"Falcons Fry Fish: Pennington Suffers Sack Attack. What Went Wrong?"

Week one jitters are here and gone in 2009.

But for the Miami Dolphins, the jitters have just begun.

A week one loss to Atlanta obviously is not what you aimed for, but to lose a football game from your own mistakes.  It just don't feel right.  

One interception.

Three fumbles lost.

The nerves in the atmosphere I'm telling you: it felt like a playoff game when Miami's offense was on the field. 

Chad Pennington was playing more like Chad Panicton, and I don't blame him.

The offensive line looked like mucky muck.  Four sacks given up hurt more than yardage.  Pennington never felt comfortable behind the pocket from start to finish.  

That's why an offensive line is crucial to a successful football team.  The best defense is a good offense:

An efficient offensive unit that protects the quarterback allows him to produce first downs.  First downs mean clock control, and a resting defensive unit.

Even the best defense in the world still needs down time.  

Regardless of points scored through offensive production, first downs can win field possession battles.

And finally, yes points are much more attainable if you produce first downs consistently.  Duh.

Miami can play defense we know that, but can they play offense?

The simple fact is no, they can't with an offensive unit being outperformed like they were last Sunday.

If I were coach Sparano I would make sure my offensive line ate together, worked out together, hung out together, and most importantly worked hard together.

The only way a bunch of highly paid big boys can really focus together is if they know each other beyond player to player relations.  

The question is, how bad do you want it?  What are you willing to do to prepare yourself for success in the NFL?  

And why do you play?  Is it for the money?  Or maybe more.

Money can get you a big screen television, but pride, well pride is knocking on the door of virtue in the neighborhood of honor.  

The answer will come soon enough these next few weeks.