Brunell likely to become a Jet, eventually http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/05/27/brunell-likely-to-become-a-jet-eventually/ Posted by Michael David Smith on May 27, 2010 5:53 PM ET In April there was mutual interest between the Jets and free agent quarterback Mark Brunell, but the Jets couldn't sign Brunell because of the "Final Eight Plan." But the Final Eight restriction (which says the eight teams that played in the divisional round of the playoffs can only sign as many unrestricted free agents as they lose) is lifted on July 22. And Brunell is likely to become a Jet after that. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports that there's a feeling around the Jets that it's only a matter of time before Brunell signs with the team. The Jets and Brunell can't actually agree to a contract right now, but the team may have quietly assured Brunell that he'll get an offer on July 22, and Brunell may be willing to wait until then. So by the time training camp starts, Brunell may be the backup to Mark Sanchez, and Kellen Clemens may be the odd man out. Clemens, a 2006 second-round pick, has said he'd like to go somewhere else because he'd like to compete for a starting job. According to Cimini, Clemens knows the writing is on the wall for him in New York.
Here's to hoping Brunell has a similar season in 2010 as he did in 2009- have a steady grip of the clipboard through 15 games, start a meaningless game in Week 17, and then get a Super Bowl ring.
If anyone but Sanchez takes anything but minimal insignificant snaps in 2010, chances are our season is done before it started anyway.
Yeah, if Sanchez were to miss more than three games, the Jets would likely be in big trouble. Brunell's arm is almost shot at this point, but he's savvy enough to get them through a few weeks I think.
With all the pieces in place for a SB run, I would still feel confident in Mark Brunell having to manage this team if (god forbid) Sanchez goes down, way more confidence than in Clemens.
What was the last time we actually had a back-up QB you felt comfortable with? I can name you all the ones I NEVER cared for, with KC the most recent in chronologicial order.
Brunell seems more of a coach to me at this point in his career. Recently he has been very open to his future in the NFL, and he has said he wants to coach. I haven't seen the guy play/start seasons in 5 years I think. If Mark would go down I would be alot more comfortable with Marc Bulger stepping in though.
Brunell started a game last year. It was a meaningless game, but he still started game. The last time he was a first string quarterback was in 2006, when he started for Washington Redskins. He actually had pretty good stats, even though the Skins were horrible that year. Marc Bulger has thrown more INTs than TDs in three straight seasons.
In 2005, Brunell took the Redskins to the playoffs. When's the last time Bulger's led a team to the playoffs? I'll tell you: 2004. Don't blame the team. He was a big part of St. Louis' downfall. The guy's become extremely overrated over his career. I'm looking at his stats right now - he had one very good season throughout his eight year career. Brunell is more experienced and he takes better care of the football.
He's not supposed to excite you. They want him as a mentor, not a quarterback. What's not to understand about this situation?
I'm not sure if Brunell has anything left if he actually had to play. I'd much rather go with Clemens in a game than Brunell.
If they want him as a mentor and not as a player why don't they just bring him in as an assistant QB coach? He's not going to see the field anyways...