I was not motivated to write something like this but it certainly embodies the attitude we should have.... Pennington deserves a big Thank You (AP/Stephan Savoia) By Gregg Hayim Posted Oct 31, 2007 Despite the recent criticism directed at Chad Pennington, the intangibles of leadership and preparation that he brought to the table during his tenure have never been questioned; an unheralded element to his game, and ones that Kellen Clemens should be thankful for. The Jets brain trust elected to draft Clemens in the second round of the 2006 draft not because they had lost faith in the abilities of Pennington. Rather, it was his health that they had grown weary of. At the time, Pennington was in the midst of rehabbing his shoulder from his second rotator-cuff surgery in as many years and his future was uncertain. Clemens spent his rookie season observing from the bench as Pennington responded to his critics by leading the Jets to ten wins and a playoff berth, his third trip to the postseason in five years. In fact, most Jets fans tend to dismiss the fact that the 2007 season is the first in which a healthy Pennington hasn't seen success in the wins column. It isn't uncommon for a starting quarterback to feel threatened by a highly-drafted youngster and refrain from assisting in their maturation. Even the greats aren't immune from such emotions. Why don't you ask Aaron Rogers how warm of a welcome he received from Brett Favre when he landed in Green Bay? Fortunately for Clemens, Pennington didn't take such an approach, as that just wouldn't be his style. Instead, Pennington took Clemens under his wing and tutored the rookie. A gesture that goes somewhat unmentioned by the media, but hasn't been forgotten by Clemens. "Chad Pennington is not only a teammate and a mentor, but he's also a very good friend of mine," Clemens said when asked of the emotional element of taking over the starting role. "You wouldn't wish it on anybody and especially not Chad because he is the player and the person that he is." Regardless of public opinion towards Pennington's recent struggles, his diligent preparation process and the leadership qualities that follow, go unmatched. Countless hours were spent dissecting film in order to best prepare, mentally, for his opponents. His success on the field, and the respect he has earned, is a direct result of the work ethic he displayed. Naturally, Pennington taught his prot?g? to follow in his lead. He never complained that the team drafted a quarterback, not did he refrain from helping Clemens. Instead Pennington took the "team first" approach and nurtured the man that ultimately would take his job. The results of his efforts are a very mature, and prepared, second year quarterback. Chad Pennington has been designated the fall-guy for a Jets team that clearly has a wide array of problems, the least of which may be the quarterback. Regardless, this Sunday, fans will finally get what they wanted when they see Clemens as the quarterback. It shouldn't surprise them to find a poised, confident man under center. And when they do, they will know who to thank.
Where is Beamen and his friends. Did ya'll get a look at this article and the others like it? Still wanna bitch about Penny being a standup guy on the sideline? That's right. Stick it in your earhole, beyatches.
NJJets, you are such a classy guy, really. Your unproven Hero Clemens obviously appreciates the hell out of Chad, but you post this garbage about him everyday. The entire team stands behind the guy (who has done more for the Jets as a QB then 20 years of QBs combined) and you continue to spew retarded crap about him with a turrets syndrome like appeal day in and day out. In fact, when was the last time you actaully posted something worth reading? Get a grip.
Right here bro.... I stated my opinion based on observations... Nobody on this team is going to rip Pennington.... Too much class for that.... There's no way to know for sure, so cool your jets a little hotshot
Hahaha... too much sugar in the office this afternoon. I'm just saying he's going to be a good sport about it. I do believe that. And there is a difference between not ripping the guy and standing up for him as Clemen's quote indicates. He could have said nice things without saying anything, but he even calls the guy a friend. Penny will make a very good mentor for him so I am glad he will have him for this season at least.
You should be the last person to question my ability to analyze and contribute to the conversation as you have been a blind follower and chad-apologist from day 1. Feel free to peruse the numerous posts I have made in the past few days regarding other aspects of our team. You may find them enlightening. I am not one of those "always negative" posters, nor am I a blind follower. It just so happens that this is a subject I happen to feel very strongly about...and I will continue to express my displeasure with the fool that wasted 5 years in the history of this franchise. He wasn't great and he didn't totally suck either. It's like he put the Jets in a permanent hold pattern. Say what you will...but the dude has done nothing on the football field since 2002 to be thanked for. He may end up being a great coach though. It may be because of injury, but ya gotta know when it's time to hang up the cleats. Now we're one elite receiver short for Sunday's game...
You shoulda posted this instead of your original post, and I would have had no issue with it... I still stand by my opinion, and now, that you stated it coherently, I can respect yours
