The Dolphins, now 2-4, face a critical two game stretch of their season in which a lot of decisions must be made. Perhaps none more important than what will happen at quarterback after these two games. The Dolphins had shocked the world 2 weeks in a row dominating New England on the road and then beating San Diego at home. However, the last two weeks have seen the Dolphins come crashing back to Earth after losses to the borderline pathetic Houston Texans and the mediocre Baltimore Ravens.

Gone are the whispers and murmurs about the playoffs and a winning season that were prevelant after the team’s victory over San Diego gave it a 2-2 record. Replacing those whispers and murmurs are questions about what can be done to right the ship and avoid finishing the season with a similar record to last season. The task won’t be easy as the Dolphins next two opponents are the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos, teams the Dolphins will surely be underdogs against.

If the Dolphins lose these two games and are sitting at 2-6 the coaching staff needs to strongly consider replacing Chad Pennington with Chad Henne. Everyone, including the Chads, is aware that Pennington’s position is to guard the throne until the future starter (Henne) is ready to ascend to the starting position. It was obvious this past week just what Pennington’s limitations are and what they mean to the success of the team.

Pennington was a good pick up because he was more than capable of coming in and providing leadership on an offense that had none. He is an efficient passer, good leader, and he manages the game well, minimizing mistakes and giving the team chances to win. Pennington does not however bring the big play ability that every team needs to get  them over the hump. Pennington missed opportunities on Sunday to hit deep passes to Ginn Jr and Camarillo on several plays when they were open deep. Pennington’s inability to throw the deep ball is going to hurt this team’s ability to stretch opposing defenses and open up the run game, which is crucial to their success. While Pennington does have an impressive 8.12 yards per pass completion, the number is deceiving when you consider a majority of that is due to an 80 yard screen pass and the 53 yard pass to Patrick Cobbs against Houston, which was an under thrown ball.

Pennington was, and still is, the right man for the job now. But if the Dolphins fall in their next 2 games and find themselves at 2-6 their season is over. Henne is going to be the starting QB for this team whether it is this week, mid season, or next season. If the Dolphins find themselves out of the playoff picture it becomes necessary to give Henne reps and time in games to get himself accustomed to the game speed of the NFL. Even if Henne gets knocked around, he is gaining valuable experience so he is ready at the start of next season. There is no sense in keeping him shelved and having him go through his growing pains next season, effectively wasting two seasons.