Dolphins' Tony Sparano: I always knew Chad Pennington was the man

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Dolphins' Tony Sparano: I always knew Chad Pennington was the man


By EDGAR THOMPSON

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Thursday, October 30, 2008

DAVIE — It didn't take Dolphins coach Tony Sparano long to know that Chad Pennington was the man for the job.

Miami signed Pennington on Aug. 9 and within days Sparano was confident the Dolphins had their quarterback.

Sparano insisted through the pre-season that there was a quarterback competition between Pennington and rookie Chad Henne. But earlier today, Sparano made it clear he was leaning Pennington's way for some time.

"I knew that he was the right guy for us probably a couple of days into practice when I saw the way the players were responding to him out on the practice field," Sparano said.

"When all of the sudden players stay out after practice, do the extra work, play a little bit faster for you out there in practice, pay attention to detail a little bit more, start asking some questions to another player, then I think you know you have something there."

Pennington heads into Sunday's visit to Denver coming off his first 300-yard game as a Dolphin. In Miami's win against Buffalo, Pennington was 22-of-30 for 314 yards and a touchdown, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Earlier today, the league named linebacker Joey Porter the AFC's Defensive Player of the Month. Porter had 14 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery this month.

Sparano said he was pleased for the two veterans, who have a combined 19 years of NFL experience.

"They both prepared themselves during the off-season to have good seasons," Sparano said. "It's nice to see that happen."
 
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