By Ken Berger
I'm back. So is the blog. More importantly, so is Chad Pennington.
It's only June 15, but today is a significant step in Pennington's return from right shoulder surgery in October. For the first time since training camp last August, Pennington is expected to practice twice in the same day.
I just got finished watching the first practice, and Pennington looked smooth and in command -- but as expected, most of what the offense is working on at this point is the short passing game. Pennington's longest completion by far was a 35-yarder on a post route to Laveranues Coles -- on a blown coverage by Derrick Strait. Everything else was 15 yards or less.
The biggest surprise was that it wasn't Pennington or Patrick Ramsey who strode to the line of scrimmage first with the starting offensive line. That honor went to rookie Kellen Clemens.
To the media members in attendance, it certainly seemed significant that Clemens was getting the starter's reps in the rotation with Pennington, Ramsey, and Brooks Bollinger. Pennington scoffed at the notion, bristling at one point to a TV reporter who brought it up. Pennington explained that the rotation changes every day, and today it was Clemens' turn to get most of the reps behind the starting line in team drills.
Clemens looked poised and in command, but he looked a lot better in individual drills and 7-on-7 than he did in full-squad drills. After consecutive passes that were intercepted by Eric Barton and batted down at the line by Bryan Thomas, one of the Jets' starting defensive players barked at Clemens, "I told you, rook, it's gonna be ugly for you."
While I didn't come away with a strong opinion one way or another about Pennington's progress, I can say this without equivocation: this is a truly open competition for the starting job, and Pennington looks to me to be in for the fight of his career.
I'll be back later to discuss the afternoon practice. Feel free to weigh in.
Comments (13)
Awesome, thanks for the update, Ken!
Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks Ken. The message board members at jetsconfidential.com appreciate the news.
Looking forward to the afternoon update and tomorrows camp as well.
I LIKE THAT ITS A OPEN COMPETETION AT QB...NO ONE CAN RELAX OR TAKE A FEW PRACTICES OFF....KEEP THEM ON THEIR TOES....THE JETS WILL B BACK!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Ken... welcome back ;)
I know much of the focus is on our offense, but if possible, can you give a little update on how Bryan Thomas, & Roberston look?
Thanks...
Amen to burf's point. Also any thoughts on the running back "logjam" would be interesting.
I'd like to know how our 1st rounders are matching up against our starting D'linemen. Plus any progress coming from Nugent and the special teams?
I would like to know how Mangini looks up there, does he seem overwhelmed or is he in complete control....are guys high stepping it or are they laughing and playing games? whats the feeling out there?
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