May 15, 2008 Practice notes: Chad less than thrilled with QB battle This is what you?ve been waiting for - some real football. Well, as real as it gets in May. The Jets conducted their third OTA practice today at Hofstra, the first session that was open to the media. Here?s what you need to know: ? In the ballyhooed QB battle, Chad Pennington worked exclusively with the first-team offense. What can we read into that? Not much. Pennington and Kellen Clemens are alternating days, and today was Pennington?s turn. Before the first practice, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer flipped a coin. Pennington called heads, and heads it was. So he went into the leadoff position. So now you?re probably thinking, ?Who performed better today, Pennington or Clemens?? I?d give a slight edge to Pennington, but he got to work with the starters, which always helps. They?re probably less than 5% into the competition, so there?s no way to declare a winner, preconceived thoughts notwithstanding. We talked to Pennington after practice and he seemed - how shall I put this? - not thrilled with his situation, but willing to be the good soldier for another year. My gut feeling: He wanted out, but the club refused to trade him. In fact, he confirmed a Daily News story from March, which said his agent and the Jets had discussions at the scouting combine about a possible trade. This should be an interesting competition. Did someone say controversy? ? I talked to WR Laveranues Coles after practice. He was in a very good mood. The last we saw of Coles, he was upset with his contract. After a mini-boycott in March, he got the team to guarantee the final two years of his contract, $11 million. Coles said he was happy with the outcome, but when asked if he?d like to re-visit his contract situation after the season, he offered some ominous words. ?Now that I?m here, it?s not something I want to get into,? he said. ?But when the time comes, I?m more than willing to get back into it.? ? The star of practice was TE Bubba Franks, who shined in a seven-on-seven, red-zone drill. He made a nice, one-handed, falling-down grab in the end zone on a pass from Pennington, and Bubba came back moments later with a TD grab from Clemens. Later, in a full-team drill, he made a diving TD catch from Pennington. Should no-show Chris Baker be worried? Whoa, let?s not get crazy here. Baker, not here because he?s unhappy with his contract, still is the best tight end on the roster. A few years ago, Franks was one of the best red-zone tight ends in the league - he and Brett Favre had a lot of success together in Green Bay - but one good practice in May doesn?t mean the old Bubba is back. ? Speaking of Baker?s absence, Eric Mangini addressed the situation in his press conference. Predictably, Mangini didn?t say much, although he indicated there is an open line of communication with the veteran tight end. Specifically, the coach said he has been sending ?information? (presumably, new plays) to Baker, keeping him abreast of changes in the playbook. That doesn?t sound like an acrimonious situation. ? These players sat out with undisclosed injuries: S Artrell Hawkins and CB Andre Woolfolk. LS James Dearth appeared to be limited. WR Brad Smith was limited in drills. Interesting side note: Smith did some holding on field goals. ? CB/KR Justin Miller, who underwent major knee surgery last season, is back on the field. He?s sporting a new number - 21. His old number, 22, belongs to RB Jesse Chatman. ? No major surprises in the first-team lineups. Offense: Pennington, RB Thomas Jones, FB Tony Richardson, Franks, LT D?Brickashaw Ferguson, LG Alan Faneca, C Nick Mangold, RG Brandon Moore, RT Damien Woody, WR Laveranues Coles and WR Jerricho Cotchery. Defense: DE Shaun Ellis, DE Kenyon Coleman, Jenkins, ILB David Harris, ILB Eric Barton, OLB Calvin Pace, OLB Bryan Thomas, S Kerry Rhodes, S Eric Smith, CB Darrelle Revis and CB David Barrett. (Smith subbed for Abram Elam, who was excused because of the death of his older brother.) ? New NT Kris Jenkins has dropped 30-something pounds since the end of last season. The former Panther, who weighed 393 at the end of last season, is down to about 360, according to Mangini. ?He makes 360 look good,? Mangini said. ?I wish I could say the same.? If Mangini had $750,000 per year in weight and workout clauses in his contract, Jenkins? deal with the Jets, he?d probably be a few pounds lighter. From what I hear, Jenkins needs to stay at 360 to cash in on the weight bonus. In practice, Jenkins had to run a penalty lap and you could almost feel the ground shake as he jogged by. It took so long for him to run the perimeter of the field that the offense ran two plays before he completed one lap. ? Sorry, no reports on first-round picks Vernon Gholston and Dustin Keller. By league rule, rookies aren?t allowed to report until tomorrow. So for all you Danny Woodhead fanatics, you?ll have to wait until next week. By Rich Cimini on May 15, 2008 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Good to hear about Bubba...Here's hoping he can make those catches when they count for us. Assuming Baker reports at training camp, the two of them should make life in the red zone a lot more rewarding. Also nice to know that Miller has found his way back on the field. Hopefully he picks up with the progress he was making before the injury.
Sounds to me that they are trying to replace Ben Graham... Smith is holding, and Kapinos was brought in to "compete".
^ I just hope this lasts into the regular season... This is something that a lot of people on this board have been pulling for since Smith was drafted, and Graham started to muff snaps with those new shitty kicker balls.... I have my fingers crossed that once we figure out who our P is, Smith will remain the holder...
I know its only the 1st day of OTA's, but I feel relaxed with the personnel and the morale of the team. Let's hope for a good season.
Pennington - showing his frustration Coles - same old Coles Franks - Awesome Miller - back Oline - Awesome Jenkins - double Awesome Elam - my condolences
Pennington looked better today and is pissed by the situation. Look out, you all know deep down not to mess with this guy. I am a biased loyal Chad fan and firmly believe he is the better QB and will be under center week 1. Lets go Chad!
Chad should have played better and not thrown so many late game interceptions for TDs and maybe he wouldn't have to go through this. Lets face it, anyone not concerned about both QBs on this team is kidding themselves.
wtf is chad worried about, its his job to lose, and right now none of the other two guys showed they are any better.
Where did you hear that? Everything I've heard out of the CS is that it's an open competition. And logic dictates that if Kellen doesn't win out, then the FO looks bad.
very very happy to get some info on justin miller, it wasnt much but he is involved and making his way back it appears. lots of good stuff in that article.
Chad is the starter, until they officially announce it's kellen.. open competition or not, thats the most logical track IMO. With an O-line that can block, I don't see how Chad wouldn't be the starter.
