If Pennington is up to the task, starting role should be his in 2010

By Adam Sweeney  |   Sunday, June 07, 2009  |  Comments( 6 )

Miami Dolphins
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

One of the reasons to love the Miami Dolphins is that their roster is filled with underdogs. Granted, some of the guys on the team are underachievers (Ernest Wilford, that means you). But what team doesn't have its share of players who have yet to realize their potential?

In the end, the Dolphins' underdogs far outnumber their busts and nobody is a better example than quarterback Chad Pennington. Until last season, Pennington never got an adequate amount of credit. When he was performing as a New York Jet, it was always Curtis Martin and Santana Moss who received the props on offense.

Even though he has proven to be the most accurate passer in the NFL, there are always questions to go with the accolades. Is his arm strong enough? When will Chad Henne take over, and what if Pennington falters this season? Is he only doing well because of the "Wildcat" formation and the presence of Ronnie Brown? Let's quickly answer those: His arm is fine; Henne won't be overtaking Pennington soon; and no, Pennington is a product of determination and hard work.

The question that stands out in the trio just posed centers on second-year man Henne. The Dolphins are looking to switch gears and let the backup take the starting spot in 2010, but should they be so quick to pull the trigger? Word is that Pennington finally has his legs under him and that his arm feels good, which means he will have more velocity on his passes and can take more of a bruising. If he can at least come close to the numbers he put up last season, why in the world would you tell him to sit the bench next year? Pro sports teams are supposed to play the athletes who give them the best chance at winning. No one knows if Henne, a former second-round pick from Michigan, can be that guy yet; so, until Pennington shows a significant drop in his ability, he should be under center in Miami.

Pennington is taking everything in stride, which is to his credit. There would be plenty of players who would cry about being disrespected. However, both Chads in this case have been classy. Henne continues to give credit to Pennington for helping get him adjusted to the speed of the NFL, even if he only threw 12 passes in 2008.

It's a win-win for Miami at this point, but the Dolphins will be better for it if they hold off on letting Pennington go after this season. Underdogs always play their best when their backs are against the wall. If that's the case with Pennington, expect a great season. You know he will expect it out of himself.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (6)

About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report