Jets: To go with Pennington as starter Organization impressed with his progress, sharpness in camp Wednesday, August 02, 2006 BY DAVE HUTCHINSON Star-Ledger Staff HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Chad Pennington has won the Jets' starting quarterback job, according to a team official with knowledge of the team's plans. The official, who requested anonymity because coach Eric Mangini isn't ready to make a formal announcement, said the competition at quarterback is over. Pennington, the official said, has surprised the organization with his arm strength and accuracy, easily outdistancing himself from Patrick Ramsey. "We're surprised at the progress he's made," the official said. "No one expected him to be this far along this early." Ramsey, obtained in a trade from the Redskins this off-season to be Pennington's main rival, has been plagued by inconsistency -- something that derailed his career in Washington. He has had good days and bad, earning the wrath of the coaches one moment and their praise the next. This does not sit well with Mangini. Rookie Kellen Clemens has struggled in drills and clearly is not ready. The Jets, however, expected that and are still confident in his future. Brooks Bollinger is where he was last year -- an insurance policy in case Pennington or Ramsey gets hurt. Barring that, Bollinger may be released or traded before the end of camp. Mangini and all of the players involved could not be reached for comment because the information was learned after the team's media availability for the day. Pennington, after a shaky opening practice in which he threw interceptions on two of his first three passes in 11-on-11 drills, has made steady progress. He has strung together five solid practices, including a stellar performance in yesterday's afternoon session that stunned many in the organization. Pennington, who has gone through eight practices, continues to show touch, distance and increased velocity on his throws and is skipping fewer and fewer drills. He still doesn't have a 90-mph fastball but that has never stopped him from getting the job done when he's healthy. "I've been really happy with Chad's progress," Mangini said earlier in the day, following a two-hour, 32-minute morning practice in which the temperature peaked at 95 degrees with a 104 heat index. "He has strung together some good practices. That's what we're looking for in the quarterback position on down the line. "I'm definitely encouraged by his progress, but I've seen progress with each of these guys and I've seen steps back with each of those guys. It's got to be a consistent performance, and that's how they're going to distinguish themselves." Pennington did just that yesterday, in a two-hour, 43-minute no-pads afternoon practice. He put on a passing clinic working with the second team, hitting all types of passes and even his deep balls had zip. The organization does not have any concerns about his ability to throw, but is still concerned about his ability to stay healthy for an entire 16-game schedule. Pennington is confident -- and glad to be back on the field. "I feel good," he said after the afternoon session. "I'm glad to be participating every day and not having to sit out practices. That's a lot of joy for me. "It gives me a lot of pride to know I've done the right thing in the off-season to keep going. I'm just going to stay with the plan they have for me, keep working hard and keep enjoying it." Pennington, who was careful to temper his excitement, is exuding more and more confidence through his body language and the way he's running the team. He appears to be finding a rhythm despite the four-man rotation. "I feel like every day we're working really hard to get in that rhythm and really figure out what (offensive) coach (Brian) Schottenheimer wants from us, what coach Mangini wants from us, the tempo they want us to play at," Pennington said. "We're making progress every day but we still have a long way to go."
I thought this was a no brainer . The only problem as stated in the article will be when he gets put on his ass. I swear I will cringe every time I see Chad getting hit this season..
I'm glad that finally somebody is declared the starter. Now the CS can focus on one QB to give the majority of the reps to. I'm in Chad's corner, and I'll be rooting for him to make his comeback. Sigh, I have a feeling that when I recheck this thread in the morning, the naysayers [cough]mr.nyjet[/cough] will have littered this thread with negativity. Oh well.
I'm glad that Chad is the starter and made the comeback but I still have an uneasy feeling in my stomach. Maybe it's the tacos.
SWEET. I knew (about 75% sure) he'd be the starter and I'm proud of him... now lets just hope he stays healthy (and I think he can) I AM however surprised that KC has not been named the backup yet. I don't see Ramsey beating him out.
Not very surprising. He's about four months ahead of his schedule from last year (had surgery in October this time, compared to February for the first one,) and he was the starter for opening day last year (even though you might argue he shouldn't have been,) so I was fairly confident he'd end up as a starter.
hey i'm not a jets fan and i have heard on non-jets shows (NFL in gerenal) that Kelly Clemmons is playing shittly in camp. i know that he did well in 7v7 mini camps but now that he is playing more advanced 11 men D's he is going as well compared to minicamps true or not?
WoW! I am pleasantly surprised. I wasn't sure he would be healthy enough, but I am really happy to hear he is. His leadership will help this young team, and it's great to see this "comeback" story. One thing I will say though, someone is going to be in deep with Mangini for leaking this.
This is pretty much expected. Still, it's good to see that he's had no arm issues so far. And a relief
ugh...thanks :breakdance: you see that guy screwed up CleMens' name so badly that it even got me confused....
Wow here is a news bulletin. everything I have read to this point has said how bad he looked .I hope this story pans out
But where did you read this? From users on here? Not to put them down or anything,but they aren't football talent evaluators. I know the media said Chad was bad the first day, but he's been improving from all reports. Hutchinson is a good reporter, so if his source says this, then I know someone in the know is thinking this. However, I don't think this means 100% it's over. I wouldn't mind if it wasn't over, but I think it's time to scale it down some. Bollinger should barely ever see 11 on 11 drills. There's no point. I still think Clemens can have some progress if he gets time. I'd give Ramsey some time too, but I'd split it something like 50/25/25 or 60/20/20.
IMO 60-20-20 is a perfect fit. Chad gets to keep improving while we develop our QB of the future and we can see if ramsey has anything also.
I agree, and I expect it to be something like that, because I don't anticipate Mangini making anything "official" soon.
