“Pat was the two pretty much all year long, Thigpen was three,” Ireland said to a group of national media. ”They have to go back into training camp and the offseason program and they’re going to be fighting for the 2-3 positions, and I think both of those guys are going to be fighting for the one position. I think Tyler is going to go into it thinking, ‘I can win this job,’ and Pat’s going to do the same thing. We feel like we’ve got three young, good quarterbacks on our roster that can contribute on this team.”

If Thigpen has a chance to win the No. 2 job, it's a sign that White isn't being counted on for a big role in Wildcat packages. Ireland's statement can also be taken as an admission that there's no room for Chad Pennington in Miami.

If White beats out Thigpen , Henne better stay healthy. What about Pennington is he in the mix??

In fact looking at the alternatives , Henne better stay healthy period.

INDIANAPOLIS — General manager Jeff Ireland can’t say whether the 2009 Dolphins would have been better with Chad Pennington at quarterback.

But Pennington’s season-ending right shoulder injury in Week 3 at San Diego gave the Dolphins a chance for a good look at Chad Henne.


“We have young players, have to see them develop,” Ireland said. “I don’t have a crystal ball, so I don’t know how much better off we were without Chad Pennington. But Chad Henne is our quarterback right now.

“His playing time and the experience he had in 2009 was exceptional. He was put in some tough situations, and he needs to develop. I’m very pleased.”

But plenty of questions remain about the Dolphins quarterback situation, beginning with the possible return of Pennington.

Pennington, who turns 34 on June 26, is a free agent coming off his third surgery to his throwing shoulder, but could help a quarterback-needy team like St. Louis.

He also could help the Dolphins as a veteran backup, while continuing to mentor Henne.

In fact, if Pennington returns and is healthy, he might give Henne a run for the starting job in training camp.

Tyler Thigpen is a very capable QB, and will be a great back-up.

White will be the number "2" on gameday, but Thigpen will be the back-up, just as before Pennington got hurt, with Henne being the 3, but the backup at the same time.

??

In fact, if Pennington returns and is healthy, he might give Henne a run for the starting job in training camp.

The number 3 can come in at any time, but once he does the starter and backup cannot come in until some point in the 4th quarter.

White was listed as the #2 QB a lot last year so he could be used in the WC. I don't think the #3 QB can enter the game unless the #1 is injured and can't return.

In fact, he might give Henne a little run for his money. The one thing I like about Thigpen is his mobility. He adds another dimension to the offense in that regard.

I think this guy has a lot of potential and could emerge into a real player.

Remember he wasn't even recruited to play QB in college

His progress has been pretty damn quick so far....

OK, how about his play in KC 2 seasons ago, in just his 2nd NFL season?? He was awesome.

how about we just cut Pat White and keep Pennington.

How is that progress? He started the same as he finished, and that is inconsistent. Even in his one quarter with Miami we saw how he can throw a TD, improv with the best of them, but then turn around and throw two ill advised throws.

He hasn't improved...he is A.J. Feeley all over again. He can lead an offense to a few scores, and maybe even lead a last minute drive, but when it's all said and done, his improvisation leads to too many mistakes.

Just because he wasn't the savior in his first year as a starter in KC and didn't single-handedly beat Pittsburgh in his one quarter all season for us doesn't mean he can't improve.

Do you think Henne can improve? Both have had one season of substantial starting time: Henne 12 TD/ 14 INT, Thigpen 18 TD/ 12 INT (with KC). Sure Thigpen threw some costly bad passes, but who's to say Henne wouldn't have?

I'm a fan of Henne and think he'll be the week 1 starter, but I just don't agree at all calling Thigpen the next AJ Feeley right now. The fact is that both QBs have the ability to improve, and I think they both will. Having more starting experience with this offense gives Henne the clear edge right now.

Pat White is as good as gone IMO. The truer QB competition would be between Henne and Thigpen if there really is going to be one.

It doesn't take long to figure out if a QB has "it" or not. Henne does, Thigpen doesn't. He's a fine backup, and can move an offense...but so is AJ Feeley.

Having "it" is a pretty subjective matter anyways.