Exactly. People take that "he is a defensive coach who doesn't care about QBs" stuff way too far. They think he is indifferent to who plays the position. He could also be saying he is satisfied with the QBs we have in order to keep morale up. Either way, people need to use their heads. If you think Ratliff should be crowned because he performed well in the preseason, you're just dumb, straight up. If you think that Kellen's performance on our crap 2007 team was enough to say he doesn't have it, try to remember what you were saying about Pennington that very same season, then go to NFL.com and watch his 2008 highlights. It does not look like a surefire superstar QB will be a member of the Jets this season. Let's find out what these guys can do in a fair situation before we decide what their overall talent level and potential is. It's just common sense really.
There was plenty of confidence in Delhomme and Cassel. Read my post re: Warner and Brady. Brees was starting by his second year. And Anderson wasn't expected to be a high performer and isn't. As for the part I bolded...what do you expect him to publicly say. I simply cannot ignore the facts that 1) Clemens looked like crap in 2007 (due only in part to the O-line) 2) Couldn't beat out Chad Pennington and looked like crap in 2008 3) The Jets traded for a QB (Favre) that wasn't even excited to play for the Jets last off-season 4) The Jets again tried to trade for another QB this off-season and 5) Clemens hasn't started for a full season in 4 years. This isn't about Clemens being a decent starting QB, which he could be. It's about him being a championship-caliber QB which I highly doubtful based on the evidence.
Well, we are going to have to find out as the options for adding a real starter are pretty slim. I think I figured out why we disagree. You seem to be happy with a (circa 2008) Pennington-like performance for your team's starting QB. While, I realize that that type of performance will never win a title and, thus, am not satisfied with a QB that is merely good with moments of greatness and equal moments of ineptitude.
JETS calendar for choosing a QB: April 16-18: Final practice in which Ryan, Tanny and maybe Woody decide if we definetly need a QB, if we might need one or if we are set. April 25-26: Draft. If we definetly need one I can see us trading up for whoever between Sanchez and Stafford falls past 4 or past 10. If we might need one we'll take a look at BPA between the QBs without trading up. May: If we don't take any QB in the draft but still aren't satisfied with what we have we bring in a veteran in time for him to learn a good part of the offensive system. Since up to now not even the FO, and CS, has a clear idea about what to do how can we have them? Let's wait and see... come drat day(s) end it will be much clearer if KC and Ratty are for real or if now Ryan is just talking s**t. PS: Sleeper options: 1) a 4th for Troy Smith 2) Rhett Bomar in round 4.
Guys, I can't believe I am going to say this but in some ways Don is correct , in reaching out for Cutler, the Jets showed they were willing to bring in the more experience QB over there (STILL) unproven kids on the roster. Yet, this last QB deal or no deal also shows that in spite of the Jets interest in what is undoubtedly one of the most skilled young QB's to become available in years, they did not bite. You have to agree that if the Jets were so concerned about the most important player spot on the roster, they would have pulled the trigger. I think you have to also agree that if we had offered the same deal with Clemens or Ratliff along with Harris we would have trumped all takers. Again, if we had wanted Cutler that bad, in spite of what some are saying , we had the ammunition to go get him. We could have over paid and got our man and then the Jets would have had there franchise QB for the next ten years....Guess what they didn't !!!! This no deal speaks volumes about the Jets thinking and there willingness to go with the young guys this year and see how they play out. I would also like to add that even if the Jets drafted a QB at 17 there is no way that the rookie, who ever he might be, would be more ready to lead this team then Clemens or Ratliff. I remind you all once again that even the great Brett Farve was in over his head for a while trying to catch up to Shotty's offensive. This after playing the game for over 20 years and again Shotty has to reduce his playbook to accommodate what Brett did best. Another fact that cannot be denied has been, to this point, the lack of interest by the Jets of bring in another veteran QB, not that it can not still happen. Yet, with each passing day, we all must realize that this player whoever he is, is losing valuable time in learning the play book and the system. Therefore putting him further behind the kids that have already been here for year and can go thru the playbook in there sleep. I would also like to bring to your attention one other point, an this may be the biggest tell of all. Listen very carefully over then next few months to the answers the players give when asked who they believe will be the starting QB of the NY Jets next season. I've notice a few already who have cast there lot with Clemens and believe he can get the job done. Rhodes for one did not hesitate one second when asked that question. Now if these guys were unsure who the team leader is on offensive they could have given a company answer like, "well it's not for me to say, the coaching staff will make the right choices". That is not what they are doing many are giving there support to Clemens. Despite what you hear in the press over and over these guys see this kid EVERY day and know better then anyone how he is progressing..... Will this assure success, of course not and after 45 years of Jets ups and downs I know this better then many. Yet, I know the Jets, with the exception of Vinny, have had there best success when they developed there QB talent in house. This is why I was so glad to see Cutler taken by the Bears, not that the guy could have been a hit here, although don't think his skin was thick enough. No, just because I want to develop our own talent. Now we will know for certain by the 8 game if Clemens is what the Jets and more so Ryan is looking for in a QB. If that's not the case then Ratty will get his shot and by the end of next season will have all the answers to the QB questions.. At which point they can then cut the fat and go out an get one of these young kids coming out next season. Or we will be set with a young starter and a strong back up in case of injury and a third which can still be developed further... Next year was and is going to be a feeling out year for Ryan and his staff anyway. Not to say that they cannot do that and still manage to win along the way. So Don and everyone else, no matter what you think it sure looks to this fan that the Jets have a lot more confidence in Clemens and Raliff then you or any of the so called experts think. An if the players are to be believe in there statements to the press,,,,horror of horror but Kellen Clemens will be under center at the start of the season.....
I want him to pack it, like in bags and ticket. Three years and he has shown nothing, not a franchise QB by any stretch and even with him at QB the team will still be looking to upgrade every year at draft time. I what a real QB and if we can't get one then let Brett and Eric see what they can do. Brett the first eight games and if we can't get in done, let Eric have the ball for the last eight.
