Henne Gets Broken In, Camp Wraps Up

The Miami Dolphins concluded their 3 day weekend rookie mini-camp on Sunday, and while some guys looked good, others mediocre, the eyes were really focusing on Chad Henne, and they followed him while he took a punishment lap around the field.

Henne’s Sunday practice was far from stellar, a botched snap count led to the 1 lap penalty, he missed open receivers, was late on throws, and in reality did not have a very good showing.  His first two days were much better but it was the last that would leave the sour taste in the mouths of many.

Henne was required to learn 50 percent of the playbook, including every offensive responsibility of every offensive position.  Only about 150 pages.  With his shoulder throbbing (previous injury), Henne said his performance only “motivates me more”.

"“I get frustrated,” he said. “I think I can make every throw out there. I’m just that kind of quarterback. But I’ll fix that as time goes.“Once we get back here again, I’ll be more comfortable and feel better.”, He said."

While Henne tried to adjust and absorb the high amount of material, the other high-profile rookie, treated this as a practice for veterans.  Rookie Head Coach Tony Sparano barked orders and at one point was told by Bill Parcells “You’re starting to sound like someone else I know.”  A comment Sparano said he assumed was that of Bill himself.  With a group of rookies that included 9 drafted guys Tony got the welcome rolled out in front of him with many who would not make this team, let alone survive until training camp.  Welcome to Miami!

Davone Bess, the undrafted WR from Hawaii was one of the better performers this weekend and should that continue may find himself on the roster come September.  While the coaches will spend today and tomorrow looking over each individual performances, the real work starts on the 16th when the team holds it’s first OTA.  Organized team activities will include both veteran and rookie players for the first time.  Only rookies were allowed to participate this past weekend.

A few more notes of interest:  On Saturday, the Dolphins signed one of the tryout players, DT Anthony Toribio a local Miami kid.  Toribio impressed the coaches with his workouts, attitude, and desire.  Said Jeff Ireland in a press release, “Anthony was here on a tryout basis and really showed to everyone what can happen to a kid when he comes to camp in shape and works hard”.  Coaches and staff have made it quite known that the rookies need to drastically improve their conditioning.

Bill Parcells spoke to one rookie, QB/WR Jayson Foster, someone who has really impressed the staff.

The Phins worked on defense in both the 34 and 43 defense sets.