Chad Henne: Wildcat DECOY

What if we put Chad Henne in the game in the new Wildcat T-formation at LHB position? He would play the role of the passing option DECOY. He would have to hit a few long pass plays in a row at the beginning of the game on first or second down, but if he could do it (and with the poise he has shown, I believe he CAN), it would force the defense to back off and Ronnie could run the Wildcat with positive effect while Henne just stood in the backfield as a DECOY providing a passing option (flea-flicker tossback) keeping the defense honest. As is, Pennington is placed at WR and except for the one surprise play, doesn't offer much of a threat to pass or catch.

The set: First and Second Down (Chad Henne @ LHB)

 Note: I have moved Carey (72) to RG and inserted Nate Garner (75) at RT

                                   TE80 LG65 C64 RG72 RT75 LT77                                      17/83

                                                                                               19/34         83/19

                                  7            23

19-Ted Ginn comes in motion left.

23-Ronnie takes the direct snap, option handoff jet sweep to Ginn

Ronnie playaction handoff option to Henne who rolls right and waits for a

flea-flicker tossback.

Ronnie looks for running room (if stuffed, toss back to Henne for flea-flicker)

The set: Third or Fourth Down (if less than one yard) Pennington @QB

                          TE80 LG65 C64 RG72 RT75 LT77                                      17/83

                                                 10                                                      83/15

                                   23

                                                  19/38

In the Jets Scout-MB board, there is an interesting discussion on whether the Jets would have been better keeping Pennington or going with Farve. My point is that although the statistics are comparable, the Jets running game is getting a strong benefit from Farve's arm forcing the defense to back off the line. Obviously there are other factors, but that is a significant net effect. I am not suggesting that Pennington is no longer the guy or suggesting a QB controversy any more than his absence in the Wildcat would. In the Wildcat set, Ronnie Brown is the center of attention and Henne is clearly just a dangerous decoy. But he would provide a benefit without actually having to shoulder any responsibility except for those first 5 or 6 key throws that he would absolutely have to make at the beginning of the game. I think he is up to the challenge. It would certainly be a worthwhile test for him.