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Last Updated: Aug 11th, 2008 - 20:59:04 |
Something or someone has got to give.
Even though four quarterbacks are currently on the Dolphins' roster as a result of the recent signing of veteran Chad Pennington, roster space and shared snaps aren't the most pressing issues at the moment.
Coach Tony Sparano stresses that the Dolphins can, and very well might, carry four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and will make it work.
What's really troublesome to the Dolphins' newest quarterback is the fact there are two Chads on the roster
While standing on the sideline observing his new team Saturday night, Pennington said he found himself at attention, and often distracted, every time someone was calling out to rookie quarterback Chad Henne.
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| Bill Kostroun/Associated Press |
"We got to get this Chad thing straightened out. We got to start calling him Rook or calling me C.P., or something," said Pennington, who playfully threw a towel on Henne's head while the rookie was doing an interview after Saturday's 17-6 exhibition loss to Tampa Bay.
Who gets called what isn't the only issue that will need straightening out before September arrives. The Dolphins also must find a way to get Pennington up to speed with the offense, create enough practice snaps for all four arms and identify a starting quarterback for the Sept. 7 opener against the Jets, Pennington's former team.
While many think Pennington's eight seasons of experience should make him an instant starter, the way the Dolphins' coaches and front office preach competition it's more likely he'll have just as arduous a road to earning the starting spot as Henne, Josh McCown or John Beck.
"Chad is going to be competing. He knows that," said Sparano, who last week complained about not having enough snaps to get a good look at the team's three quarterbacks.
Now add one to the mix.
But Sparano is hopeful Pennington will do more than compete for the starting spot.
"He has the most experience in the room and I hope that he's going to be a mentor in that room for some of the younger guys," Sparano said.
It's a role Pennington says he's willing to accept.
While Pennington was exposed to offensive coordinator Dan Henning's offense in his rookie season with the Jets, and dusted off his old notebook to study it on the plane, he's well behind the others.
But because of the fact he's perceived as one of the most studious quarterbacks in the NFL, he should be able to catch up in no time.
One thing became clear Saturday night: He knows how to work a locker room.
"He actually came up to me and started talking to me about where I like the ball. Do I like high balls or low balls? I told him put the ball in the air and I'm going to get it," receiver Derek Hagan said. "It was strange because I had never met him before. … But he's another experienced quarterback and that's definitely a plus for us."
Among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts, Pennington's 65.6 completion percentage is the all-time best. He has started 66 games the past six seasons with the Jets and compiled a 34-32 record, leading New York to the playoffs three times.
Pennington has passed for 14,904 yards and 89 touchdowns throughout his regular season and playoff career. Ten of those touchdowns came last season when he started eight games, compiling an 86.1 quarterback rating while battling with Kellen Clemens to retain the starting job.
"I'm no stranger to competition. I've been there before and I know what it's all about," said Pennington, who signed an incentive-laden deal that will pay him between $7 million and $11.5 million during the next two seasons.
"I think it brings out the best in all of us and makes our team better."
The Dolphins' second exhibition game is Saturday at Jacksonville.
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