KELLEN KEEPS WORKIN' JETS' BACKUP QB SEEKS CONSISTENCY By DAN MARTIN CLEMENS' TIME: Quarterback Kellen Clemens has tried to become more of a leader in his second training camp with the Jets. He's in a battle with Brad Smith and Marques Tuiasosopo to back up Chad Pennington.August 1, 2007 -- Kellen Clemens played in two games last year during his rookie season and threw one pass. The Jets undoubtedly would take similar numbers from Clemens this year, because that likely would mean Chad Pennington stayed healthy for a second straight season. But given Pennington's past injury trouble, coupled with the somewhat shaky status of the Jets' offensive line, Clemens' role is important, something he realizes and is willing to accept. During yesterday's morning practice, the second-year player out of Oregon, on whom the Jets spent a second-round pick, did something he's rarely done since joining the team. Working with the offense's second unit, Clemens uncharacteristically barked at rookie running back Alvin Banks, who wasn't on the field before a play. "I don't know if I've done that here before," said Clemens, who has been inconsistent during this training camp. "But I feel I've gained the status here a little bit and earned the right to call people out when I need to." That attitude is fine with Eric Mangini, who forced the entire offense to take a penalty lap for the formation snafu. "You are always looking for that from quarterbacks," Mangini said. "The reaction should be, it is not OK to have breakdowns." It was Pennington who eventually got the offense performing to Mangini's standards. Clemens has yet to stand out during camp or previously during organized team activities. He has struggled with his accuracy. A year ago, Clemens stood on equal footing with Pennington under first-year head coach Mangini. Clemens said he's fine with the fact the starter's role is not up for grabs again. "It's a different situation," Clemens said. "Chad had a great year last year. We're all trying to chase Chad and make him better. So you take the reps when they come and make the most of them." Clemens ended up spending much of last year on the inactive list, behind Pennington and Patrick Ramsey, who is now with the Broncos. His primary competition this year is multitasking Brad Smith and former Raider Marques Tuiasosopo. "We're all going for the same thing," Clemens said. "But this year, I'm much more comfortable." Pennington said he believes he knows why and can relate to Clemens' plight. "A lot of times, I'll come in [to the training complex] and he's already here, or I'll be leaving and he stays a bit later," said Pennington, himself a student of the game. Kellen is doing all the necessary things [that] whenever his opportunity comes about, I think he'll be ready." The Jets hope they don't have to find out. dan.martin@nypost.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I haven't seen many, if any, on here that are "so sure Clemens is our QB of the future". Based on your response you can't stand the fact that someone had something good to say about him. Why hate so much on one of our young players?
Good read for sure. It is nice to see Clemens' leadership showing. That is important for quarterbacks. I hope Clemens succeeds and becomes the back up quarterback. If he is not, that is a bad sign for a second year player who was drafted in the 2nd round.
It's good to see he's calling people out. Aside of the footwork issue my other main concern for Clemens is his presence. More then a few first teamers have come out and said that there happy Chad was named the starter because of the confidence and presence he brings to the offense. Clemens said he felt like he "gained the status" to call people out on the field. That was my favorite part of this article. You don't gain that status, or even feel like you deserve it unless your teammates see you doing things right. Penningtons comments seemed double edged. It's good to hear Clemens is putting in the hours, but it also seems that Clemens wouldn't be ready to take over if he was forced into the position. Preseason games can't get here fast enough.
speaking of Clemens' presence, that was what I thought was most lacking last year in games: he just seemed to panic. The game clearly had not slowed down for him yet. Here's hoping that it does - and soon.
I don't think that's what he was saying. There were a lot of people here last season that wanted to bench Chad on the spot to see what Clemens could do--especially when Denver made a similar move with Jay Cutler. We made the playoffs and Denver coughed them away, too, but that didn't deter some of the hardcore Chad haters.
I have and I don't hate him at all. I just haven't seen anything to make me feel he's the QB of the future. It would seem Mangini hasn't yet either. I never felt that way when I saw Pennington backing up Testeverde. He always seemd to be poised and ready. (BTW, I'm not a Chad lover either but he mostly gets the job done).
And for everybody that has agenda against Clemens, this is the perfect thread to make a snide remark.
Clemens is still learning...It takes either a really good football team surrounding the QB or time, for a QB to be successful. Clemens will be doing nothing, but learning while Chad remains the starter. Chad Pennington rode the Bench for 2+ seasons... Just be patient.
Disagree. If ERIC felt Kellen could not do the job, you can bet your bottom dollar that a JEFF GARCIA would be in Hempstead! The fact that ERIC has not bothered to sign a veteran QB refutes your statement.
He brought in Tuiasasopo instead who played all year on a crap team but has recent experience. He and Tannenbaum rave about his athletic ability. You would also think if Mangini thought he could do the job he wouldn't have demoted him behind Patrick Freaking Ramsey last year who nobody thought could do the job.
Mangini and Tannenbaum "rave" about Tuiasasopo's athletic ability? When/where? Tui has been in the league 6 years and started 2 games. TWO ... in SIX years. If Mangini/Tannenbaum were so worried about Clemens ability they surely would have brought someone in with more than TWO games under their belt. Chad Pennington was the 3rd string QB his rookie season too. I hate you.
Last week on WFAN. Chad was never demoted from 2nd to 3rd. And be reasonable. If Mangini didn't have doubts about either Tuiasasopo or Clemens then Smith wouldn't now be in the mix. None of it really matters anyway. Starting next week Clemens will have all the opportunity in the world to show what he can do against 2nd string NFL defenses. At the end of camp we will see where he ends up.
Hope he starts to show the things that made the Jets draft him. Im just trying to see how this is a positive article about him. Besides barking at a player...I just dont get it. Having trouble with accuracy? Thats not good. Compare that to a receiver who is having trouble catching the ball...a lineman who is too slow..a running back who fumbles. We are in our second preseason...filled with daily articles heralding a walk on receiver who just might make it etc. We get hit with all these fluff articles in preseason to pass the time. Now we finally get our high draft pick qb of the future article and all we get out of it is that he barks. Not being a Pennington guy at all, this isnt a good sign for the future at this position.
I really think it has more to do with Smith's ability and Schotty's playbook than any lack of faith in Clemens. And apparently Tangini has more faith in Tui as the veteran presence over guys like Cpep and Garcia. We have no idea what kind of NFL player clemens is and won't for a while longer. The best I can do is keep my fingers crossed and hopes high in the face of all these negative reports until we know for sure. Does anyone else remember when Clemens looked better than Chad during the preseason? I do.
