By Brian Bohl
Even before the season’s first game was over, the Jets’ fans let the world know how they felt about the team’s quarterback situation. As Chad Pennington hobbled to the sideline, the Giants Stadium crowd cheered the appearance of backup Kellen Clemens, effectively dismissing the aptitude of a veteran quarterback who only last year engineered a surprising 10-6 record and a playoff appearance.
After a close loss to the Eagles dropped the Jets to 1-5, pressure was placed on coach Eric Mangini to make a permanent switch to the second-year Clemens. So far, Mangini said he will stick with Pennington at least through this week’s contest in Cincinnati-a move that makes sense for the present and future of the franchise.
The vitriol fans currently spew at Pennington can easily transfer over to Clemens once the honeymoon period ends, which might be a few plays into his first rocky start. Considering the track record of the fan base (booing draft picks), patience shouldn’t be expected. Mangini, though, is holding off on making such a drastic move so early.
“All decisions are based on what gives you the best chance to win the next game,” said Mangini, dismissing the notion that he would be willing to sacrifice wins now for the chance to give Clemens experience for next season.
It is comforting to know Mangini isn’t being swayed by knee-jerk public reaction. Players inside the locker room are still supporting Pennington, with receivers like Jerricho Cotchery defending the reigning Comeback Player of the Year who has led the Jets to the playoffs three times in the four seasons he has played in at least 10 games.
“Players want to see that,” Cotchery said. “They want to see the coach stick behind a guy. We will feed off that.”
Despite the early hole, and Pennington’s abysmal performance against Philly, the Jets remain in contention in the AFC for at least the next few weeks. But any hope of salvaging the season hinges on Thomas Jones, who was acquired in the offseason to bolster the ground game.
It is no coincidence that the two times Jones received ample carries, the Jets either came away with the victory or were in position to take the lead late in the game. Jones’ first 100-yard rushing game came in the lone win over Miami last month, and his second effort nearly lead to a comeback during a 16-9 loss to Philadelphia at the Meadowlands.
No Jet rusher recorded more than 700 yards last season, forcing Pennington to depend heavily on Cotchery and Laveranues Coles to generate scoring. Now, defenses can drop linebackers into coverage as opposing front lines capitalize on weak run-protection. Defensive ends can simultaneously provide heavy pass pressure without resorting to blitzes, causing three consecutive poor outings from Pennington.
“The only change that we need is a win,” said Coles, whose one-catch game was a big reason why the Jets failed to find the end zone last week. “If you get a win everything else goes away. If we were winning, we wouldn’t be talking about changes.”
Any quarterback needs an effective running game to be successful, though subjecting Clemens to his first extended playing time in the professional ranks at this point could cripple his career in addition to raising the white flag on the current campaign. Keeping Pennington, the franchise’s third all-time passing leader, in control is fair and provides the best chance to win this week.
Pennington’s earned the right to see how he can do with an efficient run-game. It also would prevent his understudy from entering a situation where his development could be hampered and his early confidence shaken.
Clemens, drafted in the second round in 2006, lost the only game he started this season when he filled in for an injured Pennington in Week 2. Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler, the two quarterbacks drafted ahead of Clemens, own a combined 11-18 mark, meaning a change would not necessary mean an instant spark for the Jets and could sap the confidence from someone with just 48 pass attempts in his career. Lack of support can also be a harbinger for injuries, something Arizona is experiencing with Leinart after he broke his collarbone.
With Jones still looking to string together two consecutive solid games, keeping the clipboard in Clemens hands is the best move for now, especially with the offensive line a work-in-progress. Mangini needs the former Bears’ running back to take pressure off the passing game and help move double coverage away from Cotchery and Coles.
Jones is a workhorse back, a grind-it-out runner who thrives on a heavy workload. He logged 25 carries against the Eagles, and no surprise rushed for 130 yards. He needs to continue to carry the ball 25-30 times per game, even if he starts slow.
Mangini must also continue to go to Jones in clutch situations. Near the Philadelphia goal line on the final drive, the feature back did not get a carry on third-and-one or fourth-and-one, which was a coaching mistake regardless of the quarterback. In crucial short-yardage situations, Jones needs to be utilized, or else Joe Montana could don a green-and-white jersey and still not alter the outcome.
A productive Jones means more open throwing lanes. What would that additional space do for Pennington? Considering he has the NFL’s 2nd highest all-time completion percentage, he should thrive by being able to once again exploit seams in the flat for the type of drive-sustaining dinks and dunks that infuriate the fan base yet ultimately lead to victories.
“We all have responsibility for it. We are not scoring enough points on offense,” tight end Chris Baker said. “That is the entire offense. It is not just him [Pennington]. It is the entire offense.”