Sparano: Henne didn't grade out poorly

Tony Sparano will meet with his players at approximately 1 p.m. today and go over what happened during Sunday's 34-27 loss to Detroit. He will tell them what everyone knows: The Dolphins did not finish well and the result was turning a 10-point lead with five minutes to play into a seven-point loss.

But one thing Sparano will tell his team most of us -- certainly me -- overlooked: Chad Henne didn't play terribly.

During his 14-minute Monday press conference, the Dolphins coach said quarterback Chad Henne did not grade out poorly.

Let that marinate for a second.

Henne completed 29 of 44 passes for 278 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs for a 72 quarterback rating in a 34-27 loss to the Detroit Lions. He had a QB rating over 100 through three quarters. His fourth-quarter rating was like the Boston weather the Dolphins are about to experience Sunday when they play New England -- in the 20s.

But in grading the film, Miami's coaching staff came to the conclusion Henne wasn't as bad as everyone believed because the player got "only" six minuses. And that is his all-time best as the Dolphins starter.

"In two years it's his lowest," Sparano said. "Two years. I thought at the time the guy was throwing the ball into the wind really well. You guys were out there watching it. I don't know that you know the conditions and what it was like out there but they were pretty stiff during the course of that game. I thought he threw the ball pretty well at times and he completed whatever it was, 66 percent on the day. He had one or two of them that got away from him -- the deep ball to Brandon [Marshall] on the right sideline going into the end zone that he maybe overthrew a shade and a couple of locations. But other than that, it really came down to the last five minutes we didn't finish the game."

That is all true. All of it. Dead on accurate in every detail and fact.

But I think the truth is more important than the facts. So I want to know the truth. And I wanted to know if Sparano believed his quarterback, who was being serenaded with "Henne sucks" chants from the home crowd, played well against Detroit.

"We didn't finish the game in the last five minutes and he threw a couple of interceptions but other than that, one of the interceptions is not his, Armando," Sparano answered, no doubt wishing death upon me. "So yeah, I kind of think on the game, as a whole, when you grade the film, he didn't play poorly. Absolutely didn't play poorly."

Now, you may read theories elsewhere that Sparano was simply spinning the truth so as to not throw Henne under the bus. Not true. When the quarterback stinks rotten, Sparano doesn't defend him anymore. Shouldn't, actually. This is big-boy football and it's time for Henne to grow up.

On this occasion, the coach simply was trying to correct the perception of a terrible game by Henne because that's what the player's grade actually shows. And that's what he would then tell the team. And if he tells the media one thing and the team another, it ruins his credibility with his players.

So Sparano said that which is hard for some people to be convinced about: Henne wasn't awful Sunday.

Look, you don't have to like it. I don't. You know I no longer believe Henne is Miami's future at QB. And I also wouldn't give Henne a pass on that second INT that was returned for a TD because on the play, he had the choice of throwing to five different receivers and he picked the only one that was bracketed while not serving up an opportunity to the three facing man-coverage or Brandon Marshall against a zone.

Yet, the grade is the grade. And the grade did include some negative plays.

"That [first] interception was a combination of a few things," Sparano explained. "One, the decision wasn't great on the interception. Let me say this: First of all, Chad Henne probably, not probably, he only had six minuses out of the entire football game. One of them was on that play particularly and it was a combination of two or three things that happened. The tight end didn't sit down and he kind of drifted on him and they end up getting the ball in the short end of the field. We stop them, but we gave up field goal.

"We have a receiver open. He's open at the sticks and falls down. Slips. The ball ends up in [the defender's] hands. We're going to the right place with the football. He's throwing in the right area. The receiver falls down and they pick it off and we miss three tackles on the play."

I guess I got a football lesson today. A player can stink for five minutes and still not have his entire body of work in a game get slimed. So Henne maybe didn't play well when one considers the entire body of work. But he wasn't terrible, either, according to Miami coaching grades.

Comments

[0x80]

Classic, and just one more illustration that Henne is a stuffed animal:

McDuffie on Armando and the Amigo: "I saw Brandon Marshall yell at [Henne] on sideline and Henne didn't say or do anything. Yell back!"

[Wafer]

WOW, this nonsense?

You can pull this crap on anything.

I'll borrow from Nathanial Dodsworth:

My pastor has had a crush on me since I was 9, but he was a gentleman. Only for about 6 minutes he wasn't and decided to touch my genitals. However overall, he graded out to be a good pastor.

Or, how about this one:

My girlfriend as has been rock solid and supportive. However for about 6 minutes she got too drunk and f*cked some guy at the bar. However on the whole, she's graded out to be really good.

The Qb position is not about your positives, it is about MINIMIZING YOUR NEGATIVES. The negatives always far outweigh the positives. Henne is inherently prone to negatives, no matter overall what some of his positives where.

Lastly, how many more times do I have to hear that the interception was not Henne's fault because the receiver fell down. For crying out loud?!?!

Sparano = Wannstedt

Henne = Fiedler

Ireland = Spielman

[Sullysfins]

Right on target "MoneyJacket".

[ALoco]

YOU R RIGHT DB BUT THE FACT IS THE DEFENSE SLEPT IN THE LAST 20 MINUTES OF THE LAST GAME AND EVERY TIME WE PLAY WELL WE COME HOME TO BE DEFEATED DUE TO THE DL PLAYERS AND OUR TE AND WR PLAYERS.

[ALoco]

SULLYSFINS, DO YOU AGREE THAT MONEYJAKET'S POST WAS GREAT OR WHAT ?

[DyingBreed]

Like everyone else here I havent a clue what Ross will do at season's end. Until this comes too pass none of us know where we're headed next. I hope Cowher, some hope Gruden, some hope Harbaugh, while others hope stay the present course.

One thing presently for sure is we're all fractured along the lines of course best to take next moving forward. Another thing I know for sure is no matter our differing opinions we all want what's best for our Dolphins team.

However, only one decision matters. That of Mr. Stephen Ross. Im sure he want what's best too. Mr. Ross all of our Dolphin hopes and dreams rest with you. We pray you do the right thing! LOL..................

[0x80]

O.J. McDuffie describes the Dolphins offense: "Boring, stale, stagnant." He says Wildcat is "played out."

OJ McDuffie on Armando and the Amigo: "The quarterback has no fire in his eyes. He doesn't have IT."

I'm just a fan, he was a star player, and thats his opinion loud and clear.

[Todd in Henne's hometown]

Get rid of Henning, keep Sparano, get another QB in case Henne does not progress.. Patience,Patience,Patience,Patience. Shula only won two in what 25 years, Cowler one in 15 years, Patience, Patience Patience....

[Todd in Henne's hometown]

Marshall yelling ...what a thug....

[Home]

New world Order member Mayor Michael Bloomberg has asked residents not to dial 911 unless calling about a life-saving emergency,(we dont want the NWO slaves calling us) as edgy travelers continue to face difficult HAARP weather conditions stemming from the fifth-largest storm in New York City's history.

New World Order was able to use HAARP to create Blizzard conditions halted flights at New York's three major airports, slowed rail travel and continued to create treacherous conditions on roads throughout the East Coast.

Have a HAARPy day :(

The storm brought high winds -- in some cases as much as 80 miles per hour -- and blinding snow to much of the East Coast beginning Sunday. Some places were forecast to receive as much as 30 inches of snow overall. Blizzard warnings remained in effect through Monday for much of coastal New England, where coastal flooding was also a problem.

[Sergio J Mendez]

So we now know that the coach can't grade either, bottmline get rid of all these cowboy rejects & hire the best GM money can buy & let him build the football team using KC & Atlanta's blueprint.
PS This does not mean hiring another has been Carl Petrson but do offer Bellicheck to double or triple his current salary you'll make the money in attendance in one season.

[mc]

dude, the fins dont have a #2 in this year's draft

[ALoco]

SERGIO,

HOW MUCH MONEY YOU THINK BELLICHECK IS MAKING ?

[Home]

At the end of the day
It is just a game
A child`s game called football
Played on a playground or field w spoiled Adult children

the end results really mean nothing and
have no bearing on real life

Go to Miami Children`s hospital and help the children

Have a HAARPy day

[Home]

And I am an idiot.

[cocoajoe]

Little surprised Mando would go for that load of BS from Sparano.

[0x80]

Has Tony Sparano ever once in his 3 years of coaching done anything to surprise another team? (the wild cat was all David Lee, so aside from that) Has he ever made any noticeable game time adjustments that threw the other team off guard? Has he ever demonstrated any scheme that baffled anybody? The extent of his imagination is an occasional end around. Has he ever gone for the jugular when ahead? Has he once this season not played for the field goal? Tony Sparano is afraid of winning, he his the gambler that clutches his money because his fear of winning is 5 times greater than his fear of losing.

[bobbyd12]

Dying Breed got it right, one man will make the decision, that's Mr. Ross. Personally I want everyone back but that's out of my hands. As a Season Ticket Holder I did write Mr. Ross a letter with my thoughts. Probably threw it in the garbage but made me feel better at least. Anyway, this argument has been totally played out, just lo
Ike last years draft. Time to sit back and see what Mr. Ross does, anything else is just wasted time on a blog where no one can change anyone elses mind.

[bobbyd12]

BTW, our receivers all run OUT routes, whether it's 5 out, 10 out or 15 out. The only guy who went over the middle last Sunday was Fasano and Shuler, Marshall did a couple curl ins. All my years watching football I have never seen this with wide receivers. Horrible offensive scheme

[0x80]

Actually I'm looking forward to the offseason to see what Mr. Ross will do. It will be interesting. This is his first test really. All football matters were in Parcells hands until recently. Let's find out if Ross is simply a savvy business man like Wayne, or a real bonafide NFL owner that knows how to get results.

[Darryl Dunphy]

Bobby12 good post @6:17 I'm not a season ticket holder so my opinion is a little further down the food chain. I disagree and think it might be a time for a change at the top. But again your right nothing anyone says should influence what Mr. Ross decides to do. Whatever the outcome. I will support it. I'm not so anti Sparano that I'm going to kick and whine. I just think it's time to change. The blog is just someplace to talk football with like minded people...

[cocoajoe]

You got that right bobby. It's like, why even talk about it. Funny, can't remember ever feeling this way before.

[bobbyd12]

Uh, when Parcells left it was stipulated in Irelands contract that ALL football matters were in his hands through 2011. Unless Mr. Ross fires Ireland I don't know if Ross can contractually step in without legal problems, since he signed off on giving Ireland that power. That's the only way I believe he can step in, that's fire Ireland.

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

remember bobbyd said he would cancel his tickets if ross fires the staff. and without a doubt i think ross will fire this staff. its a joke to go 1-7 at home vs a bunch of garbage teams. worst offense in football. cant wait till jan 3 when we get a fresh start and lets hope ross makes a homerun hire for our next coach.

[bobbyd12]

Am I right on my thinking on Ireland and his contract or am I wrong? Just curious

[0x80]

He can fire Ireland as easily as snapping his fingers.

[bobbyd12]

Unfortunately Bill I am stuck in a contract for another year. Will I renew my tickets after next year if Ross starts over and we are back to square one? Probably not, but that's MY decision and MY money, not anyone else's. I'm sure there will be people that cancel if he brings back everyone. IMO starting over again is a waste of another 3 or 4 years, and again, since it's MY hard earned money, not yours, I will decide whether to renew after next year or not.

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

yeah no doubt, ireland is gone also. like i said months ago. he wants peterson in here.

[ALoco]

HISTORY WILL LOOK AT THESE DAYS OF FIN HISTORY WITH MUCH TO STUDY AND TO LEARN;;;

DO WE KEEP SPARANO ONE MORE YEAR WHERE ALL THE BENFITS WILL COME OUT W/HENNE AND NEW OC AND ST COACH.

OR WE FIRE HIM AND START A NEW ?

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

agree with u there bobby. stick it out man, we shall return to the top of the mountain soon!

[bobbyd12]

0 x 80, you missed my point I think. Yes Ross can fire Ireland, no doubt. My point was Ross gave Ireland Parcells power over all football matters when Bill walked away. Since that is in his contract can Ross "legally" make decisions football related if he doesn't fire Ireland? Contracts are binding, that is my question. CocoaJoe, help me out here with an answer

[bobbyd12]

Bill, I hope so. This year was a HUGE disappointment cause I expected more.

[0x80]

Contracts are binding? In sports contracts are broken and renegotiated constantly. How often do we here of players holding out until their contract can be negotiated.

[0x80]

Kris, seriously doubt Peterson is going to take any full time roll anywhere. He's old and retired, had his day. If anything will just offer Ross his opinion when asked.

[0x80]

typo city for me - *renegotiated, *role

[DyingBreed]

Ross' exact quotes according to Jeff Darlington:

``You've seen what's going on, you know?''

Also according to Darlington:

He declined to discuss the futures of coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland, instead saying that he's ``starting to evaluate now.''

Starting to evaluate now? Before the last game of the season? Tells me drastic changes are coming, just now a simple matter of when. LOL.......

[Lips]

Bobby, I would think he gave Ireland the responsibility over football operations, but he owns the team and is the boss and he can do what he wants... ireland doesn report to anyone else at this point for football matters, just to the owner..

As for the coaches, obviously, Henny has to go.. I think the QB coach should too... we need a young franchise QB and need Henne needs a fresh start.. he seems to be more tentative in his reads and decisions than he did when he first started... right now, he looks nothing like a franchise QB, but he did show potential at one point... so until the rookie QB we need to get pans out, I think Henne would be well served with different coaches.

[bk]

Who else thinks that if Jason Garrett is let go at the end of the year then he becomes our new OC LOL. Another Dallas reject to my beloved fins good lord when will it stop

[Lips]

Obviously, I meant Henning should go...

[cocoajoe]

Bobby, it's all in the contract language. Without the contract in front of us....no telling how many 'whereas' or 'where to fors' or just fine print.

But I do remember reading what you described a while back. Probably something Parcells wanted in place for Ireland.

[DyingBreed]

Cowher's highly respected in nfl circles. I believe he's a guy top free agents would wanna play for and top league coordinators would feel comfortable coaching under.

IMO, Cowher offers our best present opportunity at restoring franchise glory!

[bootang25]

The part that amazes me that doesn't get a whole lot of play here is that Henne and his "6 minuses" was his best game in 2 years. Well geez, I guess that is a good thing.

And people actually act surprised Henne folded down the stretch. The guy is terrible in the 4th Quarter, and he has shown it time and time again. And to show I am not being irrational and just wanting to use my pitchfork, I will show you some statistics.

Here is this years 4th Quarter QB ratings, by team:

http://stats.tbd.com/fb/tmleaders.asp?range=NFL&type=Passing&rank=110

You will notice the Dolphins rank 30th.

Here is this years 4th Quarter QB ratings, by player, in the AFC:

http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/fb/leaders.asp?range=AFC&type=Passing&rank=110&year=

Well at least out of the 18 QB's who qualify statistically, Henne isn't dead last.

How about some 4th Quarter comebacks, let's try this:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/comeback.cgi?player=HennCh01

4 of them. The first was Henne's best game as a pro by far, that MNF game against the Jets. I'll give him props. The second was against TB. Why did Henne have to comeback in the 4th Quarter you ask? Because HE threw the football right to the defender in the flat even though the guy was RIGHT THERE. But he did it, so again, some credit. The next was against New England last year, and Henne played pretty good that game, so I have nothing to complain about there. This year only one, against the Green Bay Packers. Luckily for Henne, Clay Matthews didn't play that game. But I digress, he did the job. However, the guy has proven he simply doesn't have that clutch factor, that will to win no matter what. All of these statistics go to show that he doesn't, let alone ALL THE CHECKDOWNS WHEN THE GAME ON THE LINE. The numbers don't lie.

And I know there was terrible playcalling, both the PIT and CLE game had potential game-winning drives begin with a handoff. WTF is the difference between handing it to Ronnie Brown or throwing it to him gutlessly in the flat? There is none. How many more times does this guy have to fail us miserably before he gets the blame he deserves?

[DyingBreed]

Hell Jason Garrett was Cowboys OC when they were highly underachieving. Havent we had enough Cowboys influence with this team already. Enuff said! LOL....................

[Earl]

De Ja Vou anyone? Wannstedt and Fiedler all over again, Ross, Fire these clowns.

[Darryl Dunphy]

We all did...The offseason, into the preseason, and the first two games of the regular season. It is hard right now because I think everyone involved. From fans to players, coaches, and front office peole all expected much more from this team. I don't think that the expectations were so unreal. I think before the season I said we would go 11-5. Now that is a little crazy. But 10-6 a few weeks ago looked like a lock. Now we will probably end up with the same 7-9 as we did last year. Nobody could fault Ross if he makes the choice to start over. He is a guy that seems to crave the spotlight. This team is dangerously close to becoming irevelavant. Ross is going to want to expand the brand. Those of you who own, or have own buisnesses understand this term. Not only does it increase revenue. But it gets your team exposure. Something that is very important to this ownership. Is it the smartest football choice? We won't know untill the scenario plays out.

[bootang25]

You can't coach courage or passion. You simply can't. I see NONE of it from Henne, I am sorry. I have watched this crap long enough.

As for Bill Cowher, his teams were notorious for winning in spite of the offense. 17-14. So we want to replace Tony Sparano and his 17-14 winning mentality with Bill Cowher and his 17-14 winning mentality? All that move is going to do is raise expectations again, and from the looks of all the bandwagon fans, god only knows what would happen if Cowher didn't immediately deliver a Super Bowl. There are plenty of good offensive minds out there who have a proven track record of having success, and my personal pick for a new OC would be Marc Trestman, his resume really speaks for itself. He has had success in almost every stop, and made a lot of QB's look really good.

[oscar canosa]

Please Ross, take this Team out of Miami! We cubers, southern negroes and rednecks will field another Team. To: Dying Breed.

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

i think the change will def occur jan 3. would love cowher or gruden. but sources seem to differ on whether cowher is interested. i think gruden would take the job if offered. some interesting rumblings about holmgren wanting to coach again next year also. guessing along with us the browns, bengals, titans, texans, broncos, vikings, panthers, and niners will all have job openings. let the games begin.

[bootang25]

How did Jimmy Johnson and his big name, Super Bowl winning resume work out for us? How about Nick Saban work out? The big names HARDLY EVER DELIVER. I could bet good money there are a lot of Redskin fans who are already regretful they brought on Mike Shanahan. Progress has been made, and a lot of it. We don't even know how much of this is Parcells fault, how many of these personnel decisions you guys want to kill Ireland for were even his doing? Taking TNT to our team has not shown to be the working model in the last 10 plus years, why think it will now. Sparano still has a winning record, and the roster is not all that far away from being one of the better ones in football.

[ALoco]

ERIC LAAKSO HAS PASSED A WAY ,MAY GOD BLESS HIS SOUL FOR THE SUPER BOWK HE GAVER US

[oscar canosa]

Against most of the expectations Brandon Marshall has become the leader of our offence.

[ALoco]

FOR THE TWO SUPER BOWL RINGS HE GAVE US

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

bootang our roster on offense is very far away from even being decent. hated the ext they gave fasano. hell randy mcmichael is still playing better than him

[ALoco]

PLAYERS MAKES MILLIONS AND LIVE IN WARM MIAMI WEARING SHORTS AND HAVING GREAT TIME,NEVER SNOW OR BAD WEATHER AND WHEN GAME DAY COMES ,THEY SUCK .

[bobbyd12]

Thks Cocoajoe, I thought I read that awhile ago to

[bootang25]

Bill,

I am speaking of the entire roster, we have some good pieces on offense. There is no reason to think the same approach we took last year with completely overhauling the defense won't be taken this year with the offense. I know a lot of you disagree with me, but that is my opinion. A playmaking TE and a speed threat at both RB and WR and our offense is instantly better. Free Agency alone could bring us Darren Sproles and Logan Mankins, that would be my wish list. The draft could go to helping rebuild the offensive line and finding team speed. The QB position is going to be the million dollar question, and the success of whomever that person is in 2011 will be the key factor in our ability to getting back to being a team that needs to be taken seriously.

[oscar canosa]

The only move by the Trifecta that the culprit is(are) known is the Pat White pick because Parcells stated publicly that he was against it.

[ALoco]

THE CONTRACT FOR IRELAND WAS DONE TO TIE IRELAND TO SPARANO CONTRACT WHEN HIS CONTRACT EXPIRES IN 2011,IRELAND USE TO REPORT TO TUNA AND MIKE DEE OF THE BIZ SIDE OF IT.NOW HE IS'S REPORTING ONLY ON THE FOOTBALL SIDE OF IT AND THAT'S WHY HE DOESN'T REPORT TO MIKE DEE ANY MORE .SO IN ROSS MIND IRLEND EXPIRES CONTRACT WITH SPARANO CONTRACT ,IT'S A CLUE THEY WILL BE BOTH HERE FOR ONE MORE YEAR .

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

im excited for a new staff, dont think of it as starting over. u can turn it around very quickly in the nfl

[Mark]

i agree bootang25. Lets be honest but last year our Defense was dreadful....think it was 29th in the NFL but Mike Nolan brings in a great system and it has worked wonders. I know we went defense heavy in the Draft but Odrick was put on IR and so was Edds. And although Karlos Dansby was brought in and has played well,it really is Mike Nolan who has tranformed this Defense.

Maybe a far more creative OC can transform this Offense because we do have some weapons