Dolphins' Pennington tired of arm criticism

[DolFan619]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/655204.html

Dolphins' Pennington tired of arm criticism

By BARRY JACKSON
Miami Herald

Pelted with potshots about his arm strength since two shoulder surgeries in 2005, Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington has heard enough. ''The perception is that way because I never defended myself -- I just let people talk,'' he said in a private moment last week. ''But it's perception -- it's not reality. You get tired of hearing about it.''

A few points to consider:

• Pennington - who was 11 for 15 for 94 yards and a touchdown against Kansas City on Saturday - did a self-evaluation this offseason and determined there ''was never a question of whether I could put the ball there or not.'' But there was ''inconsistency'' in velocity. He believes a change in mechanics has improved that.

''I focused on using my body more,'' he said. ``When you look at the great throwers throughout history, they weren't arm throwers. They understand how to use their hips and abdomen to generate more velocity. That created a more consistent, faster throw. I've tried to change a lot of things to create more consistency.''

• ESPN.com stats guru KC Joyner relayed encouraging numbers: On throws in which the ball was in the air at least 20 yards the past two years, Pennington was 34 for 70 with nine touchdowns and four interceptions, ''which is easily in the upper half of the league,'' Joyner said. (The Dolphins in 2007 completed 28.6 percent of their passes that were in the air at least 20 yards -- 28th in the league.)

And on throws in the air at least 30 yards (not shorter throws and long runs), Joyner said Pennington was 11 of 23 -- also considered good.

• Jets radio analyst Marty Lyons said Pennington's ball floated at times on out routes in swirling wind, but 'the `noodle arm' thing is unfair.'' (Miami ends the season with cold-weather games at the Chiefs and Jets, but who knows if Pennington or Chad Henne will be starting then?)

His throws ''are not frozen ropes, and the projection looks like it may be floating, but he can throw deep,'' Lyons said. ``His arm strength is average, but his ability to read defenses and make precise throws make it a little above average.''