Chad Henne and what could have been...

Athletes become legends right before our eyes. Sometimes we are aware of the moment we are observing, sometimes we are ignorant of it. I knew I was watching greatness back in the 2006 NBA Finals when Dwyane Wade did his best Michael Jordan impersonation. I also saw it when Josh Beckett shut down the Yankees back in 2003. Last night as I watched the Miami Dolphins play against the New York Jets, I was watching carefully in anticipation as the game went on thinking to myself, "Am I watching Chad Henne turn into the leader of this Miami Dolphins team right now?"

As the clock ticked down in the 4th quarter with the Dolphins in possession, I was sure of at least one thing: Chad Henne had an opportunity to win over his entire team, fan base, critics, and take his first step into what could become a great career. This one drive could be the beginning of the Chad Henne legend, after all it is The Drive that makes John Elway such a big part of NFL lore. Here was Chad Henne, having what many would say is the best game of his career, about to lead his team down the field to victory. He completes a pass to Brandon Marshall, who turns it into a 30 yard gain. With the Dolphins on the 11 yard line and 52 seconds left in the game, the scene was set. Chad Henne was about to win our hearts.

Sunday Night Football, national audience, sold out stadium, the orange jerseys the team has only worn on four occasions, the star power in attendance (Lebron James was at the game), all made for great dramatic effect. I wish I could tell you the game ended in fairy tale fashion. For my sake, and for yours. On 4th down, Henne drops back to throw and fires a pass to Anthony Fasano on a tight end dump. The ball is deflected and inevitably ends up in the hands of a Jet defender. Game over. Moment vanished. We are left questioning what could have been.

What can we take from this game? Chad Henne sure as hell deserves a chance to prove he can be an elite quarterback in this league. The Dolphins coaching staff, whether it is Head Coach Tony Sparano or offensive coordinator Dan Henning, need to let this guy throw the ball. With Brandon Marshall at your disposal, why not throw the ball more? He had 10 catches for 166 yards last night and made it look easy. This is the same man who owns the NFL record for most catches in a football game! Not Jerry Rice, not Randy Moss. Brandon Marshall!

AP Images.

 There are plenty of people saying that this air it out style the Dolphins displayed last night doesn't win football games. Instead, we should stick to the style that got us two wins to start the season. Hand the ball off to Ricky and Ronnie, score 15 points and let the defense do the rest. Granted, the Dolphins need to mix it up a little more and there were several moments in last night's game where they should have stuck to the running game. However, you can't continue to handcuff Chad Henne and expect for him to blossom into a star. You have to let him loose, especially if he's capable of doing what he did last night.  

Potential star in the making?

Chad Henne and what could have been...