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Instant Analysis: Miami 24, Kansas City 0

By Ben Volin | Saturday, August 23, 2008, 10:20 PM

Instant Analysis and observations from the press box in Miami’s 24-0 win over Kansas City …

Offensive efficiency: The First Team offense didn’t produce any fireworks, but for the second straight week Chad Pennington kept the chains moving, limited mistakes and put points on the board. He finished 11-of-15 for 94 yards, a touchdown and a 111.5 quarterback rating in two-plus quarters of play, though he was only 2-of-7 on third-down conversions. Pennington did a nice job buying time in the pocket, and had a couple of nice hook-ups with Anthony Fasano and Ted Ginn. He is still the only Dolphins quarterback to lead a touchdown drive during the three exhibition games. Ricky Williams was a workhorse in Ronnie Brown’s absense, carrying 12 times for 47 yards and catching two passes for 11 yards. In three games, he has 27 carries for 121 yards and looks like he’s ready to be a featured back in the regular season. Chad Henne, meanwhile, threw a bad interception in the third quarter, a fade to Justin Peelle in the end zone that prevented the Dolphins from going up 24-0, and completed just two of seven throws.

Ginn-tastic: Ted Ginn may be a long strider, but he proved once again Saturday night that he can turn on the after-burners on punt returns. Ginn fielded a punt in the second quarter at his own 39, went right, cut back left, ran backwards 5 yards, narrowly avoided Maurice Price, turned the corner, headed up the left sideline, broke free of Dustin Colquitt and scooted 59 yards for a touchdown. Ginn, the Dolphins’ controversial 2007 first-round pick, also had an 87-yard punt return last year against the Eagles and two kickoff touchdowns called back by penalties.

Sweltering defense: Sure, no one will confuse the 2008 Chiefs with last year’s Patriots or the 1998 Vikings, but the Dolphins’ defense absolutely suffocated Kansas City’s offense. Channing Crowder, Vonnie Holliday, Joey Porter, Phillip Merling and Rob Ninkovich each came up with sacks. Renaldo Hill, Michael Lehan and Jason Allen had interceptions, and Crowder forced a fumble, which was recovered by Matt Roth. The Chiefs gained just 189 total net yards, and only 99 passing yards. The defense was on the field for 34 minutes, but pestered Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard all night. Punter Dustin Colquitt was the Chiefs’ best player, punting seven times for a 48-yard average.

Hey, look who it is: Yes, that was John Beck entering the game with 4:22 left in the fourth quarter. He hadn’t played since the first quarter of the Aug. 9 exhibition game against the Bucs. Beck, widely rumored to be the odd man out in the four-man quarterback race, handed off twice before fumbling a low snap out of the shotgun from backup center Trey Darilek. Kansas City recovered the fumble. Josh McCown, meanwhile, did not play. He hasn’t played since the fourth quarter of the Bucs game.

Penalties: This is starting to become a broken record. The Dolphins had nine penalties for 60 yards in the first game, seven for 75 last week, and nine for 45 on Saturday. Justin Peelle had an illegal formation penalty that negated a fumble recovery on a punt. Vernon Carey, Samson Satele and Greg Camarillo each had a false start, while Channing Crowder, Quentin Moses and Reggie Torbor jumped offsides. There were many positives in Saturday’s game, but Sparano won’t be happy with all the penalties.

Two in a row: The Dolphins haven’t won two consecutive games since November of 2006, when they won four straight. It may be exhibition, but for this team, a win is always cause for celebration.

All preseason, doesn't mean a damn thing.

Culpepper looked good in the 2006 preseason.

Beck looked good in the 2007 preseason

He did?  ???

He sort of did.... but he was going against 3rd stringers.  Pennington, on the other hand, is going against starters.

I was wondering the same thing. It was so long ago, but I don't recall him being anything other than average in pre-season.

I just remember saying give the kid a break he's a rookie. Now I'm running out of breaks..........

My problem with Beck isn't even with his passing ability (or the lack thereof).  My problem is that he can't hang on to the football.  He's becoming a living ad for Butterfingers.  I can't think Parcells hasn't noticed this too.  Beck probably just fumbled away his last chance at making the team.  In Beck's defense, the snap may have been low, but I think he's run out of excuses...