Big plays have Dolphins fans cheering again

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/655306.html

Big plays have Dolphins fans cheering again

By JEFF DARLINGTON
Miami Herald

It took only a tap on the helmet.

That might have been the gesture that mattered most Saturday, the one Dolphins coach Tony Sparano quietly and subtly delivered to Chad Pennington as the quarterback hustled from the field after a touchdown drive Saturday night.

The cheers from the crowd? Oh, those were nice, too. But those were reserved for the far more excitable highlights -- most notably, Ted Ginn Jr.'s 59-yard punt return for a touchdown -- during a 24-0 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Or defensive end Kendall Langford's goal-line tackle on fourth down. Or cornerback Michael Lehan's interception. Or linebacker Channing Crowder's sack and forced fumble. Or running back Jalen Parmele's 80-yard run.

Those were the plays that made this game fun, no doubt. But Pennington's efficiency, although subtle and understated, was what made this game important.

On the same night rookie quarterback Chad Henne struggled more than in any of his previous performances, Pennington continued to look poised and patient during the first half, finishing 11 for 15 with 94 yards and one touchdown.

`GOOD EXECUTION'

''When we take the ball down the field on the first drive of the game like we did, that's critical,'' Sparano said. ``Anytime you can do that, it shows pretty good execution on our part. I thought Chad Pennington made some nice plays there.''

Although many had already assumed Pennington would start the regular-season opener, the Dolphins' brass privately entered Saturday's game with a different mind-set. Henne remained very much in contention for the starting job, whether outsiders believe it or not.

By the end of Saturday night, those feelings undoubtedly changed. Henne, who played most of the third and fourth quarters, went 2 for 7 with 14 yards and an interception.

It seems it will only be a matter of time -- perhaps as soon as Monday -- that Pennington will be named the team's starter. For many, that won't even seem like news. But it should at least provide another boost in stability for a team that seems to be bursting with newfound optimism.

Beyond the continuously improving clarity at quarterback, the Dolphins could see what to expect from other units. Albeit against a Chiefs team that looks as if it might be destined for similar misery felt in Miami last season, that wasn't enough to spoil another strong showing by Miami.

ALL UNITS IN SYNC

The offense was focused. The defense was smothering. And the special teams made more progress in one game than it had in the previous two others.

The offensive play was again defined by consistent balance, anchored by running back Ricky Williams' 12 carries in the first half for 47 yards. Williams ran the ball eight times and caught one pass on the team's opening 15-play drive that resulted in a field goal.

Pennington otherwise picked apart the Chiefs' defense as his offensive line consistently provided ample time to remain patient as receivers got open.

The defense was defined by solid coverage and a smothering front. Again, Kansas City's dismal offensive production -- even with running back Larry Johnson in the backfield -- still should be weighed into consideration when gauging the unit's progress. Nonetheless, the Dolphins looked especially impressive on a four-down, goal-line stand that started on the 3-yard line.

Overall, the defense maintained its production, well after the starters left the game. In all, Miami produced five sacks and three interceptions.

And the special teams? No question, Ginn's punt return for a touchdown could be viewed as the night's highlight, a brilliant showing of speed complemented by several seam-opening blocks.

The negatives were few. Yes, Henne's step backward can be considered a disappointment, but it's nothing that should be unexpected from a first-year quarterback.

Perhaps most discouraging was the number of penalties, a problem through the first three games of the preseason. The team committed nine penalties for 45 yards.

Still, on a night when plenty of other optimistic sights set the theme, the negatives weren't all that worrisome. Most important, Pennington's success was again worthy of hope.

''I really liked the way he looked,'' Sparano said. ``That's really one of his strengths. He keeps the chains moving, he throws the ball accurately, and he's smart with the football. We're not in a position where we can afford turnovers.''