Rookie QB is on rise BY RICH CIMINI DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Unbeknownst to outsiders, the Jets staged a quarterback competition last week - Patrick Ramsey versus Kellen Clemens for the No. 2 job. Clemens won after a strong week of practice and, although Eric Mangini cautioned yesterday that the job "will be open again this week," it appears the highly regarded rookie has begun his ascent on the depth chart. That Mangini entrusted the No. 2 spot to a rookie in such a big game speaks volumes about his confidence in Clemens, who took four snaps in mop-up duty at the end of the Jets' 31-13 loss to the Bills. Ramsey was the No. 3 quarterback (inactive) for the first time. "It was just that time, where he had earned it," Mangini said of Clemens, a second-round pick. Clemens said he "had a hunch things were changing" because he had been receiving more practice reps in recent weeks. Last Wednesday, he and Ramsey received word that it was an open competition. "I'm definitely excited to apparently be making progress in the coach's eyes," Clemens said. Ramsey shrugged off the change, but he can't be happy. He's due a $1.4 million roster bonus next March, and there's little doubt he won't be back with the Jets. "It is (a demotion) in a way," he said. "But it's the same role for me in terms of observing and trying to help - unless Chad (Pennington) goes down." KNEEDS HELP: RB Kevan Barlow, inactive for the second straight game, insisted he's not upset because - and this is a new spin - the inactivity is helping his knee heal from surgery. Surgery? Barlow had arthroscopic surgery last May while with the 49ers. This was the first time he had used his knee as a reason for his struggles. "I think I'm playing on one leg, personally," Barlow said, a comment that probably won't sit well with Mangini. Barlow, due to make $3.25 million next season, probably won't be back, either. "I'm know I'm a great ... uh, really good running back," he said. "You haven't heard the last of me. I'm definitely going to be playing, whether it's this year or next year." Originally published on December 12, 2006
Why does that sound made up? Why would he ever say something remote to this? What has he done to insist on being a great/good running back? Clemens might be having a great practice, and impressing the coachs, but practice and gametime are completely diffrent. He is unproven period, and this is hopefully no indication that there COULD be a change this season. Expecially when we are knee deep in the WC race. Crazyness..
Good for Clemens, I never liked Ramsey. And it's good to finally have an official excuse as to why Barlow sucks.
Its encouraging to see Clemens step up as a rookie and earn the number 2 job. No need to rush him in but in the event we are eliminated I think its worth letting Chad rest and seeing what the kid's got.
I'm not so sure how comfortable I am with Clemens as the second stringer right now. As scary as it is to think about it, the Chad Pennington is constantly one hit away from being out for the season (like most QBs are.) If the Jets and the Vikings are tied in the 4th quarter and Chad goes down, would you rather have Clemens or Ramsey come in to manage the final drive? After this season we should definately cut Ramsey and give Clemens every opportunity to take the #2 job so he can hopefully be the #1 someday. But right now, it makes no sense to have your veteran backup QB inactive during a playoff push.
If you didn't get to be a part of the chat with Andrew Gross on JN, you should check out the transcript tomorrow for some good tidbits, especially on Clemens.
I think Clemens is capable to be the future face of this franchise. He definately has the mechanics and the mental awareness to be a legit starting quarterback. I also think Brian Schott will help him big time to, doing appropriate plays that benefit his style of play.
oh yeah, no doubt. That is one of the reasons that I wanted him so much, and loved the move when it happened. For those of you who don't know, he was the QB Coach in San Diego. Under him, Drew Brees turned into one of the best QBs in the league, and Philip Rivers is having an excellent first year as a starter..
id rather have brad smith in there if pennington goes down maybe he can do what he did against the eagles in preseason
The thing I'm impressed with Clemens is that physically, he's better off than Pennington. He has the better arm and is not afraid to go out of the pocket. The question is if he's mentally sound to start in the NFL. He was a great leader in Oregon, making key plays. More tutoring from Schott will be the key. If Clemens can handle reading the opposing defense and calling plays at the line, he can be the starter for this team. Right now, each and everyday he's learning piece by piece and that's what we need from him.
I sure hope Brad Smith gets an "open competition" if the change is made in the off-season. He's well on his way to earning that shot.
I cant wait to see Kellen get a shot. Also I think we have to look at Shotty the same way Mets fans look at Peterson. The Guy is going to groom Kellen into a star. The brains of chad and a much stronger arm.
I hope he's the real deal, that would be awesome. This is just not the time to put him in, but his time will come.
