From One Chad to the Next…Or Not
On Sunday afternoon, the season and potentially career ended for one of the most underrated QB’s in NFL history. Chad Pennington was put on IR today by the Miami Dolphins due to a torn capsule in his right shoulder. This will be Pennington’s third surgery on his right shoulder and might force the quarterback into retirement.
Pennington, who is one of the great guys in the NFL, also is the most accurate QB in NFL history. He never had a laser for an arm, but was always able to put a great touch on the ball to complete passes. The ball just seemed to float into the receiver, and it always drove opposing fans and players crazy as they were left wondering how they weren’t able to get to the ball. As a Dolphins fan, I have witnessed both sides of Pennington. I have been driven crazy by the Fins defense not getting to the ball when he was the field general for the Jets and then last season fully appreciating his abilities as he led the Dolphins from a 1-15 season to an 11-5 season and an AFC East Division title.
If it is in fact the end of your career, thanks for the memories Chad. If he does attempt a comeback, there is no doubt in my mind he could win his 3rd comeback player of the year award.
Now the Dolphins are in a very tough spot. Having started the season 0-3, it appears they are turning the team over to 2ndyear QB Chad Henne. Henne is the exact opposite of Pennington. He is a big arm quarterback who is not exactly known for his accuracy. Coming from the University of Michigan, he is a true student of the game who will be able to take hold of the offense. The major question for him will be his accuracy and whether he can keep his composure when under pressure. If he can’t get it done by November 1, the Dolphins will turn to the newly acquired…..
Tyler Thigpen, who was obtained from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick. Thigpen is a very athletic kid who proved he can play at this level last year for the Kansas City Chiefs. Thigpen, who has great mobility and can throw great on the run, is actually a perfect fit for the Dolphins and their wildcat offense.
It will be interesting to see how the Dolphins season shapes up the rest of the way as they face a very difficult schedule. They now have three young quarterbacks on the roster in Henne, Thigpen and Pat White. One of the three should be able to step up and become the Dolphins quarterback of the future. My guess is Henne has the next few games to prove himself capable and if he doesn’t the Dolphins will turn to Thigpen assuming he has picked up the offense. From 1-15 to 11-5 to 0-3 and now a team in search of a quarterback, the Dolphins franchise has certainly been through its ups and downs the last few seasons.
