By Tom Rock
No, he didn't go nuts, cursing at reporters. You'll see what I mean by "flips out" in a minute. But to start with ... Yikes!
A lot of emotions come flowing out when the topic is Chad Pennington and his job security. I’d hate to think what some of those comments might have been had I actually suggested that Clemens be named starter. All I’m saying is that Chad’s performance is of concern and the Jets are likely considering several down-the-road scenarios, one of which is that Pennington stinks on Sept. 9.
Thanks to Katie Strang (now Katie the Long-term Intern, who has signed on for 18-36 months, just like Michael Vick) for filling in yesterday. It must’ve been a relief to her not to be toting around that hefty video camera. A pen and a notepad won’t warble your back like those cameras do.
Eric Mangini said he was disappointed by this morning’s practice, even though many people seemed to be having a good time. There was QB coach Brian Dabol strumming an air guitar to Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” during team stretching, and Pennington doing his best Nadia Comaneci impression by pulling a sommersault over the blocking pads. Chad even dazzled with some fancy footwork, jiving to a Ray Charles tune.
And then offensive line co-coach Mike Devlin was having a good time dropping passes while playing running back during a drill. To his credit, Devlin looked just as good as Danny Ware, who had the dropsies himself today. Hey, the Jets are still looking for that third RB. Maybe Devlin can make a Wadsworth-like comeback.
A number of people got healthy this weekend, which may have more to do with the first round of cuts scheduled for Aug. 28th than their healing powers. Joe Kowalewski and Stacy Tutt were both back on the field, as was Drew Coleman (who had an interception late in practice). Still out was Thomas Jones, who made the progress of jumping from the arm bike to the regular bike but still looked to be walking with a strong limp. And Justin Miller must be close to returning. He’s been jogging and jumping for a few days now but remains on the sideline.
Added to the infirmed today was Chansi Stuckey, who injured his right knee. Laveranues Coles nearly left the field when he rolled his right ankle while skidding on the muddy field. He came up slow, tried to sprint off the field to show he was OK, but had to slow down and limp the last stretch of turf. He had the ankle wrapped and returned to practice. By the end he seemed OK.