The funny thing with football – being the most team-oriented team sport, is you can always spread blame in a number of places. However, accountability on Offense lies (primarily) with the OC and QB.

Now since we’re not privy to Miami’s practices and game-plan implementations we can only assume the coaching staff has a decent idea what Henne and the Offense (as a unit) are capable of, and inversely, not capable of.

With that in mind it’s reasonable they structure the game plan to help Henne and the offense be successful. After that – as we all know, the players have to execute. But the key point is – any decent coach isn’t going to ask his players to do things they cannot do (verifiably and consistently) in practice.

This makes me wonder just how much “confidence” the staff has in Henne’s ability to execute since they seem “hesitant” to let it fly on game day. Frankly, Henne has been up and down in his play, and that inconsistency definitely affects the way our coaching staff calls the game Offensively.

Counterpoint: it’s ridiculous to think the coaching staff is deliberately holding Henne back if they were convinced he could light up the scoreboard for 30 or 40 points.

Maybe they are trying to bring him along too conservatively? Or maybe they simply don’t trust his skill set enough to open the game more in his direction? The key point here is CONSISTENCY. And the lack of consistency, in game plan, game management and execution on the field is killing drives and truncating scoring.

I don't think they're deliberately holding him back while simultaneously being convinced that he could light up the board for 30-40. That would blatantly betray us as fans.

However, I could see the coaches allowing their philosophy to influence their handling of Henne. In fact, I think many coaches throughout the history of the game have been guilty of allowing their philosophy to override the talents and capabilities of their players. And I'm sure that every one of them would claim that they are trying to structure the game plan to help their QB and offense be successful. On the flip side, the most successful coaches seem to be able to adapt to players and maximize their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.

- Dungy - running and defense w/TB...Passing to SB win with Indy
- Billick - highest scoring offense (at the time) in history in MIN, won SB with defense in BALT. (they once went 5 straight games w/o an offensive TD that season and still won 2 of the games)
- Belicheck - heck, he's reinvented his formula on the same team depending upon what tools they've had at their disposal. Moss? Nah, we'll throw to our TEs. Running game? Depends, do we have Cory Dillon or not?

I think I agree most with your final statement. Consistency - across the board - is what is lacking. Henne started the game 0-4 and ended it 0-3...that means he was 23/29 (almost 80%) for 257 yds and a TD in the middle. I already outlined that I didn't particularly care for the playcalling in the first two series, the last one I probably blame Henne more than Henning. The run might have caught PIT off guard and made some yards...didn't, but might have. Fasano flat-out dropped the 2nd down pass, which might/probably would have resulted in a 1st down. But, how you don't throw to Marshall on either of the last two plays is beyond me. I don't know if it's play design, play call or execution, but the last series was awful.

Here's the prblem as I see it. Henne can and needs to play better, but then so does the rest of the team and Henne is not playing badly this season as a whole.

We need speed on offense...thats why I was screaming so loudly for us to draft Demarius Thomas. We don't have receivers that can get open deep nor do we have any that can get open quickly, and that's whats hurting the offense the most from a player perspective.

The lion's share of blame is IMHO to be placed squarely on Dan Henning's shoulders (if blame is to be assigned singularly)...he tries to be too cute at times, he presses the use of options that are not working, and he is all too often too conservative. There was no logical reason to run the ball on our first two red zone posessions nor was there a reason be running on our final posession.

Those that call for Henne's head and want Penny, I love Penny but have you seen him throw? I watch him warm up before the game every home game and he throws pop flies, his arm is gone..... I would love for Penny to be great and come in and win a bunch of games, but with his arm right now I can't see that happening.... Henne Needs to be unleashed and throw some deep passes, and stop staring down Bess all the time.... He plays scared at times..... It is ok to make a mistake just get that fire burning....

It is classic, "Backup QB being everones best friend" syndrome around here... WHy because he does nothing week in week out for fans to be mad at or complain about therefore, he must be the answer...lol... As well as the grass is always greener syndrome mixed in. Don't worry all those that suffer from these syndromes, it is natural, and you will eventually recover, once the success of your team smacks you in the face, until then try not to take your syndromes out on other people. Everything will be OK. It is alright to be optimistic about the present and future. Dont be ashamed of what you have. Be thankful its not that hard... Cam Cameron is gone and has been for 2.5 years the worst is behind us. Even if you were chanting for Brady QUinn on draft day, and now you are hating on Henne, Eveything will be ok just let it go..lol

No its that Marshall will take Penningtons pass's and make TD's out of them thats the differance, Pennington's noodle arm doesnt matter as everyone pointed out we don't have speed on offense, so if all we got are possession recievers then why not put in a outstandingly smart know's what to do QB that can actualy utilize our offense the way that our coachs intend to use it.

If we had a deep threat, and did 4 wr sets alot then I would say keep in Henne, but we don't and he doesnt have the mental power to run our two te set I formation under center plays.

Look at the results. Average boring plays that rarely score TD's resulting in close loss's that should be win's.

Mia1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If we had a deep threat, and did 4 wr sets alot
> then I would say keep in Henne, but we don't and
> he doesnt have the mental power to run our two te
> set I formation under center plays.
>
> Look at the results. Average boring plays that
> rarely score TD's resulting in close loss's that
> should be win's.

I'm really starting to think the fault is on the coaching staff. They don't have confidence in Henne, so they either restrict what he can do or over-coach him (like blaming him for Hartline's fumble). They wouldn't dare do that with Pennington, because he was Parcells' boy and a proven vet.

At this point, the only way Henne gets the freedom (and subsequent confidence) to show what he can do is:

1. Sparano and Henning get canned. The new coach gives Henne more freedom.

2. Henning gets fired and the new OC convinces Sparano to give Henne more freedom.

3. Henne gets benched and eventually traded.

As for the result, I can't say. All I know is at this point we really don't know how good or bad Henne is.

Mia1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> No its that Marshall will take Penningtons pass's
> and make TD's out of them thats the differance,
> Pennington's noodle arm doesnt matter as everyone
> pointed out we don't have speed on offense, so if
> all we got are possession recievers then why not
> put in a outstandingly smart know's what to do QB
> that can actualy utilize our offense the way that
> our coachs intend to use it.
>
> If we had a deep threat, and did 4 wr sets alot
> then I would say keep in Henne, but we don't and
> he doesnt have the mental power to run our two te
> set I formation under center plays.
>
> Look at the results. Average boring plays that
> rarely score TD's resulting in close loss's that
> should be win's.

Contrary to popular belief, Brandon Marshall does not score a lot of TDs. And he doesn't average a lot of yards per catch. He has just 26 receiving TDs in his 4.5 year career. 2009 was the only year that he had more than 7 TDs. To put that in perspective, Chris Chambers had 30 career TD at the same point in his career. Marshall is not a TD machine in the mold of Mark Clayton. He is a possession receiver. His career average is 12.3 yards per catch. He makes a lot of plays, but they aren't usually for long gains or TDs. To suggest that somehow the weak-armed Pennington is suddenly going to make Marshall a big time TD threat is quite a leap.

I'd argue that the worst thing for Marshall would be Pennington. Marshall doesn't appear to get much separation on the underneath routes. He uses his size to ward the defender off the ball. With Pennington's weaker arm, the defender has more time to get around Marshall and make the play. And the last couple of games, we have been throwing those 17 yard deep-ins to Marshall. Pennington can't make that throw. The safety would break it up every time. There are some throws Pennington just can't make, and the 17 yard deep-outs and deep-ins are two of them.

The issue with the 2 TE set is not Henne's mental capacity. Its that we don't have 2 TEs worth having on the field. We don't have a single catch from a 2nd TE this season. We haven't even attempted a pass to a second TE. The two backups TEs on the roster are undrafted rookies who were cut by other teams. That is the issue with the 2 TE set, a lack of talent.

There also is a general misconception about how good Pennington really is. He's only had 2 really great years in his whole career. One of them happened to come in Miami, so that's what people remember. And his first year as a starter was great. But, in between, he had 5 years where he was basically a guy who threw as many INT as he did TD (58 TD over 5 years, versus 49 INT). That averages to 11 TD and 10 INT per year. He's really smart, and he's accurate, but he's not that great.

And as for the accuracy, Pennington is the all-time career leader at 66.1%. Henne is completing 63.1% this season. That's very good. Henne is averaging 7.0 yards per attempt. Pennington's career average is 7.2. It's difficult to see where Pennington would be any sort of major upgrade. In his career, according to profootballreference.com, Pennington has 7 4th quarter come backs and 11 game winning drives. In 1/5th as many career games, Henne has 3 come backs and 3 game winning drives. In the last 3 playoff games he has started, Pennington's teams are 0-3, and he's thrown 2 TD and 5 INT. He's also never stayed healthy for two consecutive seasons. In an 11 year career, Pennington has started more than 10 games just 4 times. He is not part of our future, and there is no reason to play him. This team is not going to the Super Bowl in 2010. We still have too many holes to be a serious contender. This team is still building for the future. And as such, there is no reason to play Pennington.

I love Chad Pennington, he has to be one of the classiest players ever in the NFL IMO. And his smarts and leardership are as good as any. But he is definitely NOT the answer at QB, physically he's simply too broken-down.

We live or die with Henne at this point. And if he really falters I'd expect us to go with Thigpen before Chad P.

Now I'm not calling for Henne's head. On the contrary, I think he's a good QB that's being held back....but I hope we find out whether or not he's going to cut it before we turn Thigpen loose. I believe that guy may turn out to be a quality QB for somebody.

I like his pocket awareness and ability to scramble. He has a strong arm and isn't afraid to use it. That can bring some much needed excitement to this team.

Ive seen how others have posted....Quote: the only way henne doesnt play is if he gets injured...And i agree with it....

That been said thigpen has a lot of potential to be a good QB in this league. He sure gave us fits when we played kansas city last year or the year before or whatever....He is young and has a good arm and can scramble.

With that said..I dont think henne is going anywhere near the bench yet. Anyone in their right mind would agree that We have not lost a single game because of henne. Its been special teams that have been disastrous.

Yea I take it back Special Teams are this team's reason we're not going to the playoffs. On the other hand if the special teams play well we're going to the Super Bowl!

Welead Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yea I take it back Special Teams are this team's
> reason we're not going to the playoffs. On the
> other hand if the special teams play well we're
> going to the Super Bowl!

Never said we are going to the superbowl.....


We lost both the jets and pats game because of special teams....Did you even see the games??????

Are you blind?

thats what i meant.

Sam: what's your excuse for Henne when we lose to Cinci? Just want to get it on the record now since you stated several items that might make it easier for Henne to win games. Also you are mistaken if you think Dolphin fans did not expect to get into the playoffs this year, which means a shot at the Super Bowl. Wow what low expectations you have.

There's a difference between having a chance to make the playoffs and being serious Super Bowl contenders, this team had and still has a chance to get into the playoffs, this team is not and should never of been considered serious Super Bowl contenders, too young at too many key positions. Welead you're obviously a troll, you started your account about 3/4 weeks ago and have done nothing but bash Henne and this team ever since, time to move on to another team or go back to internet porn kid, your schtick is getting old.

dolphaholic Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There's a difference between having a chance to
> make the playoffs and being serious Super Bowl
> contenders, this team had and still has a chance
> to get into the playoffs, this team is not and
> should never of been considered serious Super Bowl
> contenders, too young at too many key positions.
> Welead you're obviously a troll, you started your
> account about 3/4 weeks ago and have done nothing
> but bash Henne and this team ever since, time to
> move on to another team or go back to internet
> porn kid, your schtick is getting old.


Exactly.

dolph: I've certainly considered going to other sites where the conversation is not all personal attacks such as your own. I've stated my reasons why we're losing, Henne basically, while you have not given on single argument for any of Henne's skills. He has a big arm? So what. He hasn't thrown over 40 yards more than twice, he's playing it safe with dinks and dunks and if that's the case, Pennington would be head and shoulders better and more winning than clueless Henne.

You get the personal attacks because you're a troll. It's really that simple.

Why is it you cannot argue in favor of Henne? When you disagree with somebody you call them "troll." That's pretty weak in my book. This site is open to anybody who signs up and is in accordance of the terms and conditions. I think my opinion is as good as any. Is it that the old regulars are getting stale and have nothing insightful to say anymore?

OK you win welead, Henne sucks! Now move on please

Welead Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sam: what's your excuse for Henne when we lose to
> Cinci?


Well we have not lost yet. Iam a dolphin fanatic and i believe we are going to win sunday.

It could go either way. We'll have to wait and see.

Henne looked good today. He seemed more relaxed. Even saw him smiling.
I think he'll be just fine.

Henne had one bonehead INT today but otherwise played well, I thought.

Drops did not help him.

I'm seeing a trend in those risky throws. We only send 2-3 receivers and keep everybody in to block. Basically we are getting automatic double coverage on every guy going down the field.

It's questionable playcalling.

TheFutt Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm seeing a trend in those risky throws. We only
> send 2-3 receivers and keep everybody in to block.
> Basically we are getting automatic double
> coverage on every guy going down the field.
>
> It's questionable playcalling.


I don't have a problem with the patterns with 3 receivers in them, it's the ones where just 1 or two guys go out that irk me. Especially when one of the guys is Marshall. You know he is going to be double or triple teamed. By sending fewer guys into the pattern, you are helping them cover Henne.

Another big issue is our spacing. We don't even attempt to stretch the field, and we'll have all of our receivers within 15-20 yards of the line of scrimmage. It clogs things up and makes fitting throws in difficult. On the INT, we had Hartline and Marshall running into the same area of the field, from opposite angles. But, the end result is that by doing so, you draw 4 defenders in the vicinity of your two receivers.

The INT was a poor decision, and a poor throw. But, the overall offensive scheme is not easy on a QB.

-------------------------------------------------------
> Welead Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Sam: what's your excuse for Henne when we lose
> to
> > Cinci?
>


Whats your excuse now that we won?

Henne still stinks right? Yeah i know!!!!!!!!

ChyrenB, are you related to Henne? I guess he needs someone on his side. Many parts of our offense have been slipping. The elite teams or elite QBs will take it upon themselves to get it done when the rest of the team wont. Henne is not in that position and for him to be successful, he needs everyone to be on their A game.

Crowder: I don't appreciate the name calling. My prediction was Phins 21, Bungles 17.

I'm still laughing at the fact that some of you think a QB in his second year HAS to be elite already.

I don't like everything I see from Henne, but he is not playing nearly as bad as some of you would like to believe.

I'm probably the youngest poster on this board...and Chad Henne is younger than I am. Cut him some slack...you may not like it but if he is the kind of guy who can learn from his mistakes, then he'll grow.