A Jet All the Way

To announce his starting quarterback for the season opener, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano told reporters simply, “It’s Chad,” leaving them to guess just which Chad — Pennington or Henne — would actually get the first snap. Turns out — duh — it was Pennington, he of the 69 percent completion rate in 2007, the latest (13th, actually) would-be savior at quarterback since Dan Marino retired. The Dolphins were bound to start Pennington ever since finding him bagged neatly on the curb after eight years with the New York Jets; which was shortly after those same ungrateful Jets signed legend/drama queen Brett Favre as their quarterback of the moment.

Pennington’s been a pro long enough to know when to give Dullsville quotes, so he probably won’t indicate as much — but do you think he might be a little psyched for this one? It’s not often the first game of the year is also the must-see, but considering the personnel — and the fact that the ’Fins don’t get another home game until Oct. 5 — this one might be the exception. Catch the latest Jets-Dolphins grudge match Sunday at 1 p.m. at Dolphin Stadium (2269 NW 199th St., Miami). Tickets start at $41. Call 888-FINS-TIX, or visit www.miamidolphins.com.
Sun., Sept. 7, 1 p.m., 2008