I posted this as a response to a thread on Henne & am creating a thread out of it because I think it is the single most important issue remaining unresolved in the 2009. I am not trashing Henne. I like the guy & hope he'll be the answer to single most important problem we have to resolve. however: henne has the rest of the year to make his bones & I hope he does we need a franchise qb to step up as soon as possible however, he has to do it without excuses & in 2009 Pennington threw to the same receivers & behind a much inferior offensive line with success henne has been working with these receivers & offensive system for a year & a half this is a tremendous advantage there can be no excuses, he has the rest of the season to get it right no one threw him to the wolves, like they did Beck henne was groomed for the start by one of the best & ordained our future & answer @ QB w/ great expectation no more excuses. he is the only one that can answer the call henne has the rest of the year to get it together we don't need a great back-up & a promise, we need a starter w/o the Franchise QB we go nowhere the most critical thing that will come out of this year is the development of Henne as the Franchise QB or the knowledge that we have to find one henne has been compared to Flacco & Ryan let him make good on the comparison we really need a Flacco or Ryan to emerge it is what it is
I think the difference between Flacco/Ryan and Henne is Flacco has Mason and Heap, Ryan has White and Gonzalez. Who does Henne have?
Pennington had no problem "doing it" & Henne has been working w/Pennington & the entire starting Receiver corp for a year & a half before assuming the start. Flacco & Ryan had no such advantage.
Actually Pennington was working with them. Henne was in the middle of a TWO YEAR apprenticeship. You don't know how fast the coaches were working him. Different then Flacco and Ryan. They were the man from the go. He has done well.
Dude, Pennington has been around for YEARS, Henne hasn't. Henne IMO has proven he can play in this league. He has all the tools you want in a franchise quarterback. Once he gets more experience, a big play receiver and better play calling/plays he'll be even better.
I think it's fair to say that the majority of knowledgable fans understand that it's a process and that what we have seen from Henne so far is some good stuff. I don't know what you expect from the man 23 but not everyone can be Dan Marino in their first few starts.
penny also worked with this unit this year and went 0-3, so tell the whole story not just pieces. Henne had a bad quarter under extreme fire but has had comebacks where he shined under fire in 3 others so yeah let say he's done! your right, it is what it is,.....a young inexp qb constantly & consistently being asked to bring the team back after the defense failed to make even 1 crucial stop
Let's look on the bright side. Already, he's brought us back twice in the fourth quarter (Jets, Bucs). And you could make the argument he was on his way against the Pats if anyone would've cared to catch his passes. Sure, he choked a little this past Sunday, but part of it was the pass protection partially letting him down at the worst possible time. He's got to do a better job of anticipating that in critical situations (think Rothlisberger), but I can only presume he will. As a first-year starter, he's been pretty solid if you ask me. He's not scared, the game isn't too big for him, and he has the physical tools. He's a bit off in accuracy from time to time, but other times, he's thread needles, so I can only expect that will get better with time too. And, yeah, he's not exactly throwing to Moss and Welker out there. He's throwing to three guys (Cammy, Bess and Hartline) who we could only hope would approach Welker someday, presuming we get a #1 at some point to make the big plays, draw coverage, etc. And Ginn has taken a step back. He isn't even what he was last year for Penny. Speaking of Penny, don't forget that he was throwing to these same guys against mostly far lesser competition last year. I would think if we were playing the Rams, Raiders, Chiefs, etc. this year, you'd see Henne with a little more success too. Guys, for a first-year starter, he hasn't exactly failed you know. There is a lot to like here. Granted, there is nothing there that says he'll be can't-miss or anything like that, but I think there's a better chance for success with him then failure. And right now, what more can we ask for. Franchise QBs are not that easy to find so we should be a little more patient. And yes, the rest of the season will help us get a better idea of what we really have. But remember, Franchise QBs are rare, and sometimes you need patience to develop one. If it was easy, all 32 teams would have one! It's not! Far from it. And take heart, Tuna, Inc. is always looking for solutions. Take Thigpen for instance. If Henne ever did truly fall on his face, they have another young guy with talent - and some experience to boot - ready to give it a shot. Don't be shocked if they draft one in the fifth or so next year too, just for S's and G's.
It was off my mind till you reminded me about it though Edit: I believe Henne is that franchise QB we are looking for all he needs is a little more time in the oven to bake.
I don't know if Henne is the answer but I do like what I have seen from him so far. What I do know is that Ginn, Fasano, Haynos, Sperry, Grag C and Hartline are NOT the answer to the #1 receiver question.
I'll settle for them being the answer to the #2 or #3 question. As for answering the #1 question, TBD.
1. Penni has been a GOOD qb for yrs. Henne is a kid 2. Flacco/ Ryan have pro bowl recievers it doesnt matter how long they've practiced together, just throw it up to them. i.e Fitzpatrick and T.O 3. Henne has Ginn... enough said, kid couldn't catch a cold wearing beach clothes at the North pole
imho the single most important issue in 09 is inconsistancy from top to bottom.inconsistant recievers,linemen,qb,assistant coaches and thats just on the offensive side of the ball.lots have teams have done good without a "franchise"qb.im not saying it's not henne but henne isn't the only reason we are having a tough time this yr.
How did Pennington do THIS YEAR with these receivers? He wasn't exactly good. Henne, in fact, has five more wins that Pennington had. Henne has crap to throw to. Give him a Tony Gonzalez and a Boldin type receiver at number one, and then judge him. All this crap he's taking from some fans on here is extremely unwarranted, IMO. Posted via Mobile Device
by the end of the year we will have all the answers I wish him well & hope he will make the best of his opportunity this is the single most important issue to be resolved in 2009 we go no where w/o a Franchise QB
Actually brother Rio, IIRC the Ravens won a SB with journeyman QB named Trent Dilfer not too many years ago. So, you don't necessarily have to have a great, or "franchise QB" to be successful in the NFL. Having said that, it sure does make it a lot easier. I should also qualify my first statement by saying you need a good or great defense. And, the QB has to manage the game effectively (i.e., take what the opposing defense is giving you, and minimize turnovers). Honestly, these are things that veteran QB's (like Penny) know how to do. Young QB's typically take time to learn and grow at the pro level. Look, I think it's all a matter of balance. Would it help us if Henne ends up being the best QB we've had since Marino? Absolutely. But, what if he ends up being another Jay Fiedler? Can we still win with him. Yes, I think we can. If we improve other areas of the team. Specifically the defense and receivers. So, if you want to talk about single biggest issue currently facing this team, I'd say it's getting younger and faster on defense. And, improving/upgrading the level of talent at the WR/TE position would be a close second. You focus on those two key areas, and let Henne learn on the job, then I think we will be very competitive team for years to come. JMHO...
Despite the fact that many on this board despise Pennington, even after what he did for us last year, the guy is a pro bowl QB. The fact that Henne has done so well in replacement of Pennington as essentially a rookie is nothing short of a miracle. To expect the same production out of Henne in his first year as a starter is unrealistic. Give him time. This board was willing to give Beck time and there was a QB who accomplished nothing in the chance he was given. Henne already has 5 wins under his belt. That's saying something. Plus, Henne can handle a snap. Unlike Beck.
Friend MonstBlitz: I don't basically disagree w/ you 1) the whole point of the thread is that the jury is still out. henne has time to resolve the issue, develop & step up, claiming his right as starter & I hope he does, but that has not been the case up until now. we will have the answers by the end of the season. 2 however, he is no rookie & has been groomed for the position. he knows his receivers & has an excellent offensive line in front of him & a running game established. I expect more out of him than beck-like performances. no more excuses: 3) got to have a Franchise QB to move forward. if not henne, then we need to find someone else. no one gets a pass on not playing to potential. there are expectations to be met. just do it 4) I'm not looking for a ProBowl QB in his starting year. I'm looking for better production, game management & leadership w/ every game played. I don't see the consistent improvements that would mark him as a Franchise QB. This is not a good thing in my judgement. Maybe next game he'll begin his ascent. got to make them bones in 2009 or we need to be looking elsewhere my loyalty is with the team with no excuses, apologies, whatever
I was at the bills game and let me tell you are receivers get no seperation from the dbs.Ted ginn could not even beat the back up corner back of the bills in 1-1 coverage. This kid will be fine once we get him some weapons to work with.I know it is not the most important thing for a qb but man the ball comes off his arm like a missle.
Man how long has this been a topic of discussion in Dolphin land..... Way too long! Henne is one of the most critical pieces of the equation that NEED to work out well for us to get back to prominence quickly. Franchise QB's are a beeyatch to find and can make all the difference in the world.
Pennington and Henne throw two completely different balls. That's a huge difference in itself. I think Henne needs plenty of work but I'm willing to bet that his Wr corp is close to, if not leading, the NFL in drops.
Once we get that #1 wide receiver who WILL get double teamed since our other receivers are terrible...then we can make the excuse "BUT HE'S DOUBLE TEAMED EVERY PLAY"
How can you neglect the fact that Henne has started what... 7 or 8 games, and pennington has play i'm guessing 7 or 8 seasons. Maybe thats quite a big reason for the "difference" between Henne and Pennington with the same receivers. Also, apparently you haven't noticed that the defenses and the schedule we've played this year have been much harder? Also, our offense was pretty awful lookin even with Pennington playing in the little time he did start for us this year. That being say, Sorry, but i feel your arguement holds little validity.
you can sing it, if it helps you understand it however, the truth is, it was just meant to annoy you & apparently it did GoFish!
Let's also take that Henne wasn't supposed to play at all this year. The FO wanted to wait until next season to turn to Henne as the full-time QB.
Where did you read that??? Can you post a link???? Does it say that Pennington won't be coming back???? So Henne is permanently our QB.....no matter what??? Sorry for so many questions
I would not call him a franchise QB yet but the guys has been pretty good. Take away the last game in witch all great players have a few bad days.
I think it was around training camp that the Dolphins said that. I don't have a link or proof, but I believe I saw it on ESPN or NFL Network.
You just might want to open your eyes a little wider as Henne has been less than great in a couple of his games even though we won them. I have to agree with 23rd, Henne has the rest of this year to show us what he has. While I hope he is the answer; I want to see it and NO I don't want another Jay Feel good!
