Marshall gives young Henne inviting target

A sheepish Chad Henne recalls attempting the sort of desperation pass a young college quarterback will try: Under pressure, on his heels, heaving a prayer to a tall teammate in the end zone.

More than once, Braylon Edwards came down with the ball for a Michigan touchdown.

''It would happen a couple of times,'' Henne says. ''But that's not your go-to - off the back foot and throw the ball up.''

Still, the same play might be in the Miami Dolphins' playbook, now that Brandon Marshall's on the roster. He's the Dolphins' most talented receiver since Irving Fryar more than 15 years ago, easing Henne's burden entering his first full season as an NFL starter.

Henne knows how to make the most of a big target. In 2004, when he was a freshman and Edwards a senior at Michigan, they connected for 15 touchdowns.

''He was just throwing the ball and giving me a chance,'' says Edwards, now with the New York Jets. ''As a receiver, especially a big receiver, that's all you want your quarterback to do.''

Edwards is 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds. Marshall is even bigger at 6-4 and 230, and his knack for snatching the ball from defenders has helped him make the Pro Bowl the past two years.

The Dolphins traded for Marshall to upgrade a corps of wide receivers that totaled six touchdown passes last season. Marshall had 10 with Denver.

For Henne, the new teammate reminds him of Edwards.

''When you've got a big receiver that can jump and go after the ball, it makes it a lot easier for the quarterback,'' Henne says. ''They're both very talented, but I feel Brandon's a little more physical. What I've seen in practice, he's going to be one of the greatest.''

There were few glimpses of that potential during the exhibition season. Marshall had no touchdown receptions and dropped several passes.

But without question he upgrades an offense that in recent years has been unable to stretch a defense. The Dolphins' new look will be unveiled in Sunday's opener at Buffalo.

''Brandon Marshall obviously adds another dimension to their offense, and you've got to take account of him on every play,'' Bills linebacker Chris Kelsay says.

Edwards envisions the Dolphins making the most of Marshall's talent because Henne is willing to take risks and throw jump-ball passes.

''Now he has a guy he can do it with,'' Edwards says. ''When you have a guy with a big body and good hands, an explosive receiver, he'll take chances with him. And I bet nine out of 10 times they're going to come out on the winning side, be it a big catch or a pass interference. I think they're going to be a good tandem.''

Henne became the Dolphins' starter in Week 4 last year, after Chad Pennington was sidelined by a season-ending shoulder injury. He passed for 2,878 yards, a team record for a first-year NFL starter, but had only 12 touchdown passes while throwing 14 interceptions.

On too many pass plays, a lackluster corps of receivers left Henne with unappealing options. That was the case at Buffalo, when Henne threw three interceptions and the Dolphins lost 31-14.

Now he has Marshall, who caught more than 100 passes each of the past three seasons.

''He can make Chad better, no question about it, in the area of catching contested balls,'' coach Tony Sparano says. ''Even when Brandon is covered, he's kind of not covered. He can still outmuscle you and go get the ball. His run-after-catch helps make you better. And his presence out there can make you better, because the coverage you can get can open up the field.''

Marshall usually draws a double team - and loves it on those rare occasions when he finds himself one on one.

''I get anxious,'' he says. ''I start shaking, and foam comes out of my mouth. It's an exciting feeling. It doesn't come a lot. When it comes, I try to take advantage of it.''

So will Henne. The Dolphins hope the third-year pro will become the franchise quarterback they've sought since Dan Marino retired more than a decade ago.

Henne wins raves for his arm strength, including from Marshall.

''He has a talented arm and throws a tight spiral, which makes it easy to catch a pass from him,'' Marshall says. ''There are some quarterbacks I have played with in the past that throw it really hard and fast, but maybe the tip of the ball is down, so it makes it hard. His is a perfect ball.''

Growing pains are inevitable for the young quarterback, especially given the Dolphins' rugged early schedule. Following the opener, Miami faces four consecutive 2009 playoff teams, including Edwards' Jets on Sept. 26.

The Dolphins need for Henne and Marshall to click quickly. Edwards predicts they will.

''Luckily we have a great defense, so it doesn't bother me none,'' Edwards says. ''But everybody else in the league better watch out.''

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AP Sports Writer Dennis Waszak in New York contributed to this report.