Day 6: the afternoon practice
This quarterback race is starting to remind me of some of the classes from my high school and college days; maybe from some of yours, too. You know, those classes where you maybe didn’t quite have a handle on the material for the first, second and third tests, tanked the mid-term and then really, really had to cram for that final to get some kind of grade.
Kellen Clemens needs to get to the final (s) - meaning games - and he needs them quickly because after this evening’s practice this quarterback derby is starting to get away from him. He threw another interception, telegraphing a pass to Wallace Wright about 15 yards down the sideline that Darrelle Revis read from the start and easily picked. That makes it five interceptions for Clemens and zero for Pennington. Now, there was a sixth interception and there’s some debate on whether to count it. Because the quarterbacks are to finish each play out, Clemens, after being “sacked,” tossed a ball up for grabs in the back of the end zone that Eric Barton (E.B., again?!?) intercepted. Let’s keep it at 5-0 in interceptions because in a game situation, he would have not had a chance to throw the ball anyway. Besides, 5-0, 6-0, whatever; doesn’t matter at this point. Clemens is behind. Is this over? No, because some guys are just better in practice and these still aren’t “game” situations. But I would say the Cleveland game can’t get here soon enough for K.C.
* The evening was a “review” of previous things covered which meant mainly situations; two-minute, goal line, Hail Marys, etc. During the Hail Marys, neither Pennington or Clemens threw a touchdown, though with eight DB’s back, you’d have a better chance of hearing “Keith Olbermann” and “criticized Barack Obama tonight” in the same sentence (we don’t do PC here and I’m a registered Indy, so whatever) than a touchdown getting thrown.
* Anyway, James Ihedigbo knocked down a couple of the Hail Marys, but the one thing that stood out from that drill was that when the quarterbacks lined up at the 45 – meaning they let loose from the 50 – Pennington’s toss reached the end zone. Clemens’ pass came down at the 2. Does Clemens still have the stronger arm? Yes. I’m just reporting. I’ll also report this: Pennington’s best play was a 20-yard touch pass down the left sideline that Brad Smith made a great grab of over Drew Coleman, whose coverage was fine. As I furiously wrote down that sequence, Jets PR person Jared Winley gently let me know the official on the far side of the field ruled Smith to be out of bounds. Striving for accuracy as we do, Winley’s contribution is appreciated.
* An entertaining part of the practice – oh, heck, it’s all entertaining of course – was when the Jets worked on their version of Cal-Stanford. If you don’t get the reference, Google it. Just add the word “laterals” and then don’t ever come back to this blog. We jest, of course.
So the situation was the offense was down 31-28 with eight seconds left and the ball at its 32. And so it was a Clemens handoff to Leon Washington who tossed to Jerricho Cotchery who tossed to Wallace Wright and back to Washington and, hey! there’s Clemens with it, and, whoaaaa, Bryan Thomas knocks down Clemens’ cross-field – but legal lateral – throw but doesn’t cover it up so the ball is still free and…
I lost track at that point, but seven more laterals ensued as the ball got just inside the 20 with the madness finally stopped when Thomas fell on the loose ball at the 35 or so. When Pennington’s group tried it, there were just five laterals before the ball hit the ground where Cameron Worrell recovered.
* Speaking of Bryan Thomas, he became one of the first defenders to successfully cover Dustin Keller this camp. In an 11-on-11 drill, Keller looked to come open in the seam but Thomas, dropping back in coverage, stayed within reach of the increasingly-looking fleet-footed tight end and poked the ball away at the last moment. Nothing wrong with Clemens’ pass there, just a nice play by Thomas.
* Tight end Jason Pociask has quietly had a good camp. I can’t remember him dropping many and his juggling end zone catch tonight of a Brett Ratliff pass was particularly good. Tight end A.J. Schable did not have a solid evening, dropping a pass early in practice, then false-starting later to earn a penalty lap.
* Laveranues Coles spent the evening practice on an exercise bicycle. He did practice in the morning so I don’t imagine there’s an issue there. We’ll see tomorrow. Also worth checking on is David Harris, who missed both workouts, but was on the sideline and spent some time on the bike, too. D’Brickashaw Ferguson got to sit out this morning’s practice as a reward for his offseason accomplishments in the weight room but he was back this evening. Someone earlier asked about Coles; good camp so far. I’ve probably not mentioned him as much as I should but I supposed I’ve tried to focus on some of the lesser-proven receivers. Coles has made several one-handed catches and he did the same things in the OTAs and minicamp. I really believe Coles and Cotchery combo is going to be a dangerous one. And Brad Smith is back in the picture as the No. 3 guy, but Stuckey is still ahead I’d say. At least that's what I told Mangini when he asked me (it's late, ok?)
* A couple of nice bursts out of Jesse Chatman, particularly during an under two-minute situation when the offense led 16-7 and was in “protect” mode. On third down, Chatman blew through a hole on the left side and went for about 30 yards. An aside to loyal blog poster Bryan, Tony Richardson will help this running game immensely I think. Totally selfless and happy to be a lead blocker.
* Finally (yes, we’re definitely in rambling mode here), Dmb asked about Bill Callahan’s influence on the offensive line. We have not yet talked to Callahan – we will get access at some point this preseason – but based on something Alan Faneca said today, dmb, I think it’s more tweak than outright change in terms of blocking schemes.
“He’s a great technician,” Faneca said. “He does a great job of not only coaching the big picture, but the little things. Sometimes, even a guy like myself, an 11-year vet, may not have thought about in a while and may not have been doing – a hand placement or a foot placement. He’s very wise in the game.”
Speaking of wise, this was a long post for a “specialty” practice, and it would be wise to end it now. Just one practice tomorrow, at 1:30 p.m. I also forgot to mention earlier today that Newsday’s NFL columnist Bob Glauber was in Hempstead this morning and I am sure that produced something fascinating for tomorrow’s paper. Check it out in the paper or on newsday.com, or I’ll provide a link to it here tomorrow if I like it.
I mentioned to Bob today that I thought it was nice, him acknowledging a second football team in New York. Ever hear crickets after saying something you think is funny? Get it all the time. Got it from Bob there.
Time to hit the lights at Hofstra.
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Comments (32)
Nice work, Boland. Not to rub salt in the wound, but this morning i noticed Glauber had around four Jets "handlers" surrounding him, whereas you had one guy standing off to the side. Bob doesn't get humor as his fontanelle is still soft.
In your defense you did have the nice looking blond young lady from the Jets talking to you.
Dear Erik,
It's good to hear something about Callahan, finally. I did read that Faneca quote today from Randy Lange's piece.
So much for all that paranoia that Callahan was here to 'straighten out' BS or else act as HC in waiting.
Callahan must have really inspired Damien Woody as well since he was effervescing like crazy about this offensive line today to some reporter.
The key to this season, in my opinion, is Callahan's success in molding a cohesive and ferocious offensive line. All this hot air about the quarterbacks will be happily forgotten if we can consistently blow open those five second holes in the line of scrimmage for Leon and TJ and Chatman et al this year.
I see that the Backups (Garner and Bender) are getting busted on by that fabulous and grinning NT beast. It's a great way to learn how to play for the newbies. I'm sure Mangold and the boys are growing up fast in their technique and in their effort -- just to survive so that maybe they can flourish later.
We have to leave the QBs alone in this first couple of weeks. We can't hold mistakes against Chad or Kellen these first few days. I am sure there are mistakes that Chad's made and will be chided for that are just not as glaring as INTs. Just remember how many laps Leon was made to run and see how he reacted to it. These Jets with good character will be that much more focused by their mistakes, as Faneca put it today explaining to somebody after running his own penalty lap.
Don't be so impatient with Kellen -- hell, he may be more distracted by this Favre BS than Chad, for crying out loud...eh?
By the way, thanks for your late-evening elongated post -- it's a thrill to read all your good stuff. Keep track of that OL and Callahan!
The Evil Empire has purchased Newsday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boland now I know why you have been using those big words in your blog, you sent your resume to the NY Times. Good move if I was you I would run as fast as I can out of there. The Dolans can not run anything unless it is a monopoly ie. Cablevision. James Dolan's business career has not been without failure, which include purchasing the failing Wiz electronics and entertainment chain which ended up posting losses of $250 million before being liquidated and the Clearview Cinemas chain which has failed to generate any significant revenue. Then you have the well run NY Knicks, need I say more?
I wish you all the luck in your career, maybe Cleveland has some good newspapers. If you need references I am sure you can get some good ones from the people who have enjoyed this blog.
Erik - I've mentioned it a couple of times, and no one has taken the bait. Now your report on Kellen's & The Chad's respective Hail Marys has given me more ammo. The more I've seen and read, the more I think that Clemens' much bally-hood "cannon" (rifle, gun, etc. - choose your own military metaphor) is little more than a myth. I've seen several of his passes fall short. Your take?
right on marty. what exactly is behind this made up competition? it should never have happened.
and, eric and all you clemens supporters ( or is it chad haters) stop searching for excuses for the guy. he knows whats at stake. if he can't produce he doesn't deserve to start.
bottom line, cp is a far superior qb. period. frankly, he's far superior than 3/4's of the qb's playing today.
Mr. Green T, all that detail from watching things and you didn't shout out and introduce yourself??? And I'll just leave the part about the "handlers" alone and you throwing in "fontanelle" just leaves me with nothing left.
KeepChad&Kellen, agreed on the o-line but at some point the mistakes have to mean something in regard to the quarterbacks, no? But that said, as I said in the blog post, let's see how the games come out.
Marty, Clemens still has the stronger arm. During those same Hail Mary drills in OTAs Pennington struggled somewhat getting the ball to the end zone. But Pennington's velocity on some passes - intermediate shots over the middle specifically - has looked better so far.
Jeez EB that was one ramble!!
CP is going to win this QB battle by default as Clemens just seems to show no ability to learn from the same mistake.
How is Pace doing seems not to have been mentioned in any of your very insightful pieces
Keep up the good stuff
Erik, Yes the games couldn't start fast enough for Kellen. But unless a complete turn around and a Chad decline this competition is over. Wouldn't it be Chad's luck he blows away Kellen in 1 week and then gets traded or released because they bring in Favre. And please keep Carton away from camp today. While its funny its more of a distraction.
Erik, didn't want to bother you while you were working. My dad taught me not to scream weird things at people while they're at work. He never said not to write them weird things while at work.
Hey Boland, since i'm not putting too much stock into the INT's that Clemens is throwing. Can you tell me, if you take away all 5-6 of Clemens' INT's, then who is winning the battle? It sounds to me as if its pretty even otherwise. Can you confirm this or let me know otherwise? Thanks.
Erik,
Just wondering if Coles is still as fearless. That's what made Chrebet great as well, but it's also what ended his career. I see the same thing happening to Coles, running over the middle and getting smashed by monsters. You either have to change your game or retire early.
As far as QBs go, I personally think Mangini has no choice but to go with Chad. Good game managers can win as long as the rest of the support is there. It's the Trent Dilfer thing. Boneheads can't win, no matter how good their arms are. The NFL is littered with strong arms who went nowhere. David Carr can still throw a rocket, but I wouldn't start him over Pennington.
Erik:
Great stuff, as always. Glad I could sneak my way into your blog.
Mr. Green T:
I am honored to have been in your presence, even if I did not know it.
IRA, I saw what you wrote on Cimini's blog about #4 and Clemens wanting to change etc. Where did you hear those rumors?
What a shame that the QB competition will have us reverting to the Chad era. Effectively, we have not been able to improve the position for 3 years. If he was capable of doing what it takes they would not have tried to find his heir. They have either chosen the wrong one or have failed in properly developing him with this continuous annual QB mess. Regardless we will have to settle for the "ex-girlfriend" that we have been trying to lose just because we sabotaged the new girl.(Awkward analogy I know but it fits). She's, I mean he's, not going to make us happy and we'll be back on the quest for another next year.
I tried to call WFAN this morning.. could you imagine everyone going to their studio and screaming for IMUS? What he's doing, in my opinion, is disrespecting to Chad and Kellen and they don't deserve it. If I didn't have work today I'd be there with my TEAM CHAD crew.
Disrespecting Chad and Kellen??? Who cares, he's a fan that wants to win. And these guys both stunk last season. They're making millions, and in Chad's case way too many millions. God forbid they hear someone rooting for the team to get a HOF level QB in here.
They stunk behind a horrid OL. And its the NFL everyone makes millions. He is not even to get in with that bull horn. On Saturday the guy had a sign and it took them 5 mins. to take it down.
Favre's prolly home laughing at this mess he's created. Nice ego stroke cheesebrain.
Thanks, Boland. I also think the addition of Richardson will go a long way towards helping the running game; his no-nonsense approach will definitely make life easier for Thomas Jones and the other backs. Also, I really like what the Jets have done in the backfield. They go five deep with Jones, Richardson, Leon Washington, Musa Smith and Jesse Chapman. That's five legitimate backs, turning this into a position of strength, I feel. You mentioned Calvin Pace is having a quiet camp so far. Does that mean he's been invisible during 11-on-11s or he is fitting in seamlessly with the defense?
I want to clarify how utterly disgusted I am with the Jets FO right now.
Not only did they not pursue Terry Glenn, but they've successfully let him get quickly over to Miami. SWEET JOB GUYS!!
Cliff
Forget Glenn, he's old and injury-prone. At least Stuckey is young & injury-prone.
Also, no thanks to Favre - old, diva, and outside of last year he has really stunk up the joint the last 5 years with his horrible interceptions. All those years of enabling by Sherman really hurt him.
His last throw in the NFC Championship Game is the perfect epitaph to his career.
Bringing Favre here it would be like the Jets and Brett Favre. When we retired and last week with Peter King said he wants to play on Sunday but hates meetings, practice, training camp etc. Now he is going to have to spend a lot of time doing these things to learn a new system.
IF Favre comes here it will be the rest of the JETS that need to learn the new system, the FAVRE, system, not the other way around.
FAVRE does his own thing, no way he comes in here willing to learn the west coast offense.
This is why I beleive the Jets have zero interest, he is the antithesis of everything Mangini has been preaching.
But the longer they fail to dismiss it the more I think they may just be stupid enough to go get him.
What a debacle that will be.
Everyone is so worried the existing QB's INT's, wait until you get the REAL Favre every Sunday, including the low lights, as opposed to the highlight real you get on SportCenter.
Erik,
We haven't been hearing much of anything about Calvin Pace so far in camp. That makes me somewhat nervous considering the large sum of money we spent on him this offseason. Can you shed any light of how he is doing?
Thanks,
Schaef
Eric, could you please give us a break-down on the Linebackers
Schaef, you and D. Fitzgerald's question are similar so I'll try to cover them quickly.
With the linebackers you have to start with Eric Barton, who has become Kellen Clemens' No. 1 nemesis. Besides the picks, Barton has done a bit of everything. Vernon Gholston has seen some time with the first unit, though is still mostly with the second. If nothing else, it has been shown Jacob Bender and Nate Garner can't handle him! David Harris hasn't stood out - good or bad - yet and we'll have to check this morning to see why he missed both practices yesterday. As for Pace, remember that he's still adjusting to a new team, even though the 3-4 is familiar, the personnel he's working with is not. Like Harris, he hasn't stood out one way or the other. Bryan Thomas was all over the field during both practices yesterday.
dmb, interesting question: if you take away the INTs I would still give a very slight edge to Pennington. Clemens just hasn't looked comfortable in the pocket yet. I will have to write this several more times I fear: by no means is this thing over, it's just Pennington has been better to this point.
John Z, hard to say if Coles is as "fearless" because we're not in any contact. Based on routes run, however, I'd say yes.
And Mr. Green T, very wise man, your father. But you can still make an exception in my case:)
dmb, "If you take away all the INTs"? That is like saying if you take away all the missed shots of a basketball player! LOL !
INTs are an after result of many more deficiencies !
"dmb, "If you take away all the INTs"? That is like saying if you take away all the missed shots of a basketball player! LOL !
INTs are an after result of many more deficiencies !"
I'm not saying to take them away. But I want to know who's throwing the ball better outside of 5-6 passes. I think that's a fair question.
Considering the 6 worst QB's in terms of # of INTs last season were Eli Manning, Carson Palmer, Jon Kitna, Romo, Derek Anderson, and Drew Brees.
A good portion of those names are Top 10 QB's in the league and infinitely better than most of the names who threw less INTs.
So in reality it doesn't mean a whole lot as to who the better QB is, hence the question.
But this is only training camp ! What will happen when the real heat is on? KC has been in the system for a couple of years and has a handful of real action under his belt !
It seems he is just not getting it ! Thats why after getting the job he is back to square one and proving why !
I don't understand what you're saying Scott. Essentially, is it possible with all those INT's for him to have been playing better than Penny overall....the answer is yes, that was possible. Hence why I asked Boland to clarify.
Maybe I am wrong, but everything up to this point shows KC is not capable of leading this team just yet.
I am not saying there is no hope, but it looks dim.
Even before this training camp ,I seen the signs that he has a long way to go and agreed with the experts.
As we know, anything can happen, and I am still hoping a bolt of lightning hits !
I guess the preseason games will shed a little more light on this.
Erik,
nothing to add but, that was a GREAT post! thanks for the dedication!