DAVIE, Fla. -- Ricky Williams wasn't the least bit surprised Chad Pennington was voted the Miami Dolphins' offensive captain less than four weeks after entering the locker room.
Williams, in fact, said Pennington's impact has been even more significant.
"To this point he's our MVP," Williams said. "I know the season hasn't started yet, but I think what he's brought to our team has really helped us get to the next level."
Pennington's veteran presence in the huddle was noticed immediately, especially in comparison to journeyman Josh McCown, second-year pro John Beck and rookie Chad Henne, the trio who had battled so unconvincingly for the job.
Pennington will try to lead his new mates to a victory over his old team Sunday, when the New York Jets visit Dolphin Stadium.
"From where we were before he got here, we had three guys and they were all competing for a position," Williams said. "For us on offense, it's a little more difficult when we're not sure who's going to be back there. None of them had a lot of experience. And then to bring Chad in, who's pretty much the starter from Day One, with eight or nine years experience, it's a big difference.
"From the very first snap in practice, you could feel his confidence. It's helped all of us believe in ourselves as an offense and as a team."
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Tim Graham
Graham joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Miami Dolphins for the Palm Beach Post. He previously spent eight years at the Buffalo News, where he was an award-winning NHL and boxing writer. The Baldwin-Wallace College grad also has worked for the Las Vegas Sun and Boston Herald.