Chas Henry, Future NFL Quarterback

On Monday night, former Florida punter Chas Henry took one step further to fulfilling his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback. The Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie is listed as a punter, but it’s clear his future is as a passer. For whatever reason, many don’t feel the same way.

Against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, Henry got a chance to show off his wicked passing skills. Unfortunately, he’s received nothing but bashing from the media ever since. I, for one, can’t understand why. Yes, Henry didn’t complete his one attempt. No, it can’t even remotely be considered his fault and I’ll prove it.

The 10 reasons why Henry isn’t to blame for what transpired during the attempted fake punt:

1. For the last two seasons – and even before that – another former Gator has been blasted for his lack of potential to be a successful NFL quarterback. I’m of course referring to Tim Tebow. How can Henry possibly be expected to become a talented passer if Florida players are to be treated like Tebow? The pressure is insurmountable and falls from Tebow’s shoulders to all other Gators in the NFL. Henry is repeatedly ruled out because of his association to the other Florida great.

2. People claim Henry and most, if not all, NFL punters are given the green light to call a fake if a gunner is left wide open. HOGWASH! Andy Reid was behind this and if the Eagles’ record is any indication, the head coach should no longer be making decisions. Put Henry into a real offensive formation and let him inflict the damage we all know he can.

3. The snap was far from perfect. It even brought memories of a certain guard-turned-center. Look how far Henry had to reach to his right to grab the low snap. It destroyed his entire flow and didn’t allow him the opportunity to grasp the ball correctly before making a throw.

4. Sure, the receiver was wide open, but he wasn’t a receiver at all. Colt Anderson is listed on the Eagles’ roster as a safety. You’re telling me Henry has to work with players that aren’t even expected to know how to catch?!? Having him throw to a defensive back is a classic case of setting someone up to fail. We can’t blame Anderson for that, but can add another negative to Reid’s involvement in the play.

5. What we can blame Anderson for covers this number and the next one. First of all, are we to believe that’s the best attempt Anderson could have made to catch the ball? He made what I guess could be called a dive toward the ball, but there was little to no effort. What happened to helping out the guy passing you the ball? Disgraceful.

6. Sticking with Anderson, are we even sure he ran the right route? Routes are improvised frequently during fakes – especially those supposedly called by the punter – but what was Anderson doing out there? Does he just assume the ball will magically come to him wherever he goes? Come on man! Help Henry out!

7. I have to wonder about the field conditions. The stadium engineer, turf coordinator, ticket takers…if they all didn’t come together to create the perfect playing environment for Henry, then maybe they’re to blame. Someone has to be held responsible for not doing their job on what could have been a night when a legend was to be born and it’s not Henry.

8. 69.5. That was Michael Vick’s efficiency rating for the game. Henry has to learn from someone and unfortunately it’s a guy putting together a subpar performance of his own. Henry needs a true mentor; he needs someone he can learn the position from while he’s groomed to be the next Eagles’ great.

9. Look, it’s not Henry’s fault the Eagles are 3-5. Heightened expectations weren’t reached. That’s a team problem and Henry must be removed from that team. He can’t excel at the position he was meant to play if his team isn’t doing their part as well.

10. Finally, Henry is listed as a punter. Talk about the ultimate in humiliation. No one has listed Tebow as a tight end or h-back. At least while he’s getting his shot, he gets to do so as a quarterback. Henry is expected to make the leap to All-Pro QB and do so with the wrong position listed next to his name. It’s a no-win situation.

So as you can clearly see, the blame for the busted fake punt play is everyone’s fault with the exception of future Hall of Fame passer and former Florida Gator Chas Henry. What you read about the play is a conspiracy to take down the dreams of a great young man; it’s essentially the media gone wild. Ignore those claims and realize the truth – that Henry will one day become a starting quarterback in the NFL.