In two Monday Night Football appearances this season the Dolphins have looked impressive in most facets of the game.  Here are my key observations from a huge (that’s an understatement)…A HUGE…win over the Jets.

1) Henne’s stat line was impressive, but two plays emphasize that this quarterback can take the Dolphins to the next level.  First, the 53 yard deep ball on a dime to Ginn early in the 4th quarter to answer a Jets score did something that I haven’t seen since…well…Daunte Culpepper?  This one play will put defenses on their heels for the rest of the year AND shows the

league the Dolphins have a passer that can actually hit Ted Ginn in stride on the deep ball.   Second, a 12-yard comeback route to Camarillo, just over a minute left, rolling pocket, on 3rd and 10 in a must win game.  Arm strength, poise, “I’m not playing for the tie” attitude.  Enough said.

2) The secondary wasn’t as bad as many people will say.  Will Allen’s pass interference call on Braylon was questionable.  Sean Smith missed a few key tackles.  Didn’t hear much from Cotchery all night.  The true test will be the Saints after the bye week.

3) The Dolphins did a good job keeping the Jets running game and Leon Washington to the inside, but some of those 6-10 yard runs up the middle showed that Ferguson, Solai, and the other big guys have some work to do.

4) The fins proved that they are undeniably the best running team in the league.  Even in losses they are manhandling defenses.

5) Henne can be protected.  6 sacks against the Bills and 0 sacks against the blitz crazy Jets?  I’m guessing both were an aberration and the protection will fall somewhere in the middle of these two areas in the future.

6) Anthony Fasano is still on the roster.  It’s nice to see a touchdown and some key blocks.

7) Sparano prides himself on clean play.  Zero turnovers is a huge positive, but 8 penalties for 112 yards could have lost the game.

I must include a quote from my mom when speaking of Miami’s special teams and defense: “You guys are going out there to play football.  Man up and hit someone.”  If a casual observer with no vested interest in the game notices this softness then I’m going to take her for her word.  Leon Washington was out to the 30 on almost every kickoff and the defense was getting pushed around by the Jets’ offensive line.

9) Sanchez is a good young quarterback, but he was outplayed by another rookie (I realize he watched for a year) quarterback tonight.  I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that Henne won’t receive half the hype of Sanchez unless the Dolphins win a playoff game.

10) Play in the orange uni’s every game!  Overall a great win and it can not be understated how important this game was for this season and how excited Miami fans should be for the future with Chad Henne.  Go fins!