Exactly... And the thing is, I actually like the talent level of Kellen Clemens but I think he can be an even better leader when it's all said and done. During this time that he's been backing up Pennington and Favre, he's been nothing but a class act and if anything...He's already shown alot of leadership ability during this whole process. Just because I feel he knows the O better than the other two, doesnt mean that im not confident in his talent
the QB position is not a plug and play position like Linebacker or Running back. Do not treat it like it is.
Thats why I feel Clemens is the right choice right now. He knows the offense and has experience. Unless we trade for Cutler, I hope Clemens starts opening day (Even if a QB is drafted).
I'm not...I'm just saying...I feel Kellen deserves a 2nd chance this year and IF he stinks it up...Say by week 10-12...Why not give Ratliff a chance to finish off the year? (Thats if Kellen stinks it up) And if Ratliff falls flat on his face, THEN its time to draft a QB with our 1st pick of next years draft.
I don't like how people think that if one guy goes down another can pick the offense up from where it left off like a OLB or DE can. There is too much responsibility with the position.
Ratliff and Clemens both display the confidence a starting NFL QB must have to succeed. Ratliff has the better size, the bigger arm, probably more karma, but Kellen has been there, and he's a smart guy. I'm not picking or rooting for one of the two over the other. They will fight it out, and whichever one wins, I'm fine with that. I just really want to see our QB position filled with a home grown Jet. Ainge knows he is the long shot, and he should. If he sounded as cocky as the other 2, he'd be getting heat for it. He knows he won't be getting anywhere near the snaps the other 2 will get. I still feel good about our QB situation. Now, if we could get Cutler at a reasonable cost, I'd be all for that, but I don't see that happening.
media: with you under center are the jets a playoff contender? kellen: with me under center i believe we are a playoff contender. media: (silence) kellen: yea i said it haha...damnit
Despite my better judgment after years of off seasons with high hopes that turned to dust, reading this post feeds right into my own excitement - despite that better judgment, I am still a Jet fan. Thanks, TBJ, and I sure hope you (and I) are right.
I am excited to see how this turns out even if the result isn't immediately stellar. Kellen and Ratliff look the most comfortable but I do like Ainge's approach and demeanor.
Why? Because he's a young man who got nervious during an interview? You dont play for a top college and get drafted into the NFL if your "Mildly retarted" I dont know, nothing against you...But I cant stand comments like those for the simple fact I have a little cousin with D-S, I wonder what some people say about him
I believe Ratliff is THE MAN. So much so that i'll be at the Freehold Mall on saturday with my Utah Utes mini helmet ready to be signed by the next starting QB of the New York Jets!
I'll be rooting for whoever wins the job also. As aptly pointed out above, the CS is not going to hand the starting job to either Ratliff or Clemens until one or the other asserts himself through camp and preseason. My money happens to be on Ratliff to win the job in decisive fashion. To say that one "understands" the playbook or "system" better than the other is really pure conjecture at this point. Furthermore, "understanding" is one thing and the ability to quickly read and execute is entirely another. Like many, I am more intrigued by Ratliff's measurables over those of Clemens and from what I've observed between the two (albeit to a lesser extent in Brett's case) I think Ratliff exhibits a significantly more confident and self-assured presence both on and of the field. He also seems to make quicker decisions as well but then again he also appears inclined to take more risks which is probably a function of his confidence in his arm strength and his youthful enthusiasm. Psychologically, Clemens has taken a beating (after relieving Chad two years ago and again by consensus opinion after losing to Chad last year in TC. It is definitely now or never for Clemens and if he really has his shit together this Summer, he could very well be the man. We'll know soon enough......
