In talking with multiple NFL front-office people, I am moving more in the direction of believing that new coach Rex Ryan will have no problem picking a starter from among his unproven trio of Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff, or Erik Ainge. Ryan's fundamental beliefs have not changed since he was defensive coordinator in Baltimore. He's putting together a team that will be carried by its defense, will run the ball persistently and effectively, and have a quarterback whose best trait is keeping the ball out of the opponent's hands. If he makes a few big plays, that's a bonus. I tend to agree. Right now I think Clemens would be the guy but the competition would be open going into TC. If our starting QB can play acceptably, be smart, and not give the ball away, we will be fine so long at the running game is there and the defense plays well. I personally think that Clemens can be a lot better than just good or acceptable if he has a real O-line and running game to work with. We have never seen him play with one.
If he's looking for safe it's going to be Clemens. If you look at what Clemens did in 2007 he really protected the ball pretty well given what he was being asked to do playing from behind a lot. 4% int's is really not that bad when you are throwing consistently in bad down and yardage situations like Clemens was. Ryan may also remember how close Clemens came to beating his defense late early in 2007.
My money is on Ratliff winning the competition. I have a feeling the coaches want him to win it also...
I agree about Clemens, if you give a QB a solid and proven O-line, a solid running game and a good crop of WR (and Cotchery + Nicks as reliable starters, Clowney as a deep threat, Stuckey as a slot and someone like Henry as a red zone threat IS a good crop of recievers) he must REALLY suck to not at least be a decent player.
Yup' Yup',Yup', Ratty for his big arse arm, butmI'd also be happy for Clemns. Havent had a good QB sice Boomer, then. looking waaaaaaaaaaaaay back at Richard Todd/Matt Robinson. Clemens deserves a better chance, but Damn, Ratty looks like a stud as well! Either/or, lets follow the Steelers formula: No Ints, QB passing like 15 times a game, safe, brutal rushing attack, and hardcore defense. Yup' we are almost there! :breakdance:
Why do you hope that happens? Ratliff is bigger, has just as good an arm, moves well in the pocket, and has shown he can hit the deep pass.
Just for the sake of letting you know, Im rootin for ratty also, but dude.... you're in this thread too? lol, seem a little consumed......:beer::up: P.S. any bears hunting u down!?
Well I didn't want to make it official but since you spoiled the surprise... yup i just signed for the NY JETS!!!! -.-'
Guys, here's the good news, I still think because of his in game experience in 07, Clemens gets the nod. I also expect that this time around being clearly the #1 guy and everyone looking to him, he will step up and be the clear leader. We all know he started slow in TC last year but if you check the reports of folks who were following his progress he was really begining to step up. I'm sure he felt a little uncertain after winning more then Chad did the previous year only to be told he would have to once again fight Chad for the job. Then the whole Farve trade and Chad being shipped to Mia was another wrench in his development. So this year expect to see him under center, the unexpected will be he will turn out to be better then everyone is giving him credit for right now. An there will be games where he will take the team on his shoulders and carry it to wins that might have been in doubt with just the running game....... In the end many will be singing another tune by the end of the season other will be dining on large plates of crow......
I'm in here cause I got a little pissed off the other day...my bad I guess.....but everyone was dumpin on me for picking Ratliff........I honestly DO have guys in the NFL who told me he's the favorite...things may change, who knows? but as of RIGHT NOW, I believe he's the guy
