Chad Pennington sharp in first day in pads with Dolphins

[DolFan619]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/08/11/0811pennington.html

Chad Pennington sharp in first day in pads with Dolphins

By EDGAR THOMPSON
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Monday, August 11, 2008

DAVIE — At the end of his first practice with his new team, Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington felt like he was back in his first training camp eight years ago.

In a way, he was.

"Did we even practice? Because it went by real fast," joked Pennington, who had worn only New York Jets gear since he entered the NFL in 2000. "I remember when I was a rookie and everything was just a blur."

At times, Pennington said, he felt even younger than a wide-eyed newcomer - "like my little 4-year-old going to his first football camp, no idea where to go or what to do."

But when he stepped under center Monday, Pennington, 32, looked anything but lost. He looked every bit the player the Dolphins expected when they signed him to a two-year contract this weekend.

"You couldn't ask more from a guy on the first day," wideout Greg Camarillo said.

In just one day, Pennington did something the Dolphins' three other quarterbacks hadn't done during more than two weeks of training camp: He breathed life into Miami's passing game. He also seemed to quickly shove aside quarterbacks Josh McCown and John Beck.

"That's not to disrespect the guys who were in there, but Chad brings a certain presence," cornerback Andre Goodman said. "Everybody had a little swagger on the other side of the ball."

Pennington, the NFL's all-time leader in passing accuracy, made quick decisions and precise throws, completing 13 of 21 passes in 11-on-11 drills.

"The ball comes out on time," Goodman said. "The receiver turns his head and it almost hit him in the face a couple of times. It's amazing to see that on day one."

While Pennington dazzled his new teammates, two of them - McCown and Beck - were left to wonder where they fit in.

Rookie Chad Henne, a second-round draft pick, shared snaps with Pennington and finished 9-of-15. Beck threw only one pass (a completion); McCown was 1-for-3.

"It's different, but that's what the coaches asked," Beck said. "I go out there each day, put my helmet on and play. Whatever they tell me to do I do."

Beck said quarterbacks coach David Lee laid out the plan before practice. The goal is to waste no time in getting Pennington acclimated to the Dolphins' system.

Beck or McCown, if not both, could quickly fade into the background as coach Tony Sparano and his staff ratchet up preparations for the regular season.

"We're kind of out of the hurtin'-people's-feelings business right now," Sparano said. "We're getting into the real deal here. We've got to get people ready to play that we think are going to be headed to the game."

Pennington needed just one day in the huddle to persuade his teammates to follow him as the Dolphins inch their way toward a Week 1 matchup against Brett Favre and the Jets.

"The guy definitely knows what he's talking about," wide receiver Derek Hagan said. "He tries to take command of the huddle. We've been waiting for that, looking for that. We got that with Chad back there."

While his teammates gushed, Pennington kept his day in perspective. He pointed out an interception by Goodman near the goal line - a play that doesn't sit well with a guy who has thrown only 55 picks in 1,919 pass attempts.

Pennington, once a finalist to be a Rhodes scholar, also knows he has a lot to learn about the Dolphins' playbook, despite spending his rookie season working with Jets offensive coordinator Dan Henning, who now has that role with the Dolphins.

Even if his task is daunting, Pennington knows that his arrival hasn't been easy on the other quarterbacks.

Pennington - who was released less than a week ago, when the Jets acquired Favre - said he has tried to be understanding.

"It's a tough situation," he said. "There's a lot of emotions involved. ... The only way it works is if you have good people and good professionals.

"I'm lucky to have those three guys here. They're fighting through it and I'm fighting through it and we're just trying to work together."

[yuppi]

Ricky williams is running great, we have a good line... and Chad Pennington is here

is it safe to be excited 

[Defense54]

Ricky williams is running great, we have a good line... and Chad Pennington is here

is it safe to be excited 

No. We still have not seen a scoring drive from the Team and our defense has more leaks then the Titanic. 

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Despite the sckepticism on Chad Pennington's arm strength, he can get the ball down the field if he has to.  I've seen him do it. 

[DZA]

Ricky williams is running great, we have a good line... and Chad Pennington is here

is it safe to be excited 

Not yet my friend,  Miami still lacks a solid receiving corp . We shall see by the 4th game !

[dolphins4life]

I'm definitely excited that Pennington is sharp.  He is also hungry to prove himself, which could rub off on the other players

[Rick]

Not yet my friend,  Miami still lacks a solid receiving corp . We shall see by the 4th game !

  Keyshawn Johnson is ready to come on down to Miami!!!!!