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Miami Dolphins' Pennington taking command of offense
BY JEFF DARLINGTON
jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

When the Dolphins were busy preparing for Sunday's game against the Patriots, coach Tony Sparano had specific instructions for quarterback Chad Pennington every time he lined up as a wide receiver in the team's Wildcat offense.

'I told him, `Just get the hell out of the way if you can, please,' '' Sparano said. ``If you've got to run off the field, then run off the field.''

It was not a knock on Pennington. Sparano didn't want his quarterback getting hurt. But Pennington's co-starring role in the wildly successful scheme couldn't have been more symbolic of the attention he has received since.

While everyone else was watching running back Ronnie Brown on Sunday, Pennington was putting together a performance of historic significance. He did it so quietly and patiently, not even the players catching the passes realized his accomplishment.

On Sunday, the most accurate passer in NFL history had the most accurate game of his nine-year career.

Pennington, who is more efficient than any quarterback with at least 1,500 attempts, completed 85 percent of his passes Sunday.

''That's crazy,'' said tight end David Martin, who caught a 21-yard pass from Pennington. ``I didn't even know that. I guess we really did have a lot of things working.''

By completing 17 of 20 passes, Pennington's completion percentage also was the second-best in Dolphins history with a minimum of 12 passes, surpassing everyone except Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese, who completed 12 of 13 passes (92.3 percent) against the Patriots in 1978.

GOOD FEELING

''It's the best feeling you can have as an offensive football player,'' Pennington said of his performance. ``It really is because you just feel like whatever's called, good things are going to happen.

``To have that feeling, it doesn't get any better than that.''

Pennington's performance wasn't the result of an ultraconservative approach in the passing game, either. He completed six passes for longer than 15 yards. His longest -- a 33-yard completion to wide receiver Greg Camarillo -- went about 23 yards in the air with 10 yards after the catch.

More important was Pennington's efficiency early in drives. When he passed the ball on first down, he completed 8 of 9 attempts for an average of 13.1 yards.

On all but two of those attempts, the Dolphins needed 4 yards at most to move the chains on second down.

Such a scenario put Miami in a position to throw or pass on second down, which allowed the team to take more chances with the Wildcat formation.

''That's why [Pennington] is so successful,'' tight end Anthony Fasano said. ``And I think it's one of the reasons that made us so successful on offense. We kept the chains moving, and we didn't get ourselves backed up into long downs and distances.''

Although Pennington didn't have many chances to throw the ball -- which could have decreased his efficiency -- his performance shouldn't be diminished by the lack of opportunities.

Pennington did exactly what the Dolphins hoped he would when they signed him: He kept drives going by being an effective game manager.

''He puts the ball exactly where it needs to be,'' Camarillo said.

``He throws it before the receiver makes the break. When you turn around, the ball is right there. As a receiver, you can't ask for anything more.''

GETTING COMFORTABLE

After a solid season opener followed by a rough performance against Arizona, Pennington appears to be growing more comfortable with his receivers. Now, the Dolphins can only hope he continues his trend.

If he does, it will allow his teammates to benefit from ideal situations on offense.

That is just fine with Pennington.

If the team is winning, there will be enough attention to go around.

''I think we complemented each other well,'' Pennington said. ``That's how you play good, solid football.

``And that's what we're learning how to do.''

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