Who would have thought that, by the end of this game it would be Tyler Thigpen sealing the deal for Miami. In one of the most bizarre football games I can remember, Miami would use all 3 of there quarterbacks, en route to a 29-17 victory. The Chad Pennington comeback special was over after the first 2 plays, and it is safe to assume his career is likely over. This would be the 4th major injury to his throwing shoulder. I hate to see something like this happen to player like Pennington, a true professional , a great leader, and not to mention the most accurate QB in the history of the NFL. After Pennington went down, Henne reclaimed his job, and showed some flashes of fire he had yet to display on the field, but still showed some of his deficiencies with his decision making, and touch on the short throws. He did look like he was ready to lead this team though. Henne would eventually go down with a knee injury, and Thigpen would take his place. Pennington was never seen again, and Henne was seen wearing crutches after the game.
It's funny how things work out sometimes. Sparano inserted Pennington claiming that this offense didn't have any spark. It seemed like there was a spark with Thigpen at the helm. He would lead them 85 yards down the field for the games final score. Thigpen really isn't as obscure as you may think. He started 11 games for Kansas City in 2008, and threw for 2,600 yards 18, touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also ran for over 300 yards, and scored 3 touchdowns with his legs.
Back to the game. If you would have said to me that , Ronnie Brown would only have 11 yards rushing, Anthony Fasano would be our leading receiver, Thigpen would be playing extensive time, and we would win the game, I would have said no way. But that's the way things are in the NFL, you never know. The Titans had QB troubles of their own, Kerry Collins went down with a calf injury at halftime, this after starting in place of the gimpy ankled Vince Young. Neither QB was very effective against the Dolphins' defense, throwing for a combined 18 of 38 for 143 yards with a touchdown, and a pick to match. All in all, 6 different players took snaps at QB in this game (Pennington, Henne, Thigpen, Brown, Young, and Collins). The real story of this game is all in the numbers. Miami out gained Tennessee 404, to 259 yards. Miami was also better on 3rd down, converting 52%, to the Titans 31%, had more time of possession by almost 10 minutes, had fewer turnovers, out tackled, and just plain beat up on the Titans for their first home win of the season.
Rarely does a victory leave a sour taste in your mouth, but after this game, this season is more up in the air than it was the previous week. The Possibility of losing your top 2 quarterbacks for a season is never good, no matter how well Thigpen plays. Also lost in the shuffle is Jake Long suffering a dislocated shoulder, it remains to be seen, but early reports are that it should not keep him from playing. This means the Dolphins will be have to pick up to more QB's from off the street to fill the roster spots. A couple of names that have surfaced already are Jamarcus Russell, Pat White (I just cringed a little), Daunte Culpepper (NO!), Jeff Garcia, and Patrick Ramsey. Russell and Ramsey are the most likely, but I have to admit I hope they sign Jeff Garcia. Ramsey, or Garcia provide the most veteran experience, which is what we need right now. I do feel like we are in capable hands with Thigpen right now. I think he is the best athlete of our current QB's, and will be able to extend some plays with his scrambling ability.
It was a bad day, but a good win. Let's see if Thigpen can be the spark this offense needs going forward.
Side notes:
Brian Hartline continued his improved play with a 5 catch, 98 yard performance.
Anthony Fasano had his best game as a pro, with 5 receptions for 107 yards and 1 touchdown.
Titans running back Chris Johnson became the fourth player to rush for 4,000 yards while averaging 5.0 yards per rush in his first 40 games.
Kerry Collins is now 0-5 against the Dolphins.
Vontae Davis has shut down Randy Moss again this year, yielding his first and only catch to him in this game.
It's funny how things work out sometimes. Sparano inserted Pennington claiming that this offense didn't have any spark. It seemed like there was a spark with Thigpen at the helm. He would lead them 85 yards down the field for the games final score. Thigpen really isn't as obscure as you may think. He started 11 games for Kansas City in 2008, and threw for 2,600 yards 18, touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also ran for over 300 yards, and scored 3 touchdowns with his legs.
Back to the game. If you would have said to me that , Ronnie Brown would only have 11 yards rushing, Anthony Fasano would be our leading receiver, Thigpen would be playing extensive time, and we would win the game, I would have said no way. But that's the way things are in the NFL, you never know. The Titans had QB troubles of their own, Kerry Collins went down with a calf injury at halftime, this after starting in place of the gimpy ankled Vince Young. Neither QB was very effective against the Dolphins' defense, throwing for a combined 18 of 38 for 143 yards with a touchdown, and a pick to match. All in all, 6 different players took snaps at QB in this game (Pennington, Henne, Thigpen, Brown, Young, and Collins). The real story of this game is all in the numbers. Miami out gained Tennessee 404, to 259 yards. Miami was also better on 3rd down, converting 52%, to the Titans 31%, had more time of possession by almost 10 minutes, had fewer turnovers, out tackled, and just plain beat up on the Titans for their first home win of the season.
Rarely does a victory leave a sour taste in your mouth, but after this game, this season is more up in the air than it was the previous week. The Possibility of losing your top 2 quarterbacks for a season is never good, no matter how well Thigpen plays. Also lost in the shuffle is Jake Long suffering a dislocated shoulder, it remains to be seen, but early reports are that it should not keep him from playing. This means the Dolphins will be have to pick up to more QB's from off the street to fill the roster spots. A couple of names that have surfaced already are Jamarcus Russell, Pat White (I just cringed a little), Daunte Culpepper (NO!), Jeff Garcia, and Patrick Ramsey. Russell and Ramsey are the most likely, but I have to admit I hope they sign Jeff Garcia. Ramsey, or Garcia provide the most veteran experience, which is what we need right now. I do feel like we are in capable hands with Thigpen right now. I think he is the best athlete of our current QB's, and will be able to extend some plays with his scrambling ability.
It was a bad day, but a good win. Let's see if Thigpen can be the spark this offense needs going forward.
Side notes:
Brian Hartline continued his improved play with a 5 catch, 98 yard performance.
Anthony Fasano had his best game as a pro, with 5 receptions for 107 yards and 1 touchdown.
Titans running back Chris Johnson became the fourth player to rush for 4,000 yards while averaging 5.0 yards per rush in his first 40 games.
Kerry Collins is now 0-5 against the Dolphins.
Vontae Davis has shut down Randy Moss again this year, yielding his first and only catch to him in this game.
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