At 1-4 the playoff hopes of the New York Jets are about as realistic as the World Series dreams of the Chicago Cubs. Yesterday's 35-24 loss to the Giants exposed each and every one of their flaws. A porous run defense, nonexistent pass rush and oft-rumored but never-seen running game aren't a recipe for winning seasons and Eric Mangini's just not that good a chef. Those problems aren't going to get fixed without some serious work and offseason renovation but another glaring reason for the last two losses could have an in-house solution. Chad Pennington has thrown five interceptions and with this season looking like a lost cause it may be time to start planning for a future with Kellen Clemens under center. Mangini isn't ready to make a change just yet.
"Chad is the starting quarterback."Ah, the Lovie Smith answer. Obviously the full ledger of Jet problems can't be blamed on Pennington. He's not responsible for the abject failure of the Thomas Jones trade nor is he responsible for the defense's shortcomings but on a day when the Jets scored a touchdown on defense and special teams the offense gave back the game. Film of the game might change the coach's mind.
The offensive line protected Pennington well, allowing one sack to a team that had 12 the week before, but the limitations of the scheme were still easy for the Giants to exploit. His interceptions came on two plays that the Giants read with ease and one attempted deep pass that hung in the air long enough for Aaron Ross to call a fair catch under it.
The positives that Pennington brings to an offense - his intelligence, poise and touch - are less relevant without an effective running game. His weak arm allows defenses to gamble on certain routes because they know that's the only thing available to the Jets. Clemens' ability to throw deep would give the Jets another dimension but, more importantly, it would turn the page on a season gone wrong. If Pennington isn't the quarterback for next season and beyond, it's hard to think that he is, then the Jets have to see if Clemens is going to be that guy.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Josh, i'm glad u finnally said it ! manasswipe sux. period. the 1st thing he did wrong was go for a TD when he needed a FG for a tie score , dope ! then he uses a 3-4 D and doesnt blitz , dbl. dope ! especially w/ LIGHTNING CORNER IN REVIS .Ahhhhh , that brings me to the Qb. 2 things. if you need protection for a "SNAIL Q B" why don't you keep one of the best O-linemem in the game ? ***rollin my eyes......2nd, even if you can't throw the ball 35yds. deep, physically, at least heave it over everyones head so you stretch the &^%^%$# D !!!!! I mean is it me or is Leon and Jones gonna rush for more yards than mrs. penningtons rec. total? looks like manasswipe is just another O-coord. puppet that dont have any control during the game . you can see it in his face , when something goes wrong like Vilma jumpimg offsides when after the Jets "practice the 4th down cadince call " , he has no reaction , the reaction in itself is a gametime adjustment , and he don't "have-it". same thing when penningtno calls timeout while the Jets are driving the ball , he does it twice , last week and yesterday , he got the D on their heels and huffin and puffin , he stalls the team and nugent misses the FG , its just like ICING your kicker. (its laid back football ) hermmydays
Posted at 10:43AM on Oct 8th 2007 by frank
2. While it's difficult to follow the first post on this blog, I'd like to add that having a QB with an arm slightly stronger than a labia may actually extend the defense and open up the running game. Clemens should have gotten the start against Miami after the Ravens' game. The only people who weren't tired of the Pennington offense were Pennington and the coaches.
Posted at 11:04AM on Oct 8th 2007 by Greg Wyshynski
3. I think the QB change would benifit for the whole offense. People are saying that the Thomas Jones trade was a bust already but really, his lack of success is due to Pennington. With a back like him you need a QB that teams will fear the long-ball with and when Pennington's QB, most teams have 8 men in the box and when your RB is a bruiser like Jones, your only gonna average 3 YPC. Plus, we have one of the best recieving cores in the league but Pennington will never make them thrive if he's the QB. Cotchery, Coles, and Smith are looking great and Washington is an absolute playmaker whenever he's on the feild. If Clemens was starting, defenses would respect his arm strength more which would lead to better yardage from Jones which leads to more 1st downs, more touchdowns, and even games... IMO everyone will be better with Clemens at QB, expecially the run game.
Posted at 12:17PM on Oct 8th 2007 by Mike K
4. Mangini is the problem. Classical Music at Practice? Sesame Street? Backstabbing his mentor?
The Jets will never win with him in charge. Boy wonder "Mangenious" based on nothing he has ever done.
Same thing every year, they rely on cast offs from the Patriots to build a team.
Posted at 1:33PM on Oct 8th 2007 by Chris
5. It ain't rocket science - Pennington is a veteran, came into the season healthy and had good protection during yesterday's game - so what's the excuses now? Man-jerkoff needs to wake up and realize it's time to put Clemens in. Granted, the JETS have issues with their running came & inconsistent defense - BUT these things can be addressed once the QB situation is sorted out. Otherwise, the JETS will continue to go in circles; as in spiraling downward.
Posted at 4:20PM on Oct 8th 2007 by John
6. The Jests are awful.
Mangenie better succeed here cause no other coach will hire him as a coordinator after ratting out Belichick.
The Jest aren't going anywhere with Noodle Arm. If he's having trouble with zip on the ball now imagine when it's cold with strong winds? A swing pass behind the line will have trouble getting there. May as well play all 7 or 8 secondary guys between the numbers leaving the sidelines vacant.
Their D line play? Lots of guys who look like Tarzan and play like Jane.
Jones? No Curtis Martin.
When you can't run, can't stop the run, can't rush the QB, and have a tattle tale as a coach is it any wonder they're 1-4?
Rich Kotite, anyone?
Bill
Posted at 5:26PM on Oct 9th 2007 by Bill
7. MANGINI SAID CHAD IS THE STARTING QB. ONE QUESTION FOR HIM. WHY? WHY? WHY?
Posted at 2:17PM on Oct 12th 2007 by DAVE
8. I GUESS THAT WAS THREE QUESTIONS.
Posted at 2:17PM on Oct 12th 2007 by DAVE