Pennington injury could provide fortunate twist to unfortunate season

By Hugo Guzman  |   Monday, September 28, 2009  |  Comments( 4 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins have started the season 0-3. They're sporting a -5 turnover ratio. Their faltering starting quarterback, Chad Pennington, appeared to suffer a serious shoulder injury. Their alleged quarterback of the future, Chad Henne, threw an ugly interception to seal the loss against San Diego. Their secondary continues to be exposed, particularly on quick-strike, downfield throws. Their special teams unit continues to play very pedestrian football. Their No. 1 receiver continues to flash No. 4 receiver execution and production.

So why am I half-smiling?

It's simple. Because as unfortunate as Chad Pennington's injury might be, it puts the franchise in a very fortunate situation. If Pennington is forced to miss extended time, Chad Henne will enter the starting lineup and deliver an impromptu audition for starting quarterback duties.

If Henne succeeds, then Miami will know that they have the fundamental building block for their struggling franchise, as well as a veteran backup that can step in when needed as well as mentor his youthful proteges (Henne and White). In addition, despite starting 3-0, Henne could potentially put Miami back in playoff contention if his play exceeds expectations.

If Henne fails, then Miami can give White a chance to take over the reigns, and if he also fails to impress, Miami will likely sport the type of season record that will put them in position to take a stab at a franchise quarterback in the 2010 NFL draft.

It's very sad to consider these types of scenarios just three games into the season, but with an 0-3 record and an injury starting quarterback, it's hard not to take a peer into future, if only to lessen the pain of the present.

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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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CommentsComments: 4  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
JimmyD		12:56 PM
09/28/2009
Tough loss for the phish, but they have so many issues to sort out that I am afraid your commentary is quite on point. Given...
No.2
JimmyD		10:45 AM
09/30/2009
It would appear that Pennigton's career is on the outs. I doubt that a 33 year old QB with another shoulder injury will win the...
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No.3
Goose		04:42 PM
09/30/2009
Sadly how the Bills and Phins mirror each other. Both teams have been unsuccesfully searching for QB's since Kelly and Marino...
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