Was it a Dan Marino performance? No.
Was it a performance that proves Chad Henne is Miami's franchise quarterback? No.
Was it a good outing for Miami's starting quarterback? Absolutely.
As I wrote in my column today, Henne was more a solution than a problem in Saturday's 17-13 loss to Tampa Bay. He completed 10 of 13 passes and showed good command in the face of an angry rush. He found Brandon Marshall. He showed trust in Marshall. He got to the middle of the field with Anthony Fasano. He was accurate.
But there is more that must be done. Henne knows this. The Patriots are coming to town. They are going to watch the job the Miami offensive line did last night and believe themselves capable of getting after Henne. And they are going to attack the Miami defense and force Henne to keep up.
As I told you last week, the Dolphins need to turn up the tempo. Last night, Henne talked about, guess what, turning up the tempo. He also discussed his ability to audible. Last year he had a chance to audible at the line on 'check with me plays," meaning he could pick from one play or another.
Now he can pick just about any play.
He also discusses here how far along he feels he's progressed as a leader.
Michael @ 12:13: agreed. I was half being tongue n cheek with the apology thing. Obviously I wanna see Henne do it in the regular season consistently as well.
Posted by: GarbagePlate | August 28, 2011 at 12:19 PM
dusty,
I'm tired of losing too. I just don't get how you can say 'it's going to be a long year' off of three preseason games. Defence should be good and offence should be better. Team won 7 games last year and if they had any clue what they were doing they easily could have won another 3-4 games (think Bills, Browns, Lion and Steelers). They didn't and there's no excuse for that. Bad the signs are all there that improvements should be on the horizon.
Posted by: Craig M | August 28, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Good points garbage plate. Some of the problem is that the dolphins have not exhibited the instant gratification that this society now embraces.
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 28, 2011 at 12:20 PM
garbageplate call 7 wins what u want,ok. ill continue forever to call a 7win team bad, cause thats what they are. im sick of the 7 or 8 win pointless teams. i want to actually get in the playoffs yearly and start winning games when it counts. and this regime and qb arent up to it. next year we start the rebuilding process which can turn around in a year with the right people. your on the clock ross, dont mess it up this time
Posted by: dusty bottoms | August 28, 2011 at 12:21 PM
exactly michael
Posted by: dusty bottoms | August 28, 2011 at 12:22 PM
My name for the negative comment type of fools on this blog is " no nothings souls " they are looking for a home, and that is in New York, not south Florida. Bill
Posted by: Bill | August 28, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Trade for O'Hara, move Pouncey to guard and Carey back to tackle. Then we can get this bum Columbo the heck out of there. He was terrible last year in Dallas. Ireland makes me wonder sometimes.
Posted by: jaklovesphins | August 28, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Sorry but Columbo has got to go....ps- I keep saying we need to sign henne to that extension ASAP
Posted by: Flipper13 | August 28, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Me too, dusty, but this is not a bad football team. Go watch the Seahawks or Cincy. Those are going to be bad teams.
Miami got robbed vs. Pitt
Sabotaged by Henning vs. Buf
Some terrible bounces vs. Det , just bad luck, but those are the breaks.
A lot of starters missing vs. Chi
This team was very close to winning 10 games. Thats what makes it frustrating. There is talent there and they are closer than you think to being a legit playoff team
Posted by: GarbagePlate | August 28, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Some of the problem is that the dolphins have not exhibited the instant gratification that this society now embraces.
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 28, 2011 at 12:20 PM
over 10 years with no playoff win and you accuse others of wanting instant gratification?
Posted by: huh????? | August 28, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Miami got robbed vs. Pitt
Posted by: GarbagePlate | August 28, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Robbed? Don't even go there.
Whose fault was it we kick two field goals on 4th and short after back to back turnovers when we had the best short yardage game (Polite) in the league?
Whose fault was it we didn't put together a winning drive when we got the ball back in the final two minutes?
Good teams come back, fight through adversity. Bad teams make excuses.
Posted by: Michael | August 28, 2011 at 12:40 PM
I don't get these people who say 'we could have won another 3 games'. Well we didn't. All the 7-9, 8-8 teams probably could have won a few extra games, but they didn't. Thats what separates WINNERS from LOSERS.
Posted by: Michael | August 28, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Watch how getting rid of Henning is a huge addition by subtraction for this team. He was part of the problem that permeated the offense. Playing for FG's, playing scared. That attitude starts at the top just like it did under Wanstache. Sparano is to blame too.
The Bills game at home was the most egregious example. Anyone remember that. Fins got off to horrible start. Henne gets hot in the 4th. Leads one TD drive. On his way to another. He was something like 12-14 with a TD in the 4th. They get to the point where they're looking at a 50 yd FG to tie inside of 2 min..........Wildcat play.
Why dont you just walk down on the field and tell the team, "We're fine with a 46 yd FG attempt for a tie, rather than trying to win the game"
Posted by: GarbagePlate | August 28, 2011 at 12:42 PM
I guess its about perspective, Michael. I saw a game on the line and a defense that stepped up at a crucial moment and made a big time play. And was not rewarded for it.
Posted by: GarbagePlate | August 28, 2011 at 12:44 PM
It sucks GP, but bad calls are part of the game. We did have our opportunities, I count 3, to win that game.
Posted by: Michael | August 28, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Miachael @ 12:41. I agree. Pulling out those 3 possible wins is what seperates teams. My point was to what dusty said about us being a "bad team" . I was simply pointing out we are not "bad", merely mediocre.
I also believe with a little more consistency from some of the young guys, we can go from mediocre to pretty good.
Posted by: GarbagePlate | August 28, 2011 at 12:48 PM
The league is stocked full of great talent. It is also loaded with second and third level personel; over-the-hlll vets; injury riddled bench warmers; etc.
It is easy (and usually inexpensive) to acquire the scrub player.
Basically, a revolving door of midlevel players that serve no other purpose than to fill a rotted cavity. (Our RT Colombo)
On the other hand, signing the (FA) perinnial elitist is expensive and subject of other's competition.
It is a shame our FO wont go to the dentist and crown the tooth decay. There is nothing uglier than a smile infected with a rotten front tooth.
Ross, please knuckle up, yank out a couple stumps and get a bridge.
Then smile brightly.
Posted by: GulfDolphin | August 28, 2011 at 12:51 PM
What is going on with the Press! Henne throws one touchdown pass and thats a great night? I thought his was exactly the same guy we saw last year.He is not a starting quarterback in this league.
Posted by: Mike Gentile | August 28, 2011 at 12:55 PM
GULF,HOW YOUU KNOW WHAT ODIN LOOKS LIKE?
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Basic math coming at you.
175 yards in 3 QTRS is 58.3 yards a QTR. 58.3 yards times 4 QTRS is 233.3 yards in 4 QTRS.
Matt Moore had 90 yards in 1 QTR. 90 times 4 = 360 yards. 360 yards is a normal day for Brady, Rivers, Brees and the like. 233 is NOT a normal day for those guys. Not saying Moore equals them. I'm just saying Henne equals garbage.
233 yards a game is sub par for an elite QB. Henne is opposite of elite. He is run of the mill.
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 28, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Gulf,
You have to remember shelling out big bucks for the OL guarantees nothing either. The Fo shelled out big dollars for Groves and Smiley and neither one worked out. Granted injuries were part of the equation but signing guys in FA guarantees nothing. I think the fact that it looks like they have missed out on Jerry realy hurts their plans for the line. We can only hope that Pouncey turns into what we hope he can be.
Posted by: Craig M | August 28, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Now I'm concern about our red zone offense again. Only saw the highlights on NFL.com but look like we got swallowed by their D inside the 5.
don't want to see points come only by way of big play and FG again.
I'm a Henne supporter on this blog, but guy is responsible for punching those in.
grant it, he's got no OL right now...
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Posted by: dolfanSF | August 28, 2011 at 12:59 PM
garbage plate we arent even close to being second in our 4 team division. so we arent even close at all to being a legit playoff team agree 100 percent michael.
Posted by: dusty bottoms | August 28, 2011 at 01:01 PM
I SEA THATT THERE IS NEW MEMBERSHIPS BEING ACCEPTED TO GANG OF EFEAT,DONKY BRIGADE,MARINATED ACORN GROUP,THOSE WHO WANT INTO TOP TIER(GANG OF DEFEET) NED TO SHOW HATERED NOT ONLY TO HENE BUT ALSO HC.OWNER,AND GM, THOSE WHO WANT INTO DONKY BRIGADE NEED TO SHOW HATERD TO 2 THUNKKS,THOSE SHOTING FOR MARINTED ACORN ONLY NEED TO SHOW HATED TO ONLY ONE THINGS, ENJOYY AND GOOD LUKES
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Ireland,Saprono,Henne, and Ross suxs., Aloco, Im I now in the gang of defeat?Lmao at Aloco, The guys funny?
Posted by: FP4FGs | August 28, 2011 at 01:01 PM
I'll believ
Posted by: d-dense | August 28, 2011 at 11:57 AM
=======================================
In what? The QB fairy? You actually think by placing a tooth under your pillow the QB fairy will bring you a real legit QB?
Ireland has put his entire upper crown under his pillow hoping the QB fairy will deliver a real QB in Henne.
Its not going to happen!
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 28, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Once again we will be the best team in the NFL with a losing record. Maybe there can be a Loser Bowl, we'd have a shot against all teams with losing records.
Posted by: LB 1 | August 28, 2011 at 01:07 PM
FP,HOW IM I FUNNY?, WHAT IM I ,SOMEE SORT OF CLOWN,HOW DO I MAKE YOU LAUGH?
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:07 PM
To all you Miami Herald Blowhards F U
Wait till you see the contract I demand next year while you guys are still making
Minimum wage at your crappy jobs while playing Madden and pretending
You know something about the NFL
Kiss my white, playoff bound, ass you freaking LOSERS
Posted by: Chad Henne | August 28, 2011 at 01:09 PM
IM I HERE FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT?
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:12 PM
I HOPE CHAD HENNE WILL HIRE A KILLER AGENT ,SO HE DOESN'T GET SCREWED TWICE ........................................................................................................................................................................................BACALA .
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:12 PM
LOL At Aloco, Gotta love him, He does know his movies.
Posted by: FP4FGs | August 28, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Craig,
I am aware that nothing is guaranteed. That probably is why our FO is reluctant to pursue anymore high dollar FA prospects.
But to pull in Colombo as an alternative move (and ignoring the TE situation) is numbing.
More novicaine please...
Posted by: GulfDolphin | August 28, 2011 at 01:17 PM
COLOMBO IS A NAME FOR A CIRCUS ACTOR NOT A DOLPHIN PLAYER ......................
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:19 PM
Henne is a name for a candy store clerk.
Posted by: LB 1 | August 28, 2011 at 01:20 PM
COLOMBO ALSO NAME FOR 70s SERIES OF SLOPPY DETECTIVE,MODLED AFTER FLIPPER DYING BREED.
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:22 PM
FPFG,YOUR BING CONSIDERED GOING FROM ACORN TO DONKY,CAUSE YOU ARE A BROWN DONKY.
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:27 PM
It's become abundantly clear that Sparano and Ireland can be depended upon to take all the unwanted/injured Cowboys, Jerry must laugh every time. Ross needs to call them in and order them to stop this practice for it clearly is keeping the team "bottom shelf."
Posted by: ccherald2 | August 28, 2011 at 01:28 PM
Aloco,
Do you think we will ever see Chad Heene on the front of a box of Wheates cereal?
Posted by: GulfDolphin | August 28, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Aloco, Whats a "Donky"?
Posted by: FP4FGs | August 28, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Craig M, now that I'm back, thanks for your reply. You're such a douche it's not even funny. The majority here would agree, you don't know squat about football. Just the fact that you agree with anything this front office does shows how little you know. One playoff game in a decade and everybody makes great decisions right? The only thing you do is pride yourself in "I said this" and "I said that". "Told you about New England" and "Told you about Mallett". Who the f**k cares what Mallett does? You hate him because some fans wanted Miami to take a chance on him since we haven't had a QB since, since, the new millennium I guess. You're nothing but a dolt. You change your opinion like I change underwear. When bloggers put up posts from you, you twist it around into something else. What you really are is an ignorant. Accept that fact and move on.
Posted by: #1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal | August 28, 2011 at 01:33 PM
GOLF,CHANCES ARE YOU'LL SEE HIM ON A MILK CARTON NEXT YEAR LIKE THEY DO WITH MISING KIDS
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:34 PM
Gulf, they would have to make the box much bigger.
However, it does appear as if Chad has been eating his Wheates.
Posted by: The Signal | August 28, 2011 at 01:36 PM
FAN IN MONTRAL,GRAIG IS A NOBLE POSTER,WHY YOU RIGHT NASTY LIKE THAT,YOU SIR ARE BEING A BULLY,FP, DO YOU LIKE CARROTS?,LOOKE IN MIRROR.
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Aloco, I call it the way it is. You know that. You know he's not very smart.
Posted by: #1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal | August 28, 2011 at 01:39 PM
LIKE JEF FOXWORTHY WOULD SAY" IF YOU LIKE CARROTS,AND HAVE TO BIG FRONT TEETH, YOU MIGHT BE A DONKEY."
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:42 PM
How many picks has this front office spent on offensive linemen? How many of them are starters? Jake Long. That's it. Now it looks like Jerry is the latest flop. He was a 3rd round pick. And let's not even talk about free agents. Jake Grove. Proctor. McQuistan. Now Colombo. Shawn Murphy, another wasted draft pick. They also got rid of Samson Satele, who's now a starter on one of the best rushing offenses in the league. I know Satele will never be in Canton, but he's better than these stiffs we're stuck with. That's a fact. Thank God Sparano is an o-line coach.
Posted by: #1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal | August 28, 2011 at 01:44 PM
LMAOROTF, Aloco might just be the funnest guy on here.
Posted by: FP4FGs | August 28, 2011 at 01:45 PM
LosLobos the point is everyone has been looking for improvement from Henne, visible improvement. We have seen improvement. Only a non fan or flat out Chad Henne hater (the weirdest of weird considering most have never met the kid) is blind to what everyone has been seeing on the field in practice and games.
Posted by: LouD | August 28, 2011 at 01:45 PM
The funny thing is everyone, including fans, knew Colombo sucked for Dallas last year. What does Ireland do? Gets him!! And Sparano says: "I watched tape...Tape doesn't lie..." What??? Are you on crack Sir?
Posted by: #1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal | August 28, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Here we go with the NY bashing again. Look Bill if it wasn't for NY your state would be economically irrelevant. Do you realize how many New Yorkers live(have moved too) and vacation in Florida? Half your state is from NY! But thank you for stereo typing everyone from NY. Next you can move on to blacks and Cubans.
Posted by: LouD | August 28, 2011 at 01:51 PM
Amen Montreal, I Just dont get how the HC(Being a former O-Line coach) cant figure this thing out, We're going on year 3 of this.I mean I understand Rome wasnt built in a day, But come on.
Posted by: FP4FGs | August 28, 2011 at 01:51 PM
loslobos get lost with your ridiculous negativity. You're a drag. Every f***ing post you write is negative. You are a joke and worst of all your impersonating a Dolphins fan. Please stop wasting your time following our team.
Posted by: phins84 | August 28, 2011 at 01:55 PM
Montreal,
I share your disgust with the state of the offensive line and the litany of front office mistakes in that area.
I see the offensive line as the foundation for any offensive success.
What do you propose as a way to address this problem area?
Even though the team has spent a number of draft picks and FA acquisitions attempting to solidify the line, is not the only answer to continue to draft offensive linemen with premium draft picks while also pursuing quality FA offensive linemen?
Posted by: Oregon Dolphin fan | August 28, 2011 at 01:58 PM
SONE FLIPPER DYING BREED WILL BE ON SAYING THAT A OFFENCE LINE TAKES 28 GAMES TO "JELL".JELL MY FOOT.
Posted by: ALoco | August 28, 2011 at 01:59 PM
FP4FGs, some people don't like to hear FACTS. I'm not saying my opinion is the voice of reason. Far from it. I'll be the first to admit I'm sometimes wrong. But I usually post FACTS, and FACT is, this front office has failed miserably in drafting and signing offensive linemen. If they wouldn't of failed, they wouldn't of had to draft Pouncey in the first round. Pouncey is a direct result of failures like Jake Grove, Joe Berger, Cory Proctor, John Jerry, Justin Smiley, etc etc...FACTS. Maybe we could of used our first round pick on a TE or even a QB.
Posted by: #1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal | August 28, 2011 at 01:59 PM
LosLobos the point is everyone has been looking for improvement from Henne, visible improvement. We have seen improvement.
Posted by: LouD | August 28, 2011 at 01:45 PM
==============================================
I'd rather see improvement in actual games than scrimmage games.
BTW...what improvement? 10 of 13 for 175 is a typical 3 QTR Henne day. Tack on another 2 of 3 and he has his normal 233 yards for a complete game.
I just want people to see Henne for what he truly is. He is a Dilfer. HE IS NOT A BRADY!
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 28, 2011 at 02:00 PM
"but bad calls are part of the game. We did have our opportunities, I count 3, to win that game."
Yeah, but that particular play will be a bad call no more because the rules committee changed the procedure because of that specific play. The same as they did the year before with the bad call in New Orleans. That makes two years in a row that specific rules that robbed Miami of a win were changed the very next season.
You can't have it both ways in sports. You say they had their opportunities to win and didn't seize the moment but alas, THEY DID. They seized the moment at the end of the game like many teams do. If the call was made correctly we wouldn't be discussing the Steelers game as a game that they could have lost, it would simply be remembered as a win.
Posted by: LouD | August 28, 2011 at 02:01 PM
#1, Agree again, Somebody in the front Office is Clueless, Any thoughts on who that is?
Posted by: FP4FGs | August 28, 2011 at 02:03 PM
Oregon, I'm not an NFL GM, I don't have the magic solution. But picking up Dallas'rejects is not a solution, that I know.
Posted by: #1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal | August 28, 2011 at 02:06 PM
#1, I just cant see Ireland being the sole reason why the O-Line is a thing in Progress for the 3rd stright year, The HC(Being a O-Line coach) Must have been in Irelands ear a little, You Thoughts?
Posted by: FP4FGs | August 28, 2011 at 02:07 PM