Well, it took a couple of weeks, but finally someone in the South Florida media has asked Dolphins coach Tony Sparano about the potential impact of the Wildcat attack on the “rhythm” of the base offense.
It’s a concern that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb first raised after Philly’s third preseason game, during which McNabb was bumped out of the quarterback position so that Mike Vick could take some snaps in the Wildcat package.
And with the Dolphins’ Wildcat offense (along with the base offense) laying an egg at the Georgia Dome in Week One, the concept of rhythm -- or lack thereof -- has reared its head in Miami.
Asked about the importance of quarterback Chad Pennington not being removed until the offense has established a rhythm, Sparano said Wednesday, “You mean besides the two plays that we took him out of the game of the 60 last week? It’s important. I mean, it’s no different to me than those guys coming off the field on a punt and then go out and play. I don’t think that screws up our rhythm.”
The bigger concern, from Sparano’s perspective, isn’t the potential problems associated with taking Pennington out when he’s hot, but with putting Pat White in when he’s cold.
“I think it’s difficult when it’s a throw,” Sparano said. “I don’t think he can stand there like a baseball player and warm him up in the bullpen. I mean, I think it’s difficult when it’s a throw.”
White was used sparingly in Week One, getting one rushing attempt and throwing one pass, a deep ball that fell incomplete.
In Week Two, the Dolphins host the Colts on Monday Night Football.
