HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma understands quarterback Chad Pennington's potential, if he is able to do the improbable and recover completely from two rotator cuff surgeries to his throwing shoulder. "Chad has always had the mental part of the game," said Vilma, who has played against Pennington in practice the past three seasons. "It is just a question of executing." Translation: Pennington understands the Jets' offense and reads defenses well, but will his arm be strong enough to throw the ball well during the season? One Jets receiver thinks arm strength will not be an issue for Pennington this season. "It is something I don't even think about anymore," Justin McCareins said. The knock on Pennington throughout his career has been his inability to throw the deep ball and a lack of velocity on his midrange passes. Last year, the Jets' offense consisted primarily of running and short passes. With the acquisition of running back Thomas Jones, who rushed for 1,210 yards for Chicago last season, the Jets might have better luck throwing the ball downfield. "That is the hope," said Pennington, who threw for 3,352 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2006. "You will always want to have a balanced offense." Pennington, however, shied away this week from giving his opinion about whether the Jets' offense should include more passing this season, or whether the offense should center on Jones or himself. If the Jets are to improve on last season's 10-6 record, more production in the passing game would help. In their 37-16 loss to the New England Patriots that eliminated them from the playoffs, the Jets scored just six points in the second half. New York showed little indication of a long passing game that was needed for a comeback. David Drapkin/Getty Images Chad Pennington has never been known for his arm strength. Based on minicamp, which will conclude Saturday, it is tough to judge whether Pennington's arm strength has improved. A lot of Pennington's long passes Friday were floaters, but some of the receivers may have run incorrect routes. A few of his passes were intercepted, but the defense knew many of the plays the offense ran. Pennington led the offense on a touchdown drive in a two-minute drill at the end of Thursday's morning practice. He looked sharp in the drill, completing a touchdown pass to Laveranues Coles, who was surrounded by three defenders. Three factors should help Pennington to improve in 2007. The first is that he was able to go through a normal offseason program. Pennington spent the previous two offseasons rehabilitating his shoulder, sometimes working eight hours a day on rehab. And Pennington was able to participate in organized team activity drills over the past two weeks, which should give him a better working relationship with his receivers. He also is much more familiar with the Jets' offense in Year Two of the Mangini era. "This focus from this year to last year has switched from learning the basics to focusing on nuances," Mangini said. Pennington's familiarity with the offense showed Friday, as he was often directing rookie receivers when they ran the wrong routes. Pennington admitted that last year was about learning the basics, but this season he is grasping the more complicated elements of the Jets' offense. Besides Pennington, the Jets' offensive line also seems more in sync than a year ago. The improved communication was a good sign considering Mangini mandated that loud music be played throughout Thursday's morning practice. "Even with multiple groups of personnel, there was excellent communication," Mangini said. Pennington had two rookie offensive linemen last year, center Nick Mangold and tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Both played well, especially Mangold, but another year of experience won't hurt. If guard Pete Kendall can resolve his contract dispute, the Jets should have a talented offensive line. A healthy Pennington would help, too. William Bendetson is an intern for ESPN.com http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2905530
Well it cannot hurt that CP is not rehabbing this TC season. Somewhere I read that CP was on a arm strenghting program this past off season in a attempt to improve his velocity
We are all entering unchartered waters. I read the same thing about arm strength ,can't wait for TC to start:jets:
Chad's knock is not the deep ball. He has a fine deep ball. It's those 20-30 yard routes over the middle that he can't throw.
Seems to me I read that same thing. Wasn't he bowling or something like it that was supposed to boost his arm strength? Here's to hoping he has a fantastic year! :beer:
Will C when CP throws that 15 yarder out with zip & no flutter. His long ones also flutter which makes it easy for the DBF of the other side to defend. So he will have to prove that he is now a Tom Brady clone so the other sides Ds will loosen up against us. If that miracle were to occur you would see all the cracks & zings about CP arm strenght disappear real fast
Ugh. Every time I read something like this I picture a QB from tecmo bowl with a slow passing speed throwing the ball down field. I'm not really as concerned with the long ball though, more with the short and intermediate passes. A lot of those passes, which should have been routine, where off to the point where the receivers and backs had to make great plays or sacrifice there bodies to make the catch. These passes are the key to the Jets offense moving the chains and controlling the clock.
Well he better show something because so far the other side totally disrespect both his long ball throwing & his sideline passes. If you ever wish to reach the SB you need a QB that can make every throw ala Tom Brady/Peyton Manning just like Tiger Woods can make every type of shot. If your standards however are lower for the NYJs then being SB Champs your post is quite in order
If Tiger Woods is so great, how come he's never come from behind to win a Major, huh? Maybe today's the day.
H'mm please the guy won 12 or 13 majors by age 30 & Nicklaus who people say was the GREATEST of them all won his 18th major @ age 46. I cannot wait for 1400 my time to watch him perform. He also has won over 50 events already. By the time he is done he will be considered the GREATEST & people will talk of him the same way they talk of JN now. Also the answer to your query is ask Tiger since he is the only one who can reply to your question since you are questioning his ability
Chad Pennington has never been known for his arm strength. Based on minicamp, which will conclude Saturday, it is tough to judge whether Pennington's arm strength has improved. A lot of Pennington's long passes Friday were floaters, but some of the receivers may have run incorrect routes. A few of his passes were intercepted, but the defense knew many of the plays the offense ran. Pennington led the offense on a touchdown drive in a two-minute drill at the end of Thursday's morning practice. He looked sharp in the drill, completing a touchdown pass to Laveranues Coles, who was surrounded by three defenders. I will wait for the season to start to see if CHAD is still throwing floaters. If so, the winds and cold of DECember will hurt him and us!
Combine Pennington and Morelli, and you may just have the best QB of all time Tell me that guy doesn't have the best arm you ever saw... He threw 50 yards as a 12 year old kid at a punt/pass/kick competition for kids. Unreal.
