled.

Chad Henne is a 66. A 66! I know he's thrown only 12 passes in the NFL, but a 66? Especially if rookie Pat White gets a 65! WTF. How is Pat White only 1 rating point worse than Chad Henne, who has all but been given the keys for the 2010 Dolphins?

Donald Thomas is a 67. Now, I know he's played only one game and can't stay healthy but, if he was a starter AS A ROOKIE in 2008, why is he rated worse than reserves Andy Alleman (73) and Brandon Frye (70)?

Randy Starks is listed as an OL according to Pasta Padre. Could be a mistake on his part. Or EA is just that stupid. Starks is a DE in Miami's 3-4 though he does fill in at NT from time to time.

Jason Taylor, who's a DE in a 4-3 scheme, is listed at DE for Miami despite them instituting a 3-4 for most of the last four seasons. He's also only a 79. I wonder how much that will drop when he's changed to an OLB?

Rookie CB Vontae Davis is a 77. OK, that's fine. But starter Will Allen is a 75. The same Will Allen who has routinely been underrated by some "experts" and fans and has been a starter for his entire career with the Giants or Dolphins. Fellow rookie CB Sean Smith gets the same rating as Allen. Again, nor problems with Davis or Smith but come one EA! Allen as a 75?

The specialists get a slap in the face, too. Second year kicker Dan Carpenter, who hit 84% of his field goals and made everything from inside 40 yards is only a 63. Punter Brandon Fields is a 60.

For the rest of the Dolphins ratings, or any player in the NFL, check out Pasta Padre's file here.

UPDATE: OK so now Pasta Padre's site says that EA has requested he take the file down. So no more ratings for any of you. I still have the file though. Email me if you'd like it.

Henne Will Be Ready

CHAD HENNE IS A JOKE
A MOTHERF*CKING JOKE
HIS WOLVERINES ARE GONNA F*CKING CROAK
THEY CALL HIM DOCTOR CHOKE
BET ON HIM, YOU'LL GO BROKE
CAUSE CHAD HENNE IS A MOTHERF*CKING JOKE

-- "Chad Henne is a motherf*cking joke" by the Dead Schembechler's

Former Michigan and current Miami Dolphins QB Chad Henne has taken a beating on and off the field. He was the QB for one of the most recognizable college program in the nation (for four years, too), where he faced pass rushers gunning for his head. More than once he became bruised and battered, but he got up to play again. Off the field, he's taken his fair share of heat, as any QB does. Not only have Michigan supporters and fans questioned Henne's ability in the past, but so have his hated rivals. An Ohio State Buckeyes punk rock band - the Dead Schembechler's - have an ode to the former Michigan QB, released during Henne's junior season as the Wolverines QB. A snippet of the song is listed above. He took all of the name-calling and ribbing in stride.

And he believes it actually makes him better at what he does.

Unlike many athletes who can't take the pressure, spotlight and never-ending evaluations, Henne chooses to ignore it all and is immune to all the hate. He lets the song(s?), images and articles that rip on him just roll off his back. Some may think this means he doesn't care. In fact, playing QB may be one of the only things he does care about.

The Michigan product has always taken that seriously, and never more than now. That's why he was at the Dolphins' Davie facility this offseason "probably six weeks before everybody else was here," according to his coach Tony Sparano, who has marveled at the improvement in the second-year player, in everything from physical strength to coverage identification.
...
If you're trying to project how he'll handle a role that requires far more than just making throws, it's worth reviewing how he handled four seasons as the Wolverines starting quarterback, where he was the subject of parody (from rivals) and scrutiny (from classmates). It's worth asking the person who knows him best.

Yes, that person would be fiancee Brittany Hartman, who says Henne has a very even temper and tends to not get stressed out. Those are great traits for a QB; the best thing for them to do after they screw up is to move on.

His current mentor has high praise for him as well. Chad Pennington, who will lose his job to Henne by 2010 (at the latest), believes Henne can and will succeed in the NFL. Pennington has been teaching Henne the nuances of NFL coverages and watching tape.

"I think I should be well-prepared for taking the stage and knowing how to handle myself on and off the field, and being in the community and learning to give back," Henne says. "We always talk about not being a celebrity quarterback. That's a big thing for us. I'm not that kind of person. I'm kind of a low-key, small-town guy."

Indeed. And I can't wait until this "joke", someone I've known since junior high, to be the starting QB for my team.

Yes, please.

The Miami Herald's Greg Cote has something to say. And it's something I want to pass along to you.

The local pro football team was back on the field for an offseason workday, so I went out there Tuesday trying to find the one guy who is the most important person to this Miami Dolphins franchise.

Cote passed by the prodigal son, Jason Taylor. He went right on by the crowd surrounding Jake Long. He wasn't looking for Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, or Tony Sparano. Ricky Williams made some interesting comments about the future of his career, but they weren't made to Cote. He also wasn't interested in talking to rookies Vontae Davis, Pat White, or Sean Smith. Not even sack artist Joey Porter or star RB Ronnie Brown could grab Cote's attention. Who was he seeking?

Finally I saw my man, and approached.

"Hi Chad. Got a minute?''

It wasn't Pennington.

It was the guy in the No. 7 jersey, backup quarterback Chad Henne.

Hardly played last season as a rookie.

Might hardly play this year.

Most important person to this club nevertheless.

Not to this season, perhaps, but to just beyond it and for a long time thereafter if the Dolphins are right in gambling on his greatness.

To any Dolfan balancing an imperative on right now with an eager eye on tomorrow, there is no more overriding question than this one:

"How good will Henne turn out to be?''

Cote understands. He knows that this team is Henne's in 2010 - and hopefully for 10 or more seasons thereafter. And what does Henne plan on doing in drivers seat of one of the best franchises in league history?

"I feel fully confident about my ability to play. I'm humble, but I really feel like I have the ability to lead this team to championships and hopefully Super Bowls.''

Yes, please.

PHOTO: Al Diaz, Miami Herald staff

Outside of me helping the Dolphins win the Super Bowl, I'm not sure I could envision a more perfect dream as a football fan. Is it possible I could see a kid I played with take my favorite team to the highest point the NFL mountain has to offer?

Yes, please.

Thankfully the veterans are already behind Henne, even if he has only attempted 12 regular season passes.

''What not many people get to see is his confidence, his unbelievable presence in the huddle,'' guard Justin Smiley said Tuesday of Henne. "He acts like he's been there. The sky's the limit. He has the makings of a great quarterback. All the tools to be great. And I think he will be.''

Even his mentor, Chad Pennington, the man who is set to lose his job to his protege in 2010, has some kind words.

''No. 1 I see great poise and great quarterback demeanor,'' Pennington said of his heir to the air. "All the talent in the world, and a very calm demeanor even when coaches are yelling.''

And Sparano has taken notice to a change in the last year too. It can't be a bad thing when the head coach notices the backup QBs strength and throwing mechanics have changed for the better.

Throughout the Cote piece - which I highly recommend for any Dolphins and/or Henne fans - the mood is straight and to the point; there's no bias or opinions, despite it being an opinion piece. Until the end. Cote adds his opinion in the articles final lines.

Ask Henne if anyone in the NFL reminds him of himself, and he mentions a guy who shared the same coach at Michigan.

''We have similar arm movement and other things,'' Henne said.

He meant Tom Brady.

If the comparison looks as good on the field as it does in theory, this franchise's quarter-century wait for its next great young quarterback may have ended at last.

Of course, ''if'' shall necessarily remain the biggest word surrounding Chad Henne until which time he has a chance to erase all doubts -- and does.

Yes, please.

*Emphasis mine throughout.

It's Been a Great 12 Months

The 2009 NFL draft is about three weeks. When it gets here it will end by far the greatest sports year of my life. While not everything that has happened impacts me on the highest of emotional levels, many of them do. It's easy where to start. After this first one I'll try to go in chronological order.

2008 Philadelphia Phillies: What could be better than this? One of the teams I love won a league championship. That's the first time that has happened to not only me, but basically all of my friends who are Philadelphia sports fans. On a personal level it is the only sport in which almost all of my friends like the sport and the team. This is the top of the mountain for the great sports year that started in April 2008.

2008 NFL Draft - I love the draft. It is just as exciting as the games to me. What made 2008 stand out? For once I knew Miami was in good hands. Plus they had the #1 overall pick. They went with mammoth LT cornerstone Jake Long who has already turned in a Pro Bowl season (more on that later). However the biggest reason the 2008 draft kick started the best sports year of my life had to do with Miami's second pick in round two, the 57th overall selection. There, a few picks form the end of the first day of the draft, the Dolphins, my favorite team my entire life selected Michigan QB Chad Henne. Why does that matter to me, a Penn State fan (and alum)? Simple. I graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA. I played football with Chad Henne. Seeing someone you know play for your favorite NFL team? I'd say that's a longshot. But it happened in 2008. Things just kept rolling from here.

2007-2008 Philadelphia 76ers: Though basketball - specifically professional basketball - is low on my sports ladder, I still follow the team and hope they perform at the highest level. The team struggles to a mediocre 41-41 record on the season. In a weak Eastern Conference a .500 record was good enough for the 7th seed. The Sixers prize? Facing the two-seed Detroit Pistons. Despite being huge underdogs, the 76ers took a 1-0 and eventually 2-1 series lead. They couldn't hold it but the team showed what their young nucleus could be capable of in the coming years.

2007-2008 Philadelphia Flyers: After their worst season ever, the Flyers rebounded and caught fire at the right time. They were able to sneak by the 3rd seed, the Washington Capitals, in seven games. Then they took it to the top seed Montreal Canadiens in five games. They ran into a young buzz saw of a team that shall remain nameless in the Eastern Conference Finals. The fact that they made an amazing run a year after being the worst team in the league makes it remarkable and noteworthy in a great year. Funny, if the Phillies hadn't won the World Series this would have just been seen as another failure. Instead it is considered a success.

2007-2008 Pittsburgh Penguins: Not on the list by choice but by default. The Penguins had a stellar year, winning the NHLs Eastern Conference and advancing to the Stanley Cup. They didn't win it all but they came close. After many dismal years the Penguins seem to be back. And PA sports are at an All-Time high.

2008 Philadelphia Soul: Football is football, whether it's the NFL, Canadian, or Arena. While the Soul may not be considered as important as the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and 76ers, they did have quite a good season. Actually they had the best season. The Soul won ArenaBowl XXII on July 27th. Chalk up another point for the city.

2008 Penn State Women's Volleyball: What's better than a National Championship? How about back-to-back National Championships. That's what the women's volleyball team accomplished in December 2008. Along the way they didn't lose a match. Yep, that's right. The Penn State women went 38-0. What makes it even more remarkable is that 37 of those matches were won 3-0. They only lost two games all year and they were against Nebraska, the NCAA Tournament host, in the Final Four. The Championship Match went much better this year than it did in 2007.

2008-2009 Penn State Football: Hope were high in Happy Valley to start the 2008 college football season. While the "experts" felt Penn State was again an Alamo Bowl team, fans knew better. They expected to compete for the Big Ten Championship. They did just that. The Nittany Lions finished the regular season as Big Ten Champs at 11-1, suffering only a last-second heartbreaking loss to Iowa. Though their Rose Bowl berth wasn't as successful as the one in January 1995, they still were in a BCS bowl. Quite a season indeed.

2008-2009 Miami Dolphins: The 2007 Miami Dolphins were a laughingstock. They won only one game all year. They fired their coach after one season. Things were bleak. In stepped football mastermind Bill Parcells. Things changed quickly. After a solid draft that included Long and Henne plus Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford, Donald Thomas and UDFAs Davone Bess and Dan Carpenter, Miami snatched Jets castoff Chad Pennington. The Dolphins went on to win 11 games, unleash the "wildcat" offense, and win the AFC East. The hyphen shifted and so did Miami's fortunes. This had a big impact on why the last 12 months have been amazing.

2008-2009 Philadelphia Eagles: This wouldn't make my personal list at all (since I am a Dolphins fan) but this isn't just about me; it's about the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. The Eagles made another run in the NFC playoffs, reaching the NFC title game for the fifth time since 2002. This one was unexpected, unlike the first four. The team had its ups and down during the year - much like the Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers - but peaked at the right time. They, unfortunately, ran into a team that was playing even better than they were.

2008-2009 Pittsburgh Steelers: Again, this didn't really make my year but it definitely added to the states euphoria (and my fiancees). The Steelers won their 6th Super Bowl, most by any NFL franchise, and second in four years. It was also an epic game, filled with a comeback and last second victory. It was a great game and just another reason the last 12 months have been amazing.

2008-2009 Penn State Fencing: Just two weeks ago the Penn State Fencing team (a joint men's/women's venture) captured their 11th National Championship. Four fencers earned individual titles too. The sport doesn't get much recognition but the team is downright dominant. They deserve just as much praise as any other national champion squad.

2008-2009 Penn State Men's Basketball: While I was in college the men's basketball team was dreadful. In the two years I've been gone they have started coming around. This year was a huge step forward. Though the men's team was overlooked by the NCAA selection committee, the Nittany Lions accepted an invitation to the NIT. After a near disaster versus George Mason, the men went on to vanquish Rhode Island, Florida, Notre Dame, and finally Baylor to capture the programs second ever postseason title. After the game, Talor Battle's younger step-brother Taran Buie committed to the program. Buie is ranked as the 37th best prospect in the nation in the 2010 recruiting class. Though a few key contributors leave, the team should be competitive again in 2009-2010 and could make a deep run in 2010-2011.

2008-2009 Pittsburgh Men's Basketball: Not a team I follow or care much about but, again, great for the state. They were ranked #1 in the nation at least once and made it to the Elite Eight. There they lost to...

2008-2009 Villanova Men's Basketball: The Wildcats earned a three seed in the tournament after a 26-7 record. Four wins later, including an epic one over Pittsburgh to get to the Final Fout, and Villanova has a chance to make this year even better. They now must defeat preseason favorite North Carolina to make the title game. No matter what the outcome of the game tomorrow the Wildcats helped make this year quite memorable.

Has the last 12 months been the greatest in sports history? For the state of Pennsylvania, possibly. For me, definitely. May the next 12 be even better!

Dolphins Interested in Past and Future to Improve Present

The Dolphins had a busy weekend. Reports on two separate yet equally interesting developments made it to the media and they promptly took the bait. First, The Miami Herald reports that on a recent scouting trip taken by the trifecta - Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano - a fourth member of the organization joined them: second-year QB Chad Henne.

Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne embarked on a multicity tour of the country with the team's top three decision makers, during which time he has been throwing to potential draft picks.

The team asked Henne if he wanted to join their crew for the trip, and he agreed. During the trip, the Dolphins will work out more than six receiving prospects in several cities.

This is just another step towards handing the keys to the Dolphins offense to Henne in 2010. Henne is evaluating the available talent and to receivers he'd presumably be throwing to in just over a year (or sooner if Chad Pennington is injured). His willingness to go on the trip backs up the notion put forth by the current regime that Henne is just biding his time before he is the team leader. It also helps that Parcells and Co. have continually shown faith in the kid and this reinforcement could send his confidence through the roof, something young QB sometimes lack.

On the scouting trip, Henne threw to first round prospects Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) and Percy Harvin (Florida).

In addition to the new Henne development, The Miami Herald also reports that former Miami DE/OLB Jason Taylor is welcome to return to the Dolphins a year after the player wanted nothing to do with a rebuilding effort.

The choice will be largely up to Taylor. And the choice largely will determine who Taylor is and what he is about. If he is still driven by a desire to put himself in the best spot to win a title, he must go to New England.

But Taylor is said to also be motivated by a desire to remain close to his family and not put them through the difficulties of his disastrous 2008 experience, when he lived in Washington and they stayed in South Florida.

No team except the Dolphins can fulfill Taylor's desire to remain close to his family.

Armando Salguero, the articles author, points out that the relationship rift between Taylor and Parcells has healed and both have respect and nothing but praise for one another.

MY TAKE: Yes and yes. On the Henne front this makes me ecstatic. As a huge Henne fan and supporter, the reality is setting in that, were Miami to win a Super Bowl in the next 5-10 years, a kid I played football with could be the one leading them to victory Holy crap.

In regards to Taylor I'm all for it. Why not? As the article points out, Sparano knows that you can never have too many pass rushers. Even if Taylor would come back to Miami this regime is set on drafting a pass rusher early. Both Porter and Taylor are old and on the downside of their careers; new blood is needed regardless. How great would it be for someone so loved by the organization and fans to return? Even though I hated the way he handled things last offseason, he remains a standup guy off the field and a great leader and player on it. Please come back, Jason.

It's (Almost) Henne Time in Miami

The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero is telling it like it is, even if some fans don't want to think about. Chad Henne is the Dolphins QB of the future. He will start in 2010. But what about 2009?

Head coach Tony Sparano has already gone on record saying 2008 Comeback Player of the Year Chad Pennington is the teams QB to start the 2009 season. No questions asked. However Sparano leaves himself enough room to mix things up. Pennington signed a 2-year deal prior to the 2008 season. He'll be a free agent in less than a year. Do the Dolphins really want to extend someone who may not be the starter come 2010? Because, according to sources, he won't be sitting atop the Miami depth chart a year from now.

Expect to see this a lot this summer... and every Sunday in the coming years.

In his article, Salguero credits a source for many conclusions such as Henne seeing extensive time during training camp and the preseason. Henne - despite playing in only three games and throwing just 12 passes - has impressed the entire front office, including those that are most important (Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Sparano).

But what happens to Pennignton? After finishing second in the MVP race, is it necessary to toss him aside with out witnessing his 2009 season? It all depends on what the team and he wants. According to Salguero, Miami will make it known that Henne is their starter in 2010 and Pennington is more than welcome to return to the Dolphins with a reasonable salary - and to be his backup. Why?

Henne has better arm strength, and that could improve Miami's passing attack. The Dolphins also do not dismiss the effect Henne might have on the development of a receiver such as Ted Ginn Jr.

Though I stated multiple times that Henne would be Miami's starter in 2008, it was before the acquisition of Pennington. I still stand by my guarantee; there were just extenuating circumstances that kept it from coming to fruition. Henne has the talent. I have seen it first hand. The Dolphins know it. You'll see it - just not for another season.

UPDATE, 1:30 PM - I bumped this article back to the top because Pro Football Talk is now reporting on this story as well as another one Salguero published today, which includes more quote from Sparano on Henne's preparation for the future. I'm trying to link to Salguero's new piece but his blog is not cooperating at the moment.

The Future, Not the Present

Henne is confident and calm, and every turn he gets on the field confirms publicly that the Miami brass believes privately: That he is this franchise's future quarterback.

- Armando Salguero, Miami Herald

The future isn't now. Miami was blown out by Arizona yesterday but rookie QB Chad Henne made his regular season debut during the final drive of the 4th quarter. His precision, arm strength, and decision making on that drive has many Dolphins fans clamoring for him to start sooner rather than later. Henne was 7 of 12 for 67 yards. Head Coach Tony Sparano has already declared the other Chad, Chad Pennington, the starter when Miami visits New England on Sunday. The following week is a bye. Will the Chad Henne era begin during week 5? It all depends on how Pennington performs next week.

Now I Don't Have to Look at Favre Whenever I Play Madden

Custom Sports Covers has saved me from having to look at the drama queen every time I want to play Madden 09. Thank you very much! Head on over to that site for well over 100 other Madden 09 covers plus ones for the NCAA and NBA games, too.

Veterans Hoping for Henne?

Rookie Chad Henne (7) has reportedly played better than second year pro John beck (Miami Herald).

Yes, another post about Chad Henne. I'm just trying to hammer in how good he really is. Despite numerous Miami fans being in love with John Beck (I'm not really sure why, he hasn't done anything for us) and wanting him to start and succeed with the team, Chad is clearly the better option. He is 5 years younger than Beck and comes from a more sophisticated offense and played against stiffer competition (Michigan vs BYU). Beck reportedly threw over 7,000 passes in the offseason and spent a lot of time with new QBs coach David Lee. It hasn't shown during training camp. Josh McCown has been the steadiest of the 3 but has struggled more recently. All reports out of Davie, FL report that Henne has improved almost every day and that he most likely has already bypassed Beck. This has not been confirmed - and will not be for a few more weeks - by the coaching staff. However the writing is on the wall. Chad was picked by this regime; Beck is a holdover from the disastrous 2007 campaign. McCown is merely a seat warmer and a player the staff is willing to sacrifice until Chad is ready. Could that be week 1? I have been saying it will for some time now. But I am obviously biased. What do the Miami veterans believe?

...several veteran defensive players have expressed surprise with how much Chad Henne has injected himself into the race, outshining John Beck and challenging front-runner Josh McCown...

Defensive end Vonnie Holliday said Tuesday that before camp started, he would have been surprised if Henne ended up starting on opening day. And now? "I wouldn't be that surprised," he said. "I like the way the guy carries himself. He's not intimidated."

Henne has worked extensively with the first team for three consecutive practices and has exceeded expectations, safety Yeremiah Bell said. "He has a chance to win this job," Bell added. "You can't overlook that he's very impressive."

Those excerpts are from Barry Jackson's recent notes on Dolphins training camp (from the Miami Herald).

Henne Still Has a Chance to Start in Week 1

Dolphins rookie QB Chad Henne (7) hands off to fellow rookie Lex Hilliard during training camp (Miami Herald).

Despite the Dolphins first depth chart naming Josh McCown as the starter, Miami Dolphins Coach Tony Sparano has emphasized that it is still an open competition.

I don't make much of it right now. It's something that we had to produce and put out there, but that depth chart that you have in your hand won't be the same this [Monday] afternoon let alone [Tuesday].

McCown and and rookie Chad Henne have been the best of the group, with second year player John Beck in third. This first depth chart was organized by seniority so it goes McCown, Beck, Henne. Don't think it will stay that way long. The Miami Herald's Jeff Darlington adds:

Most notably, it's becoming important to watch every repetition taken by Henne, who has been making a solid push in the past few days.

Asked when the last time he wasn't listed as the starter, the four-year starter from Michigan had a blank look on his face.

"The bottom of the depth chart? Not that I can remember."

And maybe, not for much longer.

As I have stated since Chad was drafted by Parcells and Co., he will challenge for the starting position from Day 1. He is a fast learner, has a cannon for an arm, is a good leader, and a great competitor. And he is right. He has always been the starter because he has always been the best. Why should anyone think that will change now?

UPDATE from Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:

I think the trifecta is serious about starting henne.

He is spending a third straight practice running with the first team. Wow

Henne Relaxes Before Training Camp

Dolphins 2nd round pick Chad Henne has been relaxing back home before he starts his first NFL training camp on July 26th in Miami. A friend of mine spotted him at the Wilson High School gymnasium running sprints (good to know he is working out during his time off). He was also in Leesport, PA on Saturday for an autograph session. It seems as though the night before said session, Chad made a huge life decision; he asked his girlfriend of many years (reported as 7, that sounds about right) to marry him. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel picked up on this. Omar Kelly, in his Dolphins blog, had this to say:

Um, thanks for the life lesson? Anyway, the blue text in the excerpt linked to this article from the Reading Eagle. According to the paper, Chad gave Brittany Hartman a 5.2 carat diamond ring. Damn! This leads me to believe that he will be signing his first multi-million dollar contract with Miami any day now. And that is good news for Dolphin fans.

Congratulations, Chad and Brittany!

It May Be A Little Early But...

Chad Henne worked with Miami's starters today and the Dolphins coaches say it is a true QB race. They do not give an edge to him, 2006 2nd roudner John Beck, or journeyman Josh McCown. Henne played with the 1st team for the first time in his career, coming after a day in which he was third string but performed the best of all the QBs. It is way too early to declare who the QB will be for the 2008 season but as I pointed out on May 2nd, Chad Henne will not be overlooked. And the staff knows this. Unfortunately some of the fans seem to believe Henne has no shot at starting this year. Chad is a fighter and could easily win the job. I'm pulling for him.

Here is an excerpt taken from the article written by Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel...

For those assuming that the Dolphins quarterback competition was a two-man duel between John Beck and veteran Josh McCown, think again, said coach Tony Sparano.

Sparano made it clear that rookie quarterback Chad Henne is in the mix after watching him take snaps with the first team in the first of two practices Saturday morning.

Excellent.

I Told You It Was Ordered

Though I don't think I am supposed to have this yet, here it is...

Click to enlarge.

Technically they aren't supposed to produce player jerseys until the player has signed an NFL contract and signed on with the NFL Players Association. Chad has done neither. And yet I still have a jersey. I won't say where I got it from to keep any company from legal action. And here is more proof that it is indeed in my possession...

If you're wondering why I have a quasi-beard, go here. You should be able to figure it out!

Dolphins' Henne In Action (photo)

The Dolphins first rookie mini-camp started Friday, May 2nd. The camp continues with two practices today and concludes with one practice tomorrow. Here are three pictures of rookie QB Chad Henne.

Hopefully he'll wear these colors for years to come (click to enlarge).

Henne Already Turning Heads

It was the first day of his career as a Miami Dolphin and Chad is already being noticed. This is an excerpt from South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Omar Kelly:

New Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne is loud. Ultra loud!

His voice can he heard all over the Dolphins practice field. It carries, and that's a good thing. Let's just put it this way. I heard every word he said behind center and never heard anything from the other quarterback in this camp.

I've heard rave reviews about Henne's leadership ability, and if his command of the huddle is a sampling of that, Henne shouldn't have a problem gaining his teammates attention. He throws a quick out pass, and seemed to be fairly accurate on day one, but his receivers didn't catch many of what appeared to be "ouch" passes.

Coach Tony Sparano said he was "pleasantly surprised" by Henne, and reiterated Henne, Josh McCown and John Beck will have a "quarterback competition" when training camp opens. Whoever gets it done will be the starter. So basically, there are no favorites.

"At the end of this we're going to find out who the best quarterback is," Sparano said.

Move the offense and score and you'll be a favorite until you stop doing it. Then they'll likely say, "Next" and move on to the next in line.

But here is a hint of what they are looking for.

"With a quarterback it's all about what he does in the huddle. It's how he takes control," Sparano said. "I've been in some situations where we've gone out there and the quarterback quite honestly couldn't get the play out of his mouth on day one. Chad was very good that way today. He took control of the huddle and managed the team fine at the line of scrimmage."

Don't worry. This is already ordered.

Loud. Taking control. Leadership. HARD passes (more on that in a bit). "Pleasantly surprised". I am going out on a limb right now. Mark it down that on May 2nd, 2008, I, Joey Mays, said that former Wilson superstar Chad Henne would be the Dolphins starter come opening day of the 2008 NFL season. Sure I am biased. But I know Chad even more so than these writers. He will compete and learn fast and the fan base and coaches will realize he give the Dolphins the best chance to win. Chad will start versus the Jets on September 7th. Write it down.

OK and now back to the hard throws. Or more specifically his "ouch" passes. This is a true story from my senior year at Wilson (Chad was a junior).

It was early in the season (I can't remember if it was still three-a-days or the first week or two of the season). I had been injured during practice earlier and wasn't participating. I was limping around helping the coaches clean up a few practice areas. There was a commotion down on the main practice field. I ignored it and kept cleaning up. When I walked down to the main practice field I heard a story that would disgust a lot of people.

The athletic trainers told me that one of Chad's passes had broken a kids finger off. Seriously. Clean break of the finger, dangling underneath his hand. I didn't believe it. Then a coach told me the same story. And this was the coach that came to the kids aid right after it had happened. SO it was true. Disgustingly true. The coach said when the kid walked over to him and he looked at his hand he started to look around the field for the finger. He couldn't see it. The kid actually had it tucked behind his hand while he was holding it. CLEAR OFF HIS HAND. A small amount of skin was just holding it there. That is one hard throw! Obviously the ball had to hit him at the right point on his finger but still. Chad freakin' broke a kids finger off (basically). I never envied any of the Wilson receivers or Braylon Edwards, Jason Avant, Marion Manningham, or Adrian Arrington. Playing catch with Chad was enough. No thank you.

Yeah I'd call his throws "ouch" passes.

Somebody Wake Me Up

Am I dreaming? Is this for real?



It is for real. Because I watched it happen. Live. But it is still hard to grasp. I even wrote that this could happen. I read numerous articles on ESPN and from Miami newspapers that the Dolphins wanted Henne. I didn't believe it. I convinced myself it was a smokescreen. I guess not.

How sweet is this? I actually know a Miami Dolphin. I KNOW A MIAMI DOLPHIN. No I haven't talked to him in almost 4 years but still. I played football with him. I blocked for him. And now he plays for arguably my favorite team in any sport. I GET TO BUY HIS JERSEY AND IT WILL BE ORANGE AND TEAL.

The best part about this? He could prove to be a Miami savior. The Dolphins have tried to find a QB since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season. They have tried 12 - yes, 12 - different QBs in the eight seasons since he retired. Henne could be lucky number 13 (same number as Marino and, obviously, he's from PA like Marino). I'm not saying he will become the greatest QB ever. But he has the tools to be good and get the Dolphins back to respectability. It would not surprise me at all if Chad won the job this summer and started the season opener. Wouldn't surprise me one bit. Why? Well he started as a freshman in high school. He started as a freshman in college. He can definitely start as a rookie in the NFL. And he will improve. He will.

Welcome to Miami, Chad. I am glad you are here. Even if it's still hard to believe.

Well, well, well...

I'd first like to state that the NFL is stupid. Dan Connor still available after 2 rounds? This dude is easily first round talent. Wake up.

That being said, I'd like to state that Justin King is in fact a ginormous idiot. Over 3 months ago, I posted that he was an idiot for declaring. What the hell was Kiper Jr. saying he could go late 1st round? I'm glad he proved me correct. Again, I don't wish him any ill will, I'm just glad he's learning his lesson. Declaring for the draft was the dumbest thing he could have done. Juniors declare for the draft because they really can't improve their draft stock (ie Ray Rice of Rutgers) or if they really need money to support their family (though that seems to be more common in basketball). King had everything to improve and he declared anyway...and now he's paying the price. If he stuck around and refined his skills, he absolutely could have found his way into the 1st round. However, he's an arrogant one and thought that declaring early was a good idea. Well, it's a good idea if you like a few million dollars as opposed to about ten million dollars. King is a frekin idiot and I'm glad that he's paying the price. He never really did much for us at PSU anyway.

On another note, I'm really curious to see if someone takes a late 7th round flyer on Morelli. I'd seriously lol for days if somebody does. What did he get...a 5.1 40 at the combine? Seriously, his only redeeming aspect is he can heave the ball a decent length. His character is crap (I've heard stories that I'm sure scouts didn't hear), his accuracy is crap, and well...he's just crap.

Also, congrats to J Mays for his Dolphins takin' his boy Henne. Unfortunately (according to my friend), Henne didn't look as thrilled but I wish him the best...I typically dislike Wolverines but J Mays' love for him might have rubbed off on me a little bit.

I don't even really know what to make of the Jets' draft so far. I'm incredibly disappointed that McFadden didn't fall to us but realize Gholston could be a really good pick. Then again, Dwayne Robertson was supposed to be a good pick at #4 overall a few years back for us...oops...I understand Dustin Keller is a pretty solid TE...but I'm still bitter we didn't take J.J. Hardy. Frankly, I think it was a poor trade because we could have had Hardy at #37 and kept our other 4th round pick. I wanted this guy. Yes, he torched the overrated Justin King last year but he's 6'5! The Jets need that...bad...

How Sweet It Is...Henne to Dolphins?

Will Chad Henne soon call South Florida home? Find out on April 26th.

I scour many Dolphins websites and the local Miami/South Florida newspapers trying to catch up on a team I am always disconnected from. It's hard to be tied to a team and living so far away from the organization and the rest of the fan base. But I maintain my loyalty, never wavering, despite their recent dismal results.

One of the ways I try to deal with the distance is by always knowing what is happening, through the newspapers and websites. Come draft time, I always know the team needs and the best prospects available. I have been watching the NFL Draft since 1995...I was 10. Recently, I started creating my own mock. I did so for the 2007 draft but did not have a means to show it to the public. Now that have this blog I can show it and have 6 times so far for the 2008 draft. My personal accuracy for 2007 was over 25%. You may scoff at that but I am proud to say that I predicted 1 in 4 first round picks correctly. After all, I am an amateur and have done very little film study. I don't get paid to do this so I can't invest 8+ hours a day on it (although I wish I did and could).

When it comes time for the Dolphins to draft, I know a few things will happen:

1. They will trade away draft picks for crappy or washed up veterans (A.J. Feeley, Trent Green).
2. They will need a QB and either won't take one or will take the wrong one (the jury is still out on John Beck).
3. They will not take any player that I have grown to like, whether he be a Penn State graduate or a player from Wilson High School (Kerry Collins & John Gilmore who, coincidentally, fulfill both criteria here).

Number one should be done for now. The new regime of Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano will not do stupid draft pick deals. Yes, they already traded a pick this year and next year for Ferguson. But it was a swap of 6th rounders this year and a 6th rounder next year. Not too big a deal. Number two will be addressed this year, most likely between rounds two and four. Is it possible that number three will be fulfilled in 2008 as well? According to a recent South Florida Sun-Sentinel Dolphins beat writer blog it is a distinct possibility.

Based on the level of interest the Dolphins have shown in Flacco and Henne I fully believe the Dolphins will end up with one of these two quarterbacks with one of their second round selections...

WHAT!?!? Sweeeeet. Not only would selecting Chad Henne fulfill items two and three on that draft list, I FREAKIN' PLAYED FOOTBALL WITH HIM...FOR 8 YEARS! I would actually know a Miami Dolphin.

I want this to happen. Not only because I've played football with him and because he is from Wilson. I honestly think he is going to be a better pro player than uber overrated Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. In my opinion, Brian Brohm, Chad Henne, and Josh Johnson (yeah, who?) will be the best 3 QBs from the 2008 draft. You heard it here first.