NFL FanHouse

Tom Brady: I've Never 'Influenced a Call'

Chris Burke — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:20:00 EST

Coincidence or not, after Tom Brady missed almost all of the 2008 season after a low hit tore the Patriots star's left MCL and ACL, the NFL's Competition Committee made clear that it would enforce more strictly a rule preventing defenders from tackling quarterbacks at or below the knee. It was affectionately dubbed "The Brady Rule" by folks outside the league office.

And the Patriots have benefitted from the increased focus on QB protection, with their opponents picking up five roughing the passer penalties in seven games. One, in particular, raised some eyebrows -- in New England's Week 4 win over Baltimore, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs gently brushed Brady's knee, and Brady gestured back at referee Ron Winter, and a flag came flying.

Winter might have thrown the flag regardless of Brady's reaction -- it is in the rule book, after all, though the rule states that forcible contact must me made -- but, nonetheless, the anti-Brady folk out there used it as evidence that Brady gets whatever he wants from officials.

Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter picked up that banner and is carrying it into Miami's game in New England this week. During an interview with the NFL Network's Rich Eisen, Porter said there's "no question" that Brady receives preferential treatment.

"When a guy can tell a ref when to throw a flag, and he gets it, he's got his own rules," Porter said, according to Pro Football Talk. "They made the rule that you don't go at the legs for Tom, so when he feels that someone is going at his legs, he just points to the ref and he gets a flag. So I can honestly say that he gets his own rules."

On Friday, Brady respectfully disagreed.

"No, I don't think so, " Brady told the Boston Globe when asked if he's ever forced a ref's hand. "You may get more calls. I don't know. I think the ref calls what he sees. I don't think I've ever influenced a call. The refs we have are very good. If they make a call on that, great. If they don't, that's fine."

Brady's situation aside, some of this can be chalked up to the league-wide epidemic regarding QB-protection penalties. It's not just New England that has benefited from some ticky-tack roughing the passer calls. Between the low hits, hits to the head, late hits, and tackles deemed unnecessarily ruthless, the number of flags flying when quarterbacks take a shot are rising everywhere.

Beyond that, though, is it really that surprising for Brady to get an extra flag here or there? Whether it's supported by the stats or not, high-profile players always seem to get away with a bit more than your average guy. That's not just an NFL issue -- look at LeBron James in the NBA or Sidney Crosby in the NHL. The perception is that they get a few freebies just because of reputation -- and while it's unfair to hang accusations like that on refs, it's also not totally unfathomable that it happens.

If you're officiating a Patriots game, knowing Brady's recent history, and you see someone clip him on the knee while he stumbles and looks to you for a call -- whether he explicitly asks for one or not -- there's a good chance you'd be more inclined to throw a flag. It's just human nature, not to mention the rule justifying a penalty there if his knee gets hit.

But regardless of Brady's personal protection, Porter's words -- as they often do -- added some extra spice to this weekend's AFC East showdown. It'll be interesting to see what happens if he comes in low on New England's golden boy.

Tom Brady: I've Never 'Influenced a Call' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coach Killers, Week 8: Jets' Kickoff Unit

Tom Mantzouranis — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Jets

Every week, NFL FanHouse hits the lowlights from Sunday's action, looking at those players who did the most to move their head coaches that much closer to returning to the Bed and Breakfast business.

The Jets entered Week 8 allowing 20.4 yards per return. The Dolphins entered Week 8 gaining a hair over 22 yards per return. It seemed we were set for an unremarkable day of kickoffs.

And then Ted Ginn, Jr. happened.

Ginn, the beleaguered receiver (so much so, in fact, that he was the featured subject in this space a few weeks ago), was on the right side of the highlights for almost the first time this season after touchdown kickoff returns of 100 and 101 yards. As they say on the NFL Network, if they're showing kickoff highlights somebody either did something really good or something really bad. Ginn did good.

Or did the Jets do bad?

The vocal team and its vocal coach can talk all they want, as they did before the rematch against the Dolphins (and pretty much the entire season). Good teams win games that they've got in the bag. In outgaining the Dolphins 378 yards to 104, sacking Chad Henne six times, holding an advantage in time of possession of over eight minutes, and keeping the vaunted rushing attack to just 52 yards, the Jets should have had this one in the bag.

It made me think of something that was discussed during the Jets game against the Saints earlier this season -- Rex Ryan's words about how if you win two of the three phases of the game, you should win the game. Offense and defense? Advantage, Jets. Special teams? Advantage, Dolphins.

Scoreboard? Advantage, Dolphins.

Say what you will about Ginn, but the guy's got athletic talent that stands out even in this league of the best of the best. And the return game is where athleticism shines -- it gives stellar athletes a chance to let their skill lift them above the pack. Given enough opportunities this season, Ginn was going to make a couple of big plays in the return game. It was inevitable.

But in the same game? Of 100 and 101 yards? On top of four more returns at a 24.5 average (Ginn totaled six for 299 yards)? That's inexcusable. And when you consider that two of the four other returns were saved by Jay Feely tackles ... well, geez.

The first return looks to be much about play design: the Jets' coverage overloads to Ginn's left, but the Dolphins counter by sealing off that side pretty well, allowing Ginn to hit the right sideline. The Dolphins were prepared for the play and blocked it well, though Danny Woodhead has a chance to tackle Ginn at the 22-yard line and just whiffs. Though a couple of other Jets get close to Ginn, it's unrealistic to expect them to make the tackle once he evades Woodhead -- Ginn's a fast guy who hit the sideline at top speed, after all.

The second return is inexcusable. NFL Network caught Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff instructing the unit on covering the kickoff, and clearly is motioning the team to force Ginn to take the middle of the field. And it works, initially. Ginn tries breaking left, like in the first return, then cuts back up the gut when he sees both sides are covered. But when you force him to the middle, the second part of the equation is, you know, finishing a tackle. Larry Izzo misses one at the 18. Ryan Fowler follows by coming up empty, as well. Then four Jets converge on Ginn, but none of them are strong enough to get off their blocks (none of which are really strong blocks, mind you) and tackle him. After Ginn emerges from that little huddle, he's back to the right sideline and, just like in the first return, there's no catching him after that.

So for as much bluster as we've heard from the Meadowlands this season, the Jets clearly still have work to do. While the yapping is entertaining during the week, it looks silly in hindsight when you lose a game because of one chronically plagued facet of the game.

Meanwhile, here's to Ted Ginn. You made this space yet again. This time, though, for all the right reasons.

Coach Killers, Week 8: Jets' Kickoff Unit originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ted Ginn Responds to Benching

Chris Burke — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Jets

The Dolphins pulled receiver Ted Ginn from their starting lineup Sunday, just a couple days after telling him to "get better." Ginn responded by taking back-to-back kickoffs to the house in Miami's key 30-25 win over the Jets in New York -- busting loose for a 100-yard score early in the third quarter, then topping the feat with a 101-yard score just moments later.

Ginn, who was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Brian Hartline, had no catches (though, to be fair, neither did Hartline), but Ginn rediscovering his big-play ability on special teams was a welcome sign for Miami.

Prior to Ginn's first breakthrough, the Dolphins and Jets were locked in an intense defensive battle. Feely's 55-yard field goal gave New York a 6-3 lead, but Ginn quickly turned the momentum.

More: Check Box Score | Bears Rout Browns | Ravens End Broncos' Run

On the Jets' ensuing possession, Ginn's teammate Jason Taylor scooped up a Shonn Greene fumble and took it 48 yards to the house for a 17-6 Miami lead. The Jets responded four minutes later when Mark Sanchez scored from one yard out, bringing New York back within four, but then Ginn struck again.

Ginn finished with six kick returns for 294 yards -- 201 coming on the two touchdowns -- as the Dolphins held off a late Jets' charge.

Miami's receiving corps didn't exactly excel in Ginn's absence, though. Davone Bess led the Dolphins' receivers with four catches for a measly 18 yards, Greg Camarillo hauled in one catch for 15 yards, and quarterback Chad Henne's seven other completions went either to tight ends or running backs.

Still, if this is what the Dolphins get when Ginn's allowed to focus exclusively on special teams, they might just keep him as a kick returner.

Ted Ginn Responds to Benching originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolphins to Ted Ginn: 'Get Better'

Chris Burke — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, NFL Analysis

All signs indicate that wide receiver Ted Ginn will see reduced playing time for the Dolphins on Sunday when Miami takes on the Jets. Ginn's starting spot has been in jeopardy recently because of a disappointing lack of production -- aside from an 11-catch, 108-yard performance in Week 2 at Indianapolis, Ginn has just seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown in Miami's five other games.

Despite his pending demotion, though, Ginn claimed that the team hasn't talked with him about marginalizing his role. Instead, according to Ginn, the coaches gave him a pep talk.

"It was more of a motivation talk," Ginn told the Miami Herald. "Get better. You have to get better. Do what you do but get better.''

Sorry, Tedd -- and, granted, I've never played on an NFL team -- but "Get better. You have to get better" is now what coaches say when you lock up the No. 1 role.

Now in his third year out of Ohio State, Ginn's been a constant source of disappointment for the Dolphins. His numbers aren't that awful, especially on a run-heavy team -- 108 catches for 1,400-plus yards -- but he's failed to develop into the game-breaking threat that the Dolphins thought he would. On paper, GInn looks like the perfect fit for Miami's Wildcat attack, but the Dolphins haven't been able to rely on him for production. His longest catch this season, 53 yards, also produced his only touchdown; he hasn't had a reception longer than 21 yards otherwise.

The most damning evidence supporting Miami's frustration with Ginn comes from a glance at the team's WR depth chart. There's really not a ton there, and the Dolphins came up frequently for wide receivers rumored to be on the market in the offseason and prior to the trade deadline.

Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo lead Miami in receptions with 26 and 19, respectively, but neither is a sensational talent. Rookie Brian Hartline, another Ohio State guy that will probably see an increase in reps with Ginn slumping, has made just 10 grabs.

Despite that, Ginn's inching closer to riding the pine -- whether he realizes it or not.

"It's not the first time I've been through it,'' he told the Herald. "All I can do is play the time they ask me to play and make the plays they ask me to make.''

Dolphins to Ted Ginn: 'Get Better' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Allen Reportedly Done for Season

Chris Burke — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:22:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, NFL Injuries

As if blowing a 24-3 home lead and losing to the Saints wasn't bad enough, the Dolphins have lost Will Allen for the season to an ACL injury, the Miami Herald reported Sunday night.

Allen left Miami's 46-34 loss midway through the third quarter. He limped to the locker room, then returned to the sideline with a brace on his knee.

"Obviously, to lose Will in that situation. It's a close ball game; I thought Will was playing pretty well at the time," Miami head coach Tony Sparano said.

Allen, Miami's top cornerback, has missed just one game since coming to the Dolphins prior to the 2006 season, and just nine games total during a nine-year career that included a stay with the Giants. Sunday marked Allen's 43rd consecutive start -- a streak that will come to an end next week when Miami visits the Jets, if the early indications are accurate.

The Dolphins, after an 0-3 start to the season, looked to have turned a corner with back-to-back wins and a dominating start against the Saints. But New Orleans erased Miami's 21-point, first-half lead with an impressive barrage, putting up 36 points after halftime for a 46-34 win. The loss dropped Miami to 2-4 overall and into last place in the AFC East with road trips to New York and New England looming.

Getting back in the playoff hunt was a daunting enough task for the Dolphins before Allen's injury.

Assuming the Herald's report is correct, the Dolphins will likely be forced to slide rookie Vontae Davis into the starting lineup to replace Allen. That means that Miami will be starting rookies at both cornerback spots -- Sean Smith, Miami's second-round pick last April, earned the other job out of camp.

Miami coughed up 276 passing yards to Drew Brees Sunday, but also picked off three passes.

Jason Allen and Nate Jones, both veteran backups, will continue to fill the gaps behind Davis and Smith, but no one in that group can match Will Allen's experience or ability -- at least not yet. Davis and Smith are both promising, but a team with two rookie starters at cornerback can expect to be picked on plenty in the passing game.

Will Allen Reportedly Done for Season originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patriots Put on a Show in England

David Whitley — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Buccaneers, Dolphins, FanHouse Exclusive

LONDON -- A bunch of Patriots went to dinner Friday night and were mistaken for a boy band. Had they been anywhere else, that embarrassing mix up might have caused an international incident. But since England gave us the ultimate boy band, the Beatles, the Patriots graciously ate their meal.

Then they routinely devoured Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Now they head back to the States after proving what we already knew: as Tom Brady rolls, so rolls the rest of New England's band. And, ready or not, America, Brady is back in rhythm.

"I'm feeling great," he said after New England's win. "I keep rolling."

More: Check Box Score | Bills Pull Another Upset | Jets Win Big

The Belichicks had a rough start this year, but what can you say about their last two gigs?

You can say that Tennessee and Tampa Bay are the football equivalent of Herman's Hermits, only why insult Herman? The Bucs went down 35-7 at wacky Wembley Stadium, which was at least an improvement over Tennessee's 59-0 pratfall in the Foxborough snow last week.

Next week's bye shapes up as the toughest opponent New England has seen this entire lunar cycle. As pathetic as the competition has been, 94-7 is still an impressive pile of rubble.

So has New England buried all its early-season ghosts in old England?

Not quite. This isn't a great team by Patriots standards, but it has become plenty good by AFC standards. All that was required was Brady being Brady again.

"The greatest player in the history of team sport," the Daily Mail called him Sunday.

Babe Ruth never was big in England. Perhaps he should have married Giselle Bundchen's grandmother.

As for Brady recovering from knee surgery, enjoy this properly British synopsis in the Daily Mail: "Although the 6-foot-4 Californian refused to countenance any reduction in his powers, the Patriots made a faltering start to this season."

Rex Ryan blitzed the Patriots silly in Week 2, then they got caught in Denver 's early-season whirlwind three weeks later. Fingers pointed at a raw secondary and a linebacker corps so gutted that New England re-signed Junior Seau, who was working as a rodeo clown.

But the big bugaboo was Brady. Was he mentally back from his blown ACL? Or at 32, was the Paul McCartney of modern QBs entering his Wings phase?

For that, we turn to Bucs coach Raheem Morris, who is the only coach in NFL history to go winless on two continents.

"He's a great human," Morris said of Brady.

Forgive his gushing, but that's what happens when you stand helplessly by and watch a guy complete 23-of-32 passes for 308 yards and three scores.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Wes Welker (#83) of the New England Patriots is tackled by Maurice Stovall (#85) of Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL International Series match between New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium on October 25, 2009 in London, England. This is the third occasion where a regular season NFL match has been played in London. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Wes Welker;Maurice Stovall

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 25: Terrence McGee #24 and George Wilson #37 of the Buffalo Bills celebrate after Wilson's fourth-quarter interception against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 25, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Buffalo won 20-9. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrence McGee;George Wilson

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CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 25: Garrett Wolfe #25 of the Chicago Bears is tackled by Robert Geathers #91 and Brandon Johnson #59 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on October 25, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 45-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Garrett Wolfe;Robert Geathers;Brandon Johnson

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CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 25: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 25, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 45-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jay Cutler

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A penalty flags comes flying in as Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin (19) grabs a reception in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes (20) and runs it in for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

New York Jets running back Thomas Jones runs past Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin (19) hauls in a reception as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Houston, right, defends in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron argues a call in the second half of Buffalo's 20-9 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell sits on the bench in the closing minutes of Oakland's 38-0 loss to the New York Jets in an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Buffalo Bills' Chris Kelsay (90) and Marcus Stroud (99) react after sacking Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme (17) in the second half of Buffalo's 20-9 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

Buffalo Bills tight end coach Charlie Coiner looks from the sidelines in the first half in an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

It wasn't vintage Brady, not with a goal-line interception that kept the score from getting Tennessee-like. But it certainly wasn't the Brady of six weeks ago, either.

"In the first quarter of the season we weren't really getting any big plays," Patriots receiver Wes Welker said. "I think that's really changing."

So do the Bucs, who think they saw Sam Aiken take a short pass 54 yards for a touchdown, and might have seen Ben Watson catch a 35-yard score. By that point, the crowd of 84,254 at Wembley Stadium figured it just wasn't the home team's day.

Yes, it was officially a Bucs home game. At least they scored, which is more than Manchester United did in Sunday's big match against Liverpool. The Glazers own both franchises the Bucs and Man U., and family members probably did not take part in the third-quarter wave from their skybox.

That bit of mass fan expression became passé years ago in . It went on for about five minutes Sunday.

"They seemed excited," Brady said.

If you think the Brits are confused over proper NFL cheering, you should have been at the restaurant Friday night when Welker and his crew walked in.

"They thought we were a boy band," he said. "That was pretty funny. We had two offensive linemen with us. I don't know where they got that from."

Being confused for 'N Sync on 'roids could have led to a crazy scene, but the Patriots just considered it part of their evolution.

"We have a lot of new players. It's nice to come together and experience something like this," Brady said. "It's a unique bonding experience for all of us."

So are they ready to conquer America?

As long as Brady is out front, the Patriots will countenance nothing less.

Patriots Put on a Show in England originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Henne's Challenge: Don't Get Blown Away by Brees

Thomas George — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Saints, AFC South, NFC East, CFL

Now that Drew Brees has revealed he would have joined the Miami Dolphins back in 2006 as a free agent had they trusted his throwing shoulder was healed, had they believed in him, here comes Brees for an encore visit on Sunday to Miami.

I think the Dolphins and quarterback Chad Henne know the score.

They know that Henne will enter into a scrap with Brees where Henne had better light it up or be lit up.

"Oh, Drew Brees is coming?" Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland joked about the hot passing hand of Brees and the 6-0 New Orleans Saints. "Chad is aware of it. Of course. But he's got enough on his plate. He has to worry about that Saints defense. It leads the league in turnovers. It leads in interceptions. That would be his concern, but I would think being the competitor he is, he is anxious to get into competition with Drew Brees. Chad is a tremendous competitor. He is not going to back down from a fight. Being a competitor is something people sometimes take for granted in this league. Everybody has to compete at this level. But the way Chad has all of his life is a rare trait."

This move by the Dolphins from Chad to Chad, from Pennington to Henne, was forced upon them when Pennington had his right (throwing) shoulder mangled at the San Diego Chargers in Week 3. Henne entered in the third quarter and by game's end had thrown a pick that was returned for a touchdown. Miami lost 23-13.

Losses to the Atlanta Falcons (19-7) and to the Indianapolis Colts (27-23) preceded that misery in San Diego where Pennington was lost for the season. Like the New England Patriots early last season when they lost quarterback Tom Brady for the year, the Dolphins scrambled. How do you reassemble an offense that is built on a quarterback who means everything to the scheme, to the franchise? How do you rekindle hope?

"Chad Henne is cool and under control, so we don't have to do a lot with him there. He doesn't let things bother him and he's that way off the field."
- Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland When the Jets spurned Pennington for Brett Favre last season and Pennington landed in Miami, the Dolphins were joyous. They found a quarterback who would lead them to the AFC East championship. They gained a franchise stabilizer and more.

"All of the things Chad Pennington brought to us were spectacular," Ireland said. "You came to know with Chad Pennington that you were going to get a game manager, that he would play smart. There are not many situations he hasn't been in. You knew he would be prepared as well as any quarterback in the league. He was outgoing and vocal. You got accuracy, ball location, not a lot of turnovers. We had to move from a 10-year vet to virtually a rookie who had played only a handful of snaps the year before."

This is where the Dolphins distinguished themselves.

They understood the importance of having a quality quarterback or two "in the hopper," as Ireland calls it.

A few months before Pennington arrived, Miami had drafted Henne from Michigan in the 2008 draft using the 57th overall pick. In this year's draft Miami selected Pat White from West Virginia using the 44th overall pick. And two days after Pennington was lost, the Dolphins traded for quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who was with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Henne is 24. White is 23. Thigpen is 25.

White is an emerging weapon in the Dolphins' Wildcat offense and rushing attack that leads the league in average yards gained per game (177).

But Henne is the axis now at quarterback.

He has beaten Buffalo (28-10) and the Jets (31-27) in his two starts. He has helped lift Miami to a 2-3 record. Beating Brees and the Saints would help Henne and the Dolphins firmly plant their feet.

This quarterback was the fourth selected in the '08 draft behind Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco and Brian Brohm. He can excel at deep throwing, evidenced by his 53-yard scoring bomb to receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., versus the Jets.

Henne said his offensive teammates are looking up to him in the huddle now and that he is getting comfortable with that. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said his young quarterback is handling things "very well" and that he likes to give him space, yet, visit with him often about things other than football.

Keep him rooted.

Keep him calm.

Here is what the Dolphins liked about this quarterback whom they thought had a chance to be their future who is now forced to be their present: played at a big college, lots of starts, performed in front of big crowds, had to win his starting job every year, major battles and production in bowl games, poised, level emotions, great listener.

"Chad Henne is cool and under control, so we don't have to do a lot with him there," Ireland said. "He doesn't let things bother him and he's that way off the field. Not too much rattles him. Obviously, we have a long way to go to develop this quarterback into a championship type of player with all the things it takes.

"We saw some things against the Jets that we didn't see against Buffalo. He had to run the two-minute offense. He had to come from behind. He showed some of the things -- ball location, game management, tempo, speed in and out of the huddle -- that we were looking for. The exact words we told Chad after the San Diego game was he was the next man up."

And he is the next quarterback in line opposite of the fancy Drew Brees.

The Dolphins' course is different now. But their ultimate goals remain the same with Henne.

"It's his show now," Ireland said. "He'll give us his best."

Henne's Challenge: Don't Get Blown Away by Brees originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matt Roth Finally Returns to Practice, Then Sprains Ankle

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East, NFL Injuries

On Wednesday, Miami Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth returned to practice for the first time since failing a conditioning test on the first day of training camp -- thus ending a strange roller-coaster ride of mysterious illnesses and phantom injuries that lasted almost three months. At least we thought the ride was over.

Roth apparently suffered an ankle injury in his first practice back and will miss Miami's game against New Orleans this Sunday.

Back in August, Roth failed his conditioning test. He failed even though he had signed a statement that every player signs, saying that he was not injured in any way, shape or form.

More Injury News: Eagles Lose LB Omar Gaither for Season

Roth cited an illness as the reason why he flunked the test. He told head coach Tony Sparano that he just didn't feel well. Tests were done and blood drawn but everything in Roth's blood work tested fine. His mysterious illness couldn't be verified. During all these medical tests Roth's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, announced to the media that Roth had a bad groin.

Uh-oh.

Unable to find an illness and unaware of a reason why Roth would mislead the Dolphins, the team placed Roth on the non-football injury list.

That was then. Fast-forward to the present.

Roth deemed himself ready to practice on Wednesday and got out there with the intensity of a rookie, trying to pry balls away from receivers and playing aggressively. Maybe he played too aggressively.

Hurt again, Roth was only able to watch practice on Thursday -- one day after his first practice of the season. He appeared on the sidelines with a heavily taped ankle as he viewed team drills. His new ankle injury puts to rest any questions as to whether or not he'll be able to play this weekend against New Orleans (he won't). What's not solved is this intriguing story of illness, injury and inability to play football.

The next step for the Dolphins will be to find out when, or if, Roth can return from this new injury.

Matt Roth Finally Returns to Practice, Then Sprains Ankle originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are Chiefs Ready to Move Dwayne Bowe?

Chris Burke — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:35:00 EST

Filed under: Chiefs, Dolphins, Ravens, NFL Rumors

Through the first two seasons of his NFL career, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe looked destined to be a superstar in Kansas City for years to come. In 2007, Bowe's rookie season out of LSU, he had 995 yards receiving, then topped that number in 2008 with 1,022 yards and seven touchdowns.

Year 3, though, has not gone as well. Bowe got off on the wrong foot with new Kansas City head coach Todd Haley -- losing his starting spot in the preseason due to work-ethic questions -- including coming to offseason workouts overweight. He then struggled with a nagging hamstring injury, and has just 15 catches in four games this season.

And with Kansas City 0-5 and apparently in need of a complete overhaul, Bowe's name continues to surface as Tuesday's trade deadline looms.

The speculation kicked up a notch Friday when ESPN claimed that the Ravens were prepared to offer a second- and fifth-round pick for Bowe. Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh did nothing to dispel those rumors, saying that "there are possibilities" for his team on the trade market.

Baltimore has come up in association with just about every available receiver since the offseason -- including Brandon Marshall -- and nearly found itself forced into making a move back in July when Derrick Mason briefly announced his retirement.

The Ravens quelled some of the concerns about their wide receiver group by opening the season 3-0 and scoring 30 points or more in each of those victories. But back-to-back losses to New England and Cincinnati have forced those issues to resurface. The Week 5 loss to the Bengals was particularly troubling offensively, with Baltimore receiver's catching just four of 22 Joe Flacco completions and Mason finishing with no grabs.

From Baltimore's perspective, unloading a pair of picks for Bowe would make complete sense given the Ravens' belief that they can contend for a Super Bowl title this season. Bowe and Mason would give Baltimore a very talented 1-2 punch and further open the ground game for Ray Rice and Willis McGahee.

The deal makes less obvious sense for Kansas City -- it's never that wise to dump a top-flight 25-year-old receiver. Still, the Chiefs are clearly in rebuilding mode (despite the hefty extension they gave Matt Cassel) and Bowe's occasional hiccups with Haley might help label him as expendable.

That said, should the Chiefs opt to move Bowe, it's far from a lock that the Ravens would land him. They aren't the only team searching for WR help, after all.

The Dolphins might be more than willing to unload a second- and fifth-round pick -- or even up the ante slightly -- if the Chiefs dangle Bowe. Miami's current top three of Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo and Ted Ginn has been decent this season, but far from spectacular -- and with Chad Henne now under center, Miami needs some players that can stretch the field.

Miami's interest in Bowe could increase should the Dolphins go into New York and knock off the Jets this week. That would put them at 3-3 and smack dab in the thick of the AFC East race. Even without a victory, taking a shot at Bowe could be worth it -- the Dolphins would have him under contract through at least 2011 and finally have a real No. 1 receiver.

It's not likely that Kansas City unloads Bowe given his natural ability. It's possible, though, and something to keep an eye on as Tuesday closes in.

Are Chiefs Ready to Move Dwayne Bowe? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Jaworski Disses Dolphins' Wildcat

Michael David Smith — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, NFL Media Watch

The Miami Dolphins had a big game on Monday night, running wild against a very good New York Jets defense and doing it in large part with the wildcat formation. But Ron Jaworski, who called the game for ESPN, doesn't think the Dolphins' game plan is a game plan that can lead a team to a Super Bowl.

Asked on ESPN Radio Friday if a team can win a championship while relying heavily on the wildcat, Jaworski said, "No, I don't believe so -- I still believe it's a gimmick and a gadget."

Jaworski added that he thinks the Dolphins' personnel is well suited to using the wildcat occasionally, but that it should only be used occasionally, and should not be an integral part of the team's offensive game planning.

"They're very good at executing the running game. They don't run as well from traditional formations but they do very well with Ronnie Brown in the wildcat and Ricky Williams in motion. This offensive line is a very good offensive line that gets off the football and wins in the trenches. That's why the wildcat is so good in Miami, the running game, the running backs and the offensive line."

Jaworski made clear that he thinks the Dolphins run the wildcat effectively -- but he thinks that if the Dolphins are going to be an elite NFL team, they need to do it with a more prototypical NFL offense. Jaworski cited the Dolphins' 27-23 loss to the Colts in Week 2 as an example of a game in which they ran the ball well but still didn't win.

"Clearly, no one does it better than the Miami Dolphins, but I really believe that at the end of the season they're going to have to find a way to get some explosive plays out of the passing game," Jaworski said. "It was crystal clear in the Colts' game, they controlled the ball 45 minutes but when you run the football that well you're not going to score a lot of points."

I consider Jaworski the best NFL analyst on television, but I disagree with him here. I think the Dolphins have proven that the wildcat is more than just a gimmick: It can be an integral part of a winning game plan. I can't wait to see what the Dolphins throw at the Jets when the teams meet again in two weeks.

Ron Jaworski Disses Dolphins' Wildcat originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolphins' Offense Thriving With Chad Henne at the Helm

Chris Burke — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:10:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, NFL Quarterbacks

Chad Henne's yet to make an NFL start on the road. Plus, despite what you might have thought about the Jets after three weeks, he's yet to play a full game against one of the league's upper-echelon teams.

But under Henne, Miami is 2-0 in 2009. It was 0-3 under Chad Pennington. And on that basis alone, it's not a huge stretch to think that the Dolphins might be better off now that Pennington's done for the season and Henne's their guy.

Henne did everything that was asked of him, and then some, Monday night. He threw short, deep and in-between. He made smart reads against the Jets' high-pressure defense. Most importantly, of course, he won, and suddenly the Dolphins are 2-3 and just a single game out of first in the AFC East.

More: Game Recap | Edwards Excels in Jets Debut

The fact that Henne's playing well? It's not a surprise.

Pennington's presence and steady leadership in 2008, as the Dolphins were en route to an AFC East division title, meant that Henne had to ride the pine. But as soon as this became his team, he immediately began displaying the attributes that led Miami to draft him in the first place -- good head on his shoulders, smart with his reads and decisions, extremely strong arm.

He put all of those attributes on display Monday night. With Ryan dialing up blitzes and formation shifts, Henne calmly hit on 20 of 26 passes for 241 yards, two touchdowns and an impressive 130.6 passer rating.

When the Jets took a 20-17 lead early in the fourth quarter, Henne responded with a gorgeous 53-yard touchdown strike to Ted Ginn. When the Jets answered that with a Thomas Jones touchdown run, giving New York the lead in the final 5:30, Henne -- with the help of Miami's wildcat offense -- marched the Dolphins right back into scoring position. On third-and-10 from the Jets 16 with 1:06 left, Henne rolled the pocket right and fired a perfect rocket shot of a spiral to a sliding Greg Camarillo for 12 yards and a first down.

Three plays later, Ronnie Brown scored for a 31-27 Miami win.

"We made him look like Dan Marino," Jets linebacker Calvin Pace said of Henne. "[The Dolphins] did what they want, and they did it at will."

If you're keeping track, Henne's now 34 of 48 through the air as Miami's starter with three TDs and no interceptions. The two biggest plays he made -- the TD strike to Ginn and the clutch conversion to Camarillo -- were ones that Pennington would have struggled to pull off.

In fact, during a Week 2 Monday nighter against Indianapolis, the Dolphins were unable to rally late against the Colts because of Pennington's inability to stretch the field. As Henne showed when he lofted one over New York's secondary to Ginn's waiting arms, that's not a problem for him.

"Teddy ran a great route, and they gave us the coverage we wanted," Henne said.

Miami rushed for 150 yards against the Jets, one week after rolling up 256 on the ground in a win over Buffalo. Those numbers are pretty consistent to what the rushing attack put up with Pennington around -- but Henne's presence brings the aerial attack into the picture in a way that it wasn't before.

After the Dolphins Week 6 bye, they host New Orleans, get a rematch with the Jets in the Meadowlands, and head to New England. Things are about to get a lot tougher for Henne and the Dolphins.

But, right now, they look capable of handling it.

Dolphins' Offense Thriving With Chad Henne at the Helm originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday Night Football Live Chat: New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

Adam Gretz — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Jets, AFC East, NFL Live Blogging

Monday Night Football returns to Miami for the second time in four weeks, as the Dolphins host the New York Jets in an AFC East throw down.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez looks to rebound from the worst start of his young career, the Dolphins look to build off their first win of the season, and Jon Gruden is already drooling at the thought of Miami running the wildcat all night. We'll be chatting about all of this, and more, in our weekly Monday night live chat, so please join us at 8:30 PM ET for all of the fun.

&amp;amp;lt;a href=&amp;amp;quot;http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;amp;altcast_code=d43ae4293c&amp;amp;quot; &amp;amp;gt;Monday Night Football Live Chat&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Monday Night Football Live Chat: New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Preview: Jets at Dolphins

Chris Burke — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Jets, FanHouse Previews

This year's Jets are just built for media coverage -- between superstar rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, bold and brash head coach Rex Ryan, and now, wide receiver/model/actor Braylon Edwards, there are plenty of storylines to keep New York in the headlines.

But heading into tonight's game between the Jets and Dolphins, here's what you might not be reading: This game is more important for Miami.

Even with a loss, the Jets would still sit in first in the AFC East with a very favorable schedule coming up (Buffalo, at Oakland, Miami, Jacksonville in their next four). The Dolphins, on the other hand, are in make-or-break mode. After a Week 6 bye, the Dolphins host New Orleans, then have to play the Jets and Patriots on the road back-to-back. With three losses already, Miami's on the verge of falling out of the postseason picture -- even in a division that looks to be there for the taking.

Suffice it to say, Monday night is a must-win for Miami. If the Dolphins pull the minor upset off, they improve to 2-3, shove the Jets to 3-2 -- and a tie with New England -- and jumble the AFC East picture.

Three Key Questions:

1. How well will Edwards mesh with Sanchez, just days after being traded from Cleveland to New York?

2. Can Miami QB Chad Henne repeat his strong Week 4 performance?

3. Will the Dolphins be able to run the ball at all against the Jets defense?

Player in the Spotlight: Edwards. He wanted to get out of Cleveland and go to a big market, and he got his wish. Now he has to make the Jets' investment in him worthwhile. Jerricho Cotchery, New York's current leading receiver with 25 catches for 356 yards, is a game-time decision with a hamstring injury, which might increase even further the pressure on Edwards to produce immediately. If his head's on straight, he could give Sanchez the big-play and red-zone threat that he needs -- but if he brings his Cleveland struggles east, he'll just make Sanchez's job more difficult.

New York's Path to Victory: There's no need to change anything -- the Jets are 3-1 and played well enough to win last week in New Orleans, save for two terrible Sanchez turnovers that led to two Saints' TDs. The defense put the clamps on Drew Brees' aerial show like few defenses can, and the unit is still a top-five group in both points and yards allowed. The Jets are able to stop the run without doing anything special, but they'll likely pay extra attention to the Ronnie Brown-Ricky Williams duo in Miami's backfield, and force Henne to play well in his second NFL start. Sanchez has to play better than he did in Week 4, too -- four turnovers won't get it done against many opponents.

Miami's Path to Victory: In Week 2's Monday night game, host Miami absolutely took it to Indianapolis for much of the game -- but struggled to punch the ball in the end zone, couldn't come up with a big defensive stop, and let one get away. If the Dolphins play with the same intensity they displayed in that game, they'll make life hard on the Jets. Last week, in Henne's first start, the Dolphins got it done on the ground, rushing for 250 yards in a 38-10 win over Buffalo -- Henne threw for 115 yards and a TD, but didn't have to do much. He'll probably find himself in less of a comfort zone this week. That said, if he avoids turning the ball over and stretches the Jets defense by throwing the deep ball, as he's more than capable of doing, Brown and Williams could find room.
Miami also had six sacks against Buffalo (though it seems like everyone does) -- keeping the pressure on Sanchez might be the key.

Prediction: It's not easy to consider picking against the Jets given how the matchup of their dominating defense against the inexperienced Henne. But Sanchez showed a little chink in his armor last week, and he has to deal with a pretty potent Miami rush. Oh, and let's not forget the topic we started with: that this game is a monster for the Dolphins. At home, with their season on the brink, they have to find a way. Miami 27, New York 21

FanHouse Preview: Jets at Dolphins originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Between the Lines Notes: Seneca Wallace Needs to Throw It Away

JJ Cooper — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:47:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Broncos, Dolphins, Seahawks, NFL Analysis

Every week we're taking a look at sacks around the league. We looked at Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' sack problem in our main Between the Lines feature this week, but here are some other notes from Week Four.

o. If a Dan Marino-style quick release is an offensive lineman's best friend, Seneca Wallace is becoming a lineman's worst nightmare. Wallace stepped out of bounds for a sack on a play where he could have easily thrown the ball away for an incompletion for the second time in two games. In this case, Wallace rolled out of the pocket and had plenty of time to throw. Eventually linebacker Freddy Keiaho, who wasn't a rusher on the play, came up to force Wallace to make up his mind. Instead of simply tossing the ball out of bounds (he was out of the pocket so any pass beyond the line of scrimmage would have not drawn an intentional grounding penalty), Wallace stepped out of bounds five yards behind the line of scrimmage. It goes into the books as the easiest sack of Keiaho's career, and clearly angered the Seahawks' offensive line--center Chris Spencer is seen throwing up his arms in disbelief at the end of the play.
There are only two logical explanations I can think of for Wallace's ill-advised stepouts. There's the possibility that he has not been properly coached to throw the ball away, or there's the option that he's avoiding adding an incomplete pass to his stat line, even if it costs the Seahawks some yardage. Neither one is good for the Seahawks.

o. Joey Porter is 32 years old and Jason Taylor is 35 so the Dolphins need to start planning for their replacements. If Cameron Wake's first start is any indication, Miami should have one of those outside linebacker spots filled.

The former CFL star picked up three sacks in his first-ever start last Sunday. He had a favorable matchup, as he abused Bills fill-in tackle Kirk Chambers. Wake showed the speed to beat Chambers to the corner, but he also showed the power to drive Chambers back into quarterback Trent Edwards on one of his three sacks. It didn't hurt that Wake got to face Chambers in his first start of the season, but his speed and power gives Miami a third edge rusher to worry about.

o. Patrick Willis' 2 1/2 sack day was one of the more impressive pass-rushing performances of the season. On two of Willis' sacks, he timed the snap count perfectly to give Kyle Boller no chance to flee. On his first sack tailback Steven Jackson (who was supposed to pick up the blitz) had barely gotten out of his stance before Willis had wrapped up Boller only 1.4 seconds after the snap (that's the fourth quickest sack of the season).

The Broncos' improved defense is one of the stories of the first month of the season, and Elvis Dumervill's eight sacks are a big part of that newfound success. But the way Dumervill has gotten those sacks also explains why the Broncos' defense has improved.

In the past, the Broncos have shifted philosophies and schemes as frequently as Brett Favre changes his mind. But this year, new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has installed the 3-4 and has worked to get Denver's best players into favorable matchups.

Dumervill is clearly one of the Broncos best players, and Nolan has done a very good job of scheming to get him shots at the quarterback. Dumervill has two sacks when lined up against left tackles (Pro Bowler Joe Thomas and Flozell Adams), four against right tackles (three against John St. Clair and one against Cornell Green) and two against running backs (Deon Anderson and Michael Bush). By moving him around, Nolan has found tackles who can't handle Dumervill's speed (like St. Clair) and he's also managed to get him matched up against running backs.

Between the Lines Notes: Seneca Wallace Needs to Throw It Away originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chad Henne Suddenly in Familiar Spot

Chris Burke — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, NFL Quarterbacks

As soon as Chad Pennington exited Miami's Week 3 game at San Diego with a shoulder injury, the Dolphins, rather unexpectedly, became Chad Henne's team. The second-year pro had never started an NFL game and seen extensive action in just one game prior to last Sunday, a Week 2 loss to Arizona in 2008.

But with Pennington going under the knife this week -- the third time in his career he's had surgery on his throwing shoulder -- the Dolphins will turn to Henne, both now and for the foreseeable future, even after a trade for Tyler Thigpen.

It's a difficult spot. Henne steps into the starting lineup before anyone thought he would, and he inherits a team that, despite an 0-3 start, had huge hopes coming into 2009. And while Henne may not save Miami this season, don't be surprised if he plays above his years and surprises some people.

After all, he's been in this situation before.

The Michigan Wolverines entered the 2004 college football season with a top-10 ranking and BCS aspirations. Then, the week of their opener against Miami, Ohio, starting quarterback Matt Gutierrez started feeling soreness in his throwing shoulder. Eventually, Gutierrez had surgery to repair a torn labrum.

Michigan found itself scrambling -- finally, two days before the first week of the season, the Wolverines named true freshman Chad Henne the starter. And, despite having less than 48 hours to prepare for his collegiate debut, Henne guided Michigan to a 43-10 win in that first game, throwing for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

"Chad took it to a new level with his poise," Michigan senior superstar wide receiver Braylon Edwards told me afterward.

"For your first start, there will always be those nerves going on," Henne said. "I think I handled it well."

That and everything else. Henne started for all four seasons in Ann Arbor -- and had his best statistical year that first one, throwing for 2,743 yards and 25 touchdowns. He proved himself time and again for Michigan. Now he has to do it again with the Dolphins.

"He can control the huddle. He has great presence in the huddle," Miami coach Tony Sparano said. "He's very clear; he takes charge of things, and really doesn't like a lot of horsing around in it. So, I've been really impressed with what's happened with him out there."

Henne has some big shoes to fill, something he's no doubt aware of. Pennington's never been a spectacular NFL quarterback, and his lack of arm strength leaves something to be desired -- but he also led Miami to a shocking AFC East title last year.

"[Pennington] is a man of detail, preparation, leadership," Henne said Wednesday. "He is a great person and great quarterback to use as a role model. That is all I am asking for -- to try to be the same for our guys."

If nothing else, the Dolphins' coaching staff believes in Henne. A year ago, offensive coordinator Dan Henning stated that Henne could be just as good as Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan, and he reiterated that thought to The Miami Herald this week: "Well, mark it down because I say the same thing today," Henning said. "That's the way I feel about Chad Henne."

No one's confusing Buffalo, the Dolphins Week 4 opponent, with Miami, Ohio. Things may not come as easily as they appeared to for Henne in college. Still, the Dolphins are turning their offense over to a guy with a cannon for an arm, good on-field smarts, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to command respect from his teammates.

"Everything's going through your mind, you have the nerves, you have the excitement ... you have to prepare to be the starting quarterback, you are the starting quarterback," said Henne of his mindset this week. "You've got to take the team over, give them confidence in yourself, show them during the week of practice that you can get it done."

Don't be surprised if Henne shows them he can get it done in the games, too. He's done it before.

Chad Henne Suddenly in Familiar Spot originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolphins Deal for Tyler Thigpen

Chris Burke — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:07:00 EST

Filed under: Chiefs, Dolphins, NFL Injuries, NFL Quarterbacks

The Dolphins traded an an undisclosed 2010 draft pick to Kansas City for quarterback Tyler Thigpen, filling Chad Pennington's roster spot on the same day they played their injured QB on injured reserve.

The deal throws a little wrench into the perceived plan in Miami to anoint Chad Henne as Pennington's permanent replacement. Henne, in his second year out of Michigan, still figures to make his first NFL start Sunday when the 0-3 Dolphins host Buffalo. But Thigpen performed decently in 11 starts for Kansas City last season, throwing from more than 2,600 yards with an 18-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

His shot to start in Kansas City in 2009 went out the window when the Chiefs dealt for Matt Cassel and signed him to a long-term deal. Thigpen then found himself locked in a battle for K.C.'s backup spot with Brodie Croyle -- and the general consensus was that Croyle had at least matched Thigpen's performance in the preseason, if not surpassed him. The Chiefs also have QB Matt Gutierrez on their roster.

Pennington went down in Miami's Week 3 loss at San Diego, and Monday word came that Pennington had torn a capsule in his throwing shoulder and would likely not be able to play again in 2009. Tuesday, he decided that he would have surgery -- the third time he'll go under the knife for his right shoulder.

Thigpen is under contract through 2010, at which point he would become a restricted free agent.

Dolphins Deal for Tyler Thigpen originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chad Pennington Out for Season With Shoulder Injury

Matt Snyder — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East, NFL Injuries

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the injury suffered by Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington in Sunday's game against the Chargers will end his 2009 season. The initial diagnosis on Pennington's shoulder says he has torn a capsule in his right shoulder. He will seek a second opinion from world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews this week. Andrews has already performed two surgeries on Pennington's right shoulder. (Update, Sept. 28: The Sun-Sentinel confirmed Mortensen's report.)

If this report turns out to be correct, it's a big blow for the defending AFC East champion Dolphins, who have already dug themselves a hole -- Miami is 0-3 after Sunday's loss in San Diego. Second-year quarterback Chad Henne would be the de facto starter, and he looked less than impressive Sunday against San Diego.

More Injury News: Niners' Gore Will Miss 3 Weeks

After Henne entered the game, he connected on 10 of 19 passes for 92 yards, but he also threw an interception for a touchdown on a terribly telegraphed pass. Henne has the potential to be a quality NFL starter down the line, but the Dolphins weren't planning on him learning the job on the fly -- not following an 11-win season and a trip to the playoffs.

The only other quarterback currently on Miami's roster is rookie wildcat-extraordinaire Pat White, who has attempted just one pass this season.

Fantasy Spin
Again, we need to verify the news as the absolute truth and wait through Pennington's visit with Dr. Andrews before making any final judgments, but Pennington wasn't a great fantasy option anyway. The impact will be felt elsewhere more than with Pennington himself. We'll need to downgrade Ted Ginn and Davone Bess until we see what kind of rapport they build with Henne.

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will take a slight hit initially, because defenses won't have to worry about being beaten through the air near as much. Of course, if Henne gets himself together, the long-term value of the rushing duo could be helped, because he has a much stronger arm than Pennington and will be able to stretch the field. That's going to take some time, though, as he learns the job on the field.

Chad Pennington Out for Season With Shoulder Injury originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pocket Presence: Kolb, Garcia Wait for McNabb; Quinn Still Shaky

Bruce Ciskie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, Eagles, Lions, Panthers, NFL Quarterbacks

It's often said that a team with two quarterbacks really doesn't have any. With that spirit in mind, FanHouse will keep you updated weekly on NFL teams facing potential quarterback controversies.

Things are looking interesting in Philadelphia, although Donovan McNabb can come back and ruin all the fun. Meanwhile, there appears to be no end in sight to the situation in Cleveland, where the Browns have looked generally awful when they have the ball.

Philadelphia Eagles: Kevin Kolb and Jeff Garcia

As mentioned, McNabb could return, take the job, and relegate both to the bench. As long as McNabb isn't playing, Eagles coach Andy Reid is faced with a tough decision. Kolb looked shaky, inaccurate, sometimes indecisive, and not very good overall in a loss to New Orleans Sunday. It's not the kind of performance the Eagles can afford to see again, but is it enough to get Garcia a chance to start?

Let's face it: Garcia is rarely a happy backup. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because no one should want to stand on the sideline in a baseball cap. But it isn't really easy on the head coach or the starting quarterback. Garcia knows the Eagles offense, is obviously capable of running it, and has already won over Philly fans as their starter once. He could do it again.

Then again, he could also end up as the inactive third quarterback when McNabb returns.

Status update: Very warm, until McNabb is ready

Cleveland Browns: Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson

The Browns have scored 26 points in two games. Yes, it's more than the Rams have, but it's still not very impressive. They got six in four quarters against the once-maligned Denver defense Sunday, as the Broncos whipped Cleveland 27-6.

Quinn has been the ringleader of the Browns offense so far. He hasn't done much of anything. He's not throwing with great accuracy, as was advertised. He isn't moving the chains, and he isn't making any big plays.

Yes, Eric Mangini wants his "guy" to succeed, but how long can he watch Quinn struggle without giving Anderson a shot? The Browns are 0-2, and the schedule isn't magically going to get any easier, especially when you consider that the Browns have yet to play a game against an AFC North rival.

Status update: Very warm

Miami Dolphins: Chad Pennington and Chad Henne

It's hard to get a read on this one, but the Dolphins can't be terribly fond of Pennington's play so far. He has been his normal accurate self when it comes to shorter passes, but the Dolphins have had issues putting up points, in part because the passing game has too many moments of ineptitude. Plus, there were already some rumblings that Pennington would be replaced in 2010. If the offense sputters more, will the Dolphins accelerate Chad Henne's timeline?

Status update: Lukewarm

Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper

Yes, head coach Jim Schwartz has said Stafford is his guy. No, Stafford isn't hurt. However, the Lions are 0-2, have not looked good on offense, and are going to get Stafford killed if they don't protect him better. Culpepper is a veteran who could have a steadying influence on the offense. Stafford isn't going to be destroyed if the Lions sit him for a few games. In the end, he'd be grateful for the chance to clear his head.

Status update: Lukewarm

Others Worth Watching

Kansas City (Matt Cassel and Tyler Thigpen); Carolina (Jake Delhomme, A.J. Feeley, Matt Moore)

Pocket Presence: Kolb, Garcia Wait for McNabb; Quinn Still Shaky originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coach Killer, Week 2: Ted Ginn Jr.

Tom Mantzouranis — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins

Every week, NFL FanHouse hits the lowlights from Sunday's action, looking at those players who did the most to move their head coaches that much closer to returning to the Bed and Breakfast business.

After Monday night's 27-23 Colts win over the Dolphins, Chad Pennington had this to say: "It's not about statistics, it's about scoring points and winning football games." He was referring to the now-infamous advantage in time of possession the Dolphins wildcat'd together, and how the game proved to be the exception to the rule that typically links time of possession with victory.

He could have just as easily been talking about his "No. 1 receiver," Ted Ginn Jr.

You might question my use of quotations in referring to Ginn as a top pass-catcher. After all, he is listed first on the depth chart. Literally, then, he is a No. 1 receiver. But he's not a No. 1 receiver.

I mean, yeah, 11 catches for 108 yards looks pretty good for a No. 1 receiver (despite a Michael Clayton-esque 9.8 yards per catch; dig that deep threat ability!). But No. 1 receivers don't just let an amazing run game make the plays and take advantage of the scraps of space. No. 1 receivers make game-breaking plays when they count.

... It's not about statistics, it's about scoring points and winning football games ...

It should be noted that Ginn did neither. None of his 11 catches resulted in points, and when it came time to win the game Ginn buckled.

Yes, I did see that 12-yard catch on 4th-and-10 with 22 seconds left, a catch that kept the Dolphins' hopes alive in spite of perhaps the most inept two-minute drill in the history of modern football. I also saw the very next play, in which Ginn had single coverage with Jacob Lacey, an undrafted rookie. I saw Ginn get to the end zone, get position on Lacey, outjump him for the ball, and ... d'oh.

Now tell me: who's the No. 1 receiver, Ginn or this guy?

You can point the finger, I suppose, at the Dolphins defense, which buckled a little too easily in the fourth quarter. You can also point the finger at the team's display of "urgency" in crunch time, giving them only two real cracks at the end zone. Or you can point the finger at Pennington and his noodle arm, which isn't equipped to pick up the big chunks of yards needed when you have to score a touchdown in a limited amount of time.

Still, the fact remains. The Dolphins did have two cracks at the end zone, and on one of them Pennington did get the ball the required 30 yards downfield and right into Ginn's hands. As a result of his inability to catch it, the Dolphins are an unsavory 0-2.

That doesn't seem that impactful on the coaching situation in Miami at this point -- the team was 11-5 last year and we're only two games into the season (by the way, fans of all 32 teams, relax -- there's a lot of season left). But if it continues to go south in Miami, and if Bill Parcells decides to vacate his throne as Chris Mortensen suggested over the weekend, this heartbreaking loss might be the first domino that leads to a new boss bringing in a new coach.

OK, so that's a lot of flimsy speculation (a special talent of mine), but one thing's for sure in the here and now -- Ginn's drop has made Tony Sparano's Tuesday a lot less pleasant.

Coach Killer, Week 2: Ted Ginn Jr. originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colts vs. Dolphins, Pierre Garcon Scores on Monday Night Football: NFL Q&A

Michael David Smith — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Colts, Dolphins

The Colts beat the Dolphins 27-23 in a thrilling Monday Night Football game featuring a late touchdown by Pierre Garcon and the failure to score a late touchdown by the Dolphins' offense, and that's where we start our latest NFL Twitter mailbag on Tuesday morning.

We also get into the controversy of Terrell Owens tweeting about Tony Romo and more in our latest NFL Twitter mailbag, which starts below.

FBfollies: Pierre Garcon? Who is this guy? Kind of amazing he got the winning score.
Seriously, has there ever been a name that sounds less like an NFL player than "Pierre Garcon"? But in crunch time on Monday night, Garcon caught a Peyton Manning pass, made a nice move to cut back to the inside, and took it 48 yards to the house. The Colts drafted Garcon out of Mount Union in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft, and the scouting report on him at the time was that he "Accelerates well and is also a strong runner after the catch." I'd say so. A good pick by Bill Polian.

RodSanity: Have you ever seen an NFL team run a more ineffective 2 minute offense as the Dolphins did tonight? That was really bad!
Off the top of my head, no: I can't recall an NFL team showing less of a sense of urgency while trailing by four points late in a game than the Dolphins showed on Monday night. On the other hand, let's not forget that Ted Ginn dropped what should have been a game-winning touchdown pass from Chad Pennington. If Ginn holds on to that ball, no one is saying anything bad about the Dolphins' clock management this morning.

iRoselina: I think it's unfair to assume that TO's RT was a direct attempt to bash Tony Romo. It could be the case that TO was happy that someone wasn't onboard the TO hate train. It sucks when all fingers, especially the media's, are pointing at you.
I heard from a few readers who didn't think T.O.'s re-tweet about the Cowboys having a "T.R. problem" was a shot at Romo. I feel strongly that it was. As my colleague Will Brinson tweeted, T.O.'s M.O. for his entire NFL career has been to take passive-aggressive shots at his quarterbacks. This was the latest example of that.

ninerchick05: What does AJ Smith still see in Norv Turner?
Excellent question. I've always thought the Chargers made a mistake by firing Marty Schottenheimer and replacing him with Turner, and the way the Chargers played on Sunday in losing to the Ravens reinforces that view. The AFC West is weak enough that I still believe the Chargers will win it, but I just hated the way the Chargers played late in a close game.

Pepitolives09: That Hillenmeyer "pancake" looked more like a massive hold or did they change the rule so you can grab the outside of pads?
I heard from several readers who took issue with my tweet that Hunter Hillenmeyer got pancaked on a long Rashard Mendenhall run, and upon further review I think the readers were right. I asked my colleague Ryan Wilson, a Steelers fan, what he thought, and he said, "Steelers right tackle Willie Colon had his right arm wrapped around Hillenmeyer's head/neck and took him to the ground. If they had thrown a flag i wouldn't have argued." So, for the record, I withdraw my tweet blaming Hillenmeyer for that play.

Want to be part of our next NFL Twitter mailbag? Post a question or comment on Twitter.com, and be sure to start it with @MichaelDavSmith.

Colts vs. Dolphins, Pierre Garcon Scores on Monday Night Football: NFL Q&A originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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