If he does decide to go I wish him all the best , hes been classy throughout. Jets' Pennington: 'I certainly feel that I'm a starter, absolutely' By DENNIS WASZAK Jr., AP Sports Writer December 20, 2007 HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- Chad Pennington appears ready to return as the New York Jets' starting quarterback, even if it's for just one more game. With Kellen Clemens limited again in practice Thursday and recovering from a rib injury, Pennington will likely be under center when the Jets play at Tennessee on Sunday. Seven weeks after he was benched in favor of Clemens, Pennington remains confident he can lead a team on the field. "I certainly feel that I'm a starter, absolutely," Pennington said. "There's no question in my mind. I can always help someone win." Whether that's with the Jets after this season remains to be seen. "When the offseason comes, we'll deal with those matters," Pennington said. Clemens was thought to be New York's quarterback of the future, and that still might be the case despite his struggles. But Pennington would then be a highly paid backup with a questionable arm and a hefty contract if he sticks around. Pennington, whose deal runs through 2010, is due a $4.8 million base salary next season. The speculation is rampant that the Jets will try to deal him in the offseason, and the last two games would be an excellent opportunity for New York to remind other teams what Pennington is capable of doing. "I don't know what the organization's stance on that is and I'm not really concerned about it, to be honest with you," he said. "I know whatever happens, something good will happen for me. I'm a confident person and I feel very good about myself as a professional and how I approach my occupation." Coach Eric Mangini remained undecided Thursday about his starting quarterback, but said a day earlier that the decision would be based on whether Clemens was healthy enough and prepared mentally. With just one day of practice remaining, the chances of that appear slim. "We'll go through the week and see how it goes," Mangini said before practice Thursday. Clemens was injured on his first pass against New England last Sunday, when he was hit hard by Richard Seymour and landed directly on his left shoulder. The pass was intercepted by Eugene Wilson and returned for a touchdown. Clemens left with a rib injury after the interception and was replaced by Pennington, who went 25-of-38 for 186 yards in the 20-10 loss. Pennington insisted he hasn't thought about the future, and whether it includes the Jets. "The season is such a whirlwind and there's so many things going on and the minute I give that too much thought, I've taken away from my teammates, I've taken away from our ability to try to win the game," he said. "Those are things I'll have to sit down and really think about in the offseason and really give that some time and effort." Pennington disagreed with the notion that by not saying he hopes he returns to New York, he's already moved on mentally. "Not necessarily," he said. "The reason I say that is because I don't have control over that. I can sit here and give a rah-rah speech about how I want to be a Jet, but I don't have the ultimate decision on that. I can't control that. I may have influence on it, but I can't control it. I understand the business of this game." As much as Pennington was criticized earlier this season for not moving the offense, his numbers are better than those Clemens has put up. Pennington has thrown nine TD passes against seven interceptions, has a 67.1 completion percentage and an 85.8 quarterback rating. Clemens has completed only 52 percent of his throws, has four touchdown passes and 10 interceptions and a measly 59.0 quarterback rating that's second-worst in the league. Despite all that, Pennington never complained or campaigned publicly to have his job back. "Chad's been outstanding," Mangini said. "He's been extremely helpful to Kellen during this time." Wide receiver Laveranues Coles, one of Pennington's best friends on the team, admires the way his buddy has handled himself. "I'm glad he's getting a chance to go out there and do whatever in this game and have fun and do what he loves," Coles said. "I know it was tough for him standing on the sidelines watching and not being able to compete because he's such a competitor." http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-jets-pennington&prov=ap&type=lgns
Thanks for the great years and memories Chad. I wish him the best where ever he goes/lands (except MIA, NE, BUFF) LOL. I believe he's a starter in this league. Good Luck
he's very smart and has very good pocket pressance someone is going to know what to do with him and he's going to be successfull
I doubt this happens; even though Parcells is there. Parcells does need a QB, but I think he would get that person in the draft if someone really stands out in the combines as being worthy of the #1 pick. Parcells could just as easily go Defense with the first pick and then try to get a QB in the 2nd round. I think there may be some interest by Miami, but Parcells is just so shrewd that I do not think the pot will be nearly sweet enough for the Jets to take a deal.
I'd trade him within the division in a heartbeat. Could you imagine playing him twice a year? Put the entire defense 5-10 yards out. Piece of cake
Neither am I. What irony it would be if Chad ends up taking his job back after New England, of all teams, knocked out Clemens with a shot to the ribs, of all things. It would be even better irony if we went on to win a Super Bowl with him. :up:
Not necessarily by plan, it could just work out that way. Clemens hasn't cemented the job, what if Chad wins it back next camp after finishing strong this season? Not impossible.
I guess not impossible, but I really think the writing is pretty much all over the wall that Chad will be outta here. Clemens only cracked a rib; he didn't get his throwing arm torn off and devoured by Seymour. But, with Clarke blocking it could have happened.
Chad doesn't have the zip on his passes to lead us to a superbowl but he is still a great player that is very accurate, a great leader and a great teammate. I wish he had the arm I really wish he did. He is nothing but a class act. But he can't lead us to where we want to be so that is life.
Gone, baby, gone. Too bad he has to start a game here. The season has been bad enough without another backward step. Starting Chad is a step in the wrong direction. Clemens needs these games, and the CS needs to see him. I hope Chad does not get killed with Clarke blocking Haynesworth.
I remember that awesome TD pass to (I believe) Coles against the Bengals...it went about 43 yards in the air for the TD. Oh that is right, he can not throw more than 5 yards it must have been someone else. Did anyone ever think that maybe the coaching staff is calling plays for him and he is doing what he is told to do. I think this whole throw the ball deep just to spread the D out is a little overated. Joe Montana was not known for the deep ball. He also had great teams around him. Montana would suck on this Jets team with our swiss cheese line. If Chad ends up doing well with another team and KC is a bust it will be the first time in Jets history (that I can remember) that we got rid of the better of two QB's. Good luck Chad - and I pray KC is the real deal!
I said it before and will again, the Jets are crazy to let Penny go and put all their cookies in Clemens basket. Clemens may have the stronger arm but he's not the least bit accurate with it and he's no where near as smart as Pennington nor is he a leader like Pennington.
There is NOT that much of an upgrade of what the intangibles chad brings to to the table,,,, if we r sayin hes an asset to a team with an o-line.... then lets address/fix ours and KEEP HIM, HE IS N ASSET AND CLASS ACT!!!!!d
