By Tom Rock
Trying to spin it by saying that Kellen Clemens deserves a shot, Eric Mangini today announced that the second-year backup will start at quarterback on Sunday against the Redskins. The real reason, of course, is that Chad Pennington hasn't been able direct the offense to any wins.
"That's the bad part of losing," Pennington said. "It's a team game and when you lose changes need to be made. Sometimes drastic changes need to be made."
Mangini wouldn't commit to Clemens for any longer than this week. The Jets have a bye following Sunday's game against the Skins.
As for their respective demeanors, Pennington seemed to be a little relieved by the news. He spoke softly about how his time as a backup and eventual replacement for Vinny Testaverde and talked about how he and Kellen had prepared for this scenario, which was becoming more and more obvious in recent weeks. Clemens, on the other hand, said he was very excited, but he had a long face and it seemed that he was at least a bit emotional about taking over for someone like Pennington, about whom he said "It's all just a credit to the man that Chad Pennington is."
Comments (3)
What! Is ManKotite already giving up on this season? They could go 9-7 and still make the playoffs!!! Where are all the outraged Chad supporters, who wanted to continue to go with him until 1-15?
Fire Manidiot ..... Fire Tannenbaum ...... Sell the Team!
You cannot try and mirror the Patriots without having the players!
They have Brady..... We have squat and even worse we have no good young players!
I've been a Chad supporter and I'm not outraged. Just dumbfounded that this season took a nosedive. Unfortunately I don't have the same faith in Clemmens taking over like I did when Chad took over for Interceptaverde.