Positive article, seems like he is working hard, who knows???? CHAD: BET ON ME By MARK CANNIZZARO May 12, 2006 -- For those who doubt Chad Pennington will return as the Jets' starting quarterback this season after a second rotator-cuff surgery on his throwing arm, he delivered this bold message last night: "If I were a betting man in Vegas," Pennington said, "I'd put money on No. 10." For the uninitiated, Pennington wears No. 10 in Jets green. "I feel like I can fit right in and be the quarterback that the Jets need me to be in this system," Pennington said last night while at a "Taste of New York" benefit at the South Street Seaport with other teammates. "I'm full go. That means I'm throwing every route we have in the playbook. I feel really good about it." Pennington then unleashed this minor bombshell on the eve of today's and tomorrow's rookie minicamp: "I'm not even trying to get back to where I was," he said. "I'm trying to get better than where I was. That's my goal. I'm not trying to get back to the old Chad Pennington. I'm trying to get better than what the old Chad Pennington was. And I feel like I'm on my way there." Pennington, who turns 30 on June 26, said he plans to practice fully in the practice camp that takes place later this month and participate fully in the Jets' veteran minicamp, which takes place next month. When competition against Patrick Ramsey for the starting job was brought up, Pennington was quick to point out how far ahead he is at this time of year than he was a year ago. "Last year, I had to fly by the seat of my pants to do everything I could to win a football game," he said. "Heck, we played Kansas City [in the 2005 season opener] and that was 30 weeks removed from surgery. Thirty weeks from surgery this time around is this week. That's why time is so important. "One thing you can never take for granted is time," Pennington continued. "I just feel really good about everything. I don't have any concerns, doubts or worries. It's a matter of going through the process. I know what to expect. I've been here and done this." Pennington said he's had the time to get stronger than he was before with this rehab. Though he played at 220 pounds before, he's now 229 pounds and plans to play at that weight. "I'm not only getting stronger, I'm getting as strong as I've ever been," Pennington said. Asked about the Jets drafting Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens in the second round, Pennington said, "I don't worry about what the organization does in the draft. I've always trusted their plans. I want to be in those plans, the future plans. If I am, we'll take advantage of every opportunity I get. If I'm not, that's OK, there are 31 other teams." mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com
Why does he feel like he needs to say this sh!t? Sounds like he's worried about his comeback and needs to talk himself into where he'll be. No need to tell everyone you're coming back better than ever, do it on the field and they'll say it for you.
no, i understand what your saying. but this is the NY media and he knows realstically nobody is expecting much of him outside the team facility. (maybe even in it ) but hes just being honest, he knows the odds are against him, almost everyone has written him off and hes just addressing it.
I still believe he is done, but I'd love for him to prove me wrong. I don't think he's just saying it because its what people want to hear, he says it because he believes it. He's been busting his ass to get back to where he is. Stay healthy, no matter what happens Penny.
As much as Id like for him to make a comeback (even with Clemens on the roster, Im not exactly brimming with confidence
I would not say that the confidence level for Chad returning strong is at the top of the charts either. But on the same token, at least there is some encouraging news that he is working hard and wants to succeed to lead our team. Whether he'll be the starter or not will be up the coaching staff who I am sure will make the best choice. I'm not writing him off just yet....
He's got his money so he can pretty much say anything it will be plain vanilla. I'm amazed that this kid will be 30..... it seems like only yesterday he was drafted.
He's my 2nd favorite Jet on the team...And it's great hearing this, but i'm not an optimist...I'll definately hope he can make it through the season and be good, but we all have our doubts.
I admire his motivation but he said basically the same thing in 2005 when he opted to go to Florida rather than getting his shoulder fixed. At this point what is he supposed to say?
My advice to Chad: take as long as you need -- if it's two months more of rehad before throwing, if it's a year before throwing -- and get fully healed. Then we'll know for sure whether the injuries have decimated his arm for sure. No more of this doubt surrounding his condition; don't rush back for the sake of rushing back. I want to remove all doubt about whether he can hack it again. If he can, great. If he can't move on. I'm hoping he comes back. But if Tangini has brought anything to the table so far, it's that they make decisions based on fact and without worrying about public opinion. If he's washed up, kick him to the street. If he's ok, do everything you can to help him succeed.
I've never seen him say something like that before. It's basically a if the Jets don't want me then screw 'em type of line. I hope he makes it though.
He gets a huge bonus if he is the #1 quarterback this year. He gets incentives to recover his original contract, which could be huge.
Hey...if..and wow..what a big if...but if Chad comes back and is able to lead a controlled offense...not put up MVP numbers...just control the offense...it would be a big plus. With that said..and Im routing for him...if he wants to blame "time", he should look in the mirror...it was his decision to take some "time" off before having the surgery the first time. He could have been 3 or 4 weeks ahead of schedule if he had surgery right after the season...he choose not to. He choose to wait almost a month.
