Chad Henne spoke with the media today in advance of Saturday's important preseason game at Tampa Bay.
The minor challenge he had to his starting job prior to last week's game is apparently passed. Now, he's clear to discuss the return of Jake Long, his expectations for Tampa Bay, what statement he can make in that game, and whether the Dolphins offense is going to shock the world this season.
By the way, I noticed yesterday some of you commenting on Tony Sparano's speech pattern. Everyone is different folks. Henne has his own style, too.
Enjoy:
(On having Jake back in the lineup) - “Yeah, it’s good to see him back, not only is it good to see him back, his physical talent is getting better, leadership qualities also, helping out in the huddle, doing a really good job with the offensive line, the guys in the huddle so yeah, all-round, it’s great to have him back in the huddle.” (On having him on your blindside) - “It’s great, he’s going to do his job every time. Feel comfortable, he’s going to give it his all, and it’s just a lot of fun having him here.”
(On looking forward to the next preseason game) - “Yeah, absolutely, I think, overall, Tampa is a fast, young team, upcoming and were excited to get better, were excited to get more plays in as an offense and I think it’s just going to be a good challenge to see where we progressed from last week to this week.”
(On being more an attacking offense) - “Absolutely, we’re definitely out there to attack them. If they give us a coverage that we see, we change and audible the play and we’re definitely on the attack in the game and they’re going to have to adjust to us.”
(On playing more to your strengths than compared to last year) - “Well, I think it’s more in my hands, I think as a quarterback, I have more audibles, I can get us in and out of the plays, get us the right plays, and give us a shot out there on the field.”
(On looking more comfortable on the field) - “Maybe, it’s things I’ve learned in the offseason, I think, it’s going on year four for me so I definitely feel a comfort level, but there’s still a lot of work to be done and I’m still not set in stone and knowing everything about the offense and the little twitches here and there, but I definitely feel like we’re going in the right direction, feeling really good where we’re at right now.”
(On where do you think you are in terms of game simulation) - “Well, I mean, we pretty much, we have most of our stuff in whether we ran the plays or not, we did install most of the playbook, but you know, it’s game week, you know, so you got to prepare for each and every team, there’s going to be different game plans in them.”
(On how much you had to running practices in the offseason) - “Yeah, definitely, very beneficial to myself, on the leadership part of the side, and just, you know, getting the guys to listen to me rather than coach and I think you get a little more out of it when its player to player rather than coach to player and kind of get them in the right spot, even though, you tweak a little bit about the route, you get a feel for them against stiff defensive coverages.”
(On biggest difference in running backs) - “Well, I mean, obviously, last year we had two powerful backs, they can run the ball up and inside, we didn’t really use them a lot in the passing game. I think this year we’re more versatile in Reggie Bush, going out there, Daniel Thomas definitely go out there in routes, but I think we still have that power attitude also with all those backs. You know, Daniel (Thomas) and then Larry (Johnson) out there definitely are power backs.”
(On how the league is going to be shocked with the new offense) - “Well, I mean, it’s definitely a big change, it’s going to be a big change for everybody so you know, they’re watching film on us now, they’re studying us hard so they’re going to have adjustments on their defensive side and we’ll see a lot of different coverages than we have in the previous years, but we’re excited to see, we got to get to Tampa this week and see what we can improve next week."
(On this game being a statement game)- “Yeah, I mean, they were a great team last year, started off very fast, have a lot of speed on defense, the biggest part that the defense reads the quarterbacks eyes pretty well so you got to be alert where everybody’s at, fit in the windows, and make the smart plays out there, but definitely a great test for us. Their offense, you know, got (Josh) Freeman back as a quarterback, he’s doing a really good job there so we’re going to have a good shot to see where we at right now.”
(On hoping to see after playing Tampa) - “We’re definitely going to try to improve on things that we can improve on from last week. You know, we got to come out fast, start fast as we did last week, put more points on the board when we get a chance into the red zone, put touchdowns on the board rather than field goals so we’re just looking to get those drives going, start fast, and make them adjust to our speed.”
(On the difference of having Reggie Bush in the lineup rather than not) - “Yeah, I mean, he definitely helped us out opened up some lanes in the passing game and obviously, in the running game. He’s a hard runner, once he hits the hole, he’s agile, makes somebody miss, it’s definitely tough to bring him down so he opens up a lot of space for us from the offensive side of the ball.”
(On impressions of Charles Clay) - “Yeah, Charles (Clay) is great. He’s coming a long, he’s still learning the offense, but done a great job, but what shocks me is his speed, he can really get down the field and attack, if he has a corner on him, you know, he can almost, you know, sometimes run under it, and safeties and linebackers, it’s going to be a little mismatch, but he’s done a really good job, he’s improving in his blocking, if we need him in there to block, but we’re excited in having him here.”
(On working with Mike Pouncey) - “Mike's been great, and smart guy, really smart guy. Picked up things really quickly, obviously he was there in the offseason workouts a little bit and that helped out, but our offensive line coach, Guge (Dave DeGuglielmo), has done a great job with him. Bringing him along, giving him technique, letting him make calls up front rather than me just giving him the answers so trying to build him up so he can make some of the calls and take a little off my plate.”
(On the shotgun snaps) - “Well, I mean, he’s been doing a great job. He gets it in the right places, I think last week we only had one miscue on the snap, but doing a really good job putting the ball where it needs to be and you know, being decisive where the snap is.
@9:26
nome? How many names do you plan to use tonight? There are only 14 million names left so please save some for the other bloggers.
Thank you.
Posted by: justo | August 25, 2011 at 09:30 PM
7-9 again Andy Dalton is looking more like #1 pick then Newton lol
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Should of had it...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Does anybody know if the Phins will be broadcasted locally in Florida on Sat, all the damn TV Guide says is Pre-Season Football it doesnt list games
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 09:33 PM
justo playing dumb or him and nome are twins
Posted by: John Persh aka John Parrish | August 25, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Sould be LN, its the Bucs and the Phins..
If They show it in north FL they will show it every where in FL.
Maybe not in Jx but who gives a F**k...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 09:40 PM
LoboNoches if it's in TB then as an away game it should be on in So. Fla. Don't know what channel though.
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Lesson: you don't want no rookie playing in the defensive backfield.
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 25, 2011 at 09:45 PM
That was a hell of a pass, of balance, by Andy Dalton.
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 25, 2011 at 09:46 PM
I'm a triplet. There are 2 more just like me.
Posted by: justo | August 25, 2011 at 09:47 PM
The Three Stooges
Posted by: John Persh aka John Parrish | August 25, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Odin, for me half-time is time to hit the head! Then, another Crown Royal is poured over ice! Ahhh!
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Class and Style! That's what I'm talkin bout-LOL!
Crown Royal = Nectar of the Gods!
Posted by: odinseye | August 25, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Boy, can Flacco throw that ball!
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 25, 2011 at 10:04 PM
This feels like a regular season game...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Crown Royal? Too sweet for me. I'll go with Black Jack or a good scotch.
Posted by: justo | August 25, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Nobody on a a Football Blog watching Football except for me and some other. What can that tell you!
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 25, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Jim Beam baby......
But I am Po White Trash...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:07 PM
I'm watching the Ravens Skins game, its a good game.
Posted by: justo | August 25, 2011 at 10:08 PM
thanks redsky
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:08 PM
That's me Odin, class and style....easy going, never crass, but always packing my highly polished stainless Beretta. Just in case I have to get nasty!
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Sour Mash?
Let the old folks drink that S**T.
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Stainless Beretta?
Custom?
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Justo, this Ravens/Skins game is awesome, incredible interception just now...one of the best preseason games ever!
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:13 PM
oscar canosa that people are mad bored lol. Is it me or is Vince Young looking better then Vick right now
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:15 PM
It means that the 3 Amigos, writing here under different nicks, are not into Football but into "other things".
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 25, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Glock man my self...
No safety, other than the trigger.
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Beck 1-4 yet he's so good according to this blog lmao
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Go Beck!!
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:18 PM
How bout that throw...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Give credit where credit is do!
How bout that SH*T?
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:20 PM
PoWhite, no, not custom.....it is one of the few Italian made, (actually better than the USA models, sad to say), the slide is stainless, the frame is hardened aircraft grease aluminum, to make it lighter, it came with a gray matte coating on it, I had the gun polished and added a custom grip! It looks like it's chromed.
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM
LIP?
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM
1 and 4?
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Got a hard on...
TMI..
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Lip????
Come with it son?
1 and 4...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:24 PM
PoWhite, that should be "aircraft grade aluminum"! I have a Glock as well and a .45 cal Colt semi auto. The Glock is the most accurate.
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Hard on is for the Stainless Beretta...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Sorry posted that while ago and it just hit lol. 6-10 i stand corrected and take back my statement. Wehn I'm wrong I'm wrong
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Got an old 17...
Love that gun..
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Fair enough LoboNoches....
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:28 PM
LN...
That rare on this blog..
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:30 PM
PoWhitetrash lol yeah well what can I say I'm a rare breed lol. Speaking of guns was thinking of getting a GLOCK 31 .357
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:33 PM
The 17 is good model! But I can't begin to tell you how many offers I've gotten for that Beretta, plus it's a chick magnet!
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:37 PM
I got too many guns, but then again you can never have enough guns.
Ask the Europeans...
Get what ever floats your boat!
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:38 PM
redsky,
Thems some bad women..
LOL....
Put the Hamma down brother!
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Lobo, I've never seen one of those! Much less fired one....I have fired a .44 cal automag, but my all time favorite is the MP 5!
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:43 PM
I'm going GOOSE hunting next weekend!
I don't think I'll take a 9 though.
Goose breasts all around.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......................
Posted by: odinseye | August 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM
PoWhite, the ladies ask me to teach them how to shoot my gun, which translates into something else!
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM
redsky looking for concealed carry, light weight yet powerful. Any suggestions
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM
Got an old Rossi .357, 6"
Happy with that..
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM
Odin, Remington 870?
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:48 PM
Tell em you will let em help ya pull the triger.
This is my rifle , this is my gun, this is for fighting, this is for fun!!!
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Lobo, Glock has a small lightweight model, I don't know the model number, but a lot of the guys on my PD swear by it. The detectives wear it in an ankle holster and it's very accurate. If you go to the Glock website I'm sure you'll spot it.
Posted by: redsky | August 25, 2011 at 10:53 PM
PoWhitetrash lmao "Full Metal Jacket" got to love it
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:53 PM
redsky should i be looking at 9mm .45 or .357 they have several models . I'm new to this moved to Ft.Lauderdale from NY . Not looking for anything fancy just something to protect myself and my boy
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Best movie ever....
LM, you got my respect.....
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:56 PM
thanks PoWhitetrash
Posted by: LoboNoches | August 25, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Only if you eat the peanuts outa my sh*t...
LOL.
Props...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Good to know Phin fans ain't no bi*ches...
Posted by: PoWhitetrash | August 25, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Redsky,
You're good.
I'll be using an 870 Shurshot. It's not mine, but the guy I'm hunting with wants me to buy it so he's letting me try it.
I'm taking my 15 year out for his first time going for geese. He'll be using my 16 gauge Merkel.
Posted by: odinseye | August 25, 2011 at 11:03 PM