A Confluence of Quarterbacks

Randy's Radar

A Confluence of Quarterbacks

Published: Fri, August 31, 2007 - 12:26am EST
Randy Lange

By Randy Lange

Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.


File Under: Eagles, Chad Pennington, Marques Tuiasosopo, Kellen Clemens

08/31 — It was an interesting quarterback committee in the Jets' locker room at the Linc following their 13-11 comeback win over the host Eagles.

Marques Tuiasosopo was holding court as he hadn't all season, and why shouldn't he? Even though his passing numbers were unimpressive (9-for-16, 78 yards, two sacks, 69.3 rating), his play loomed very large in the win as he tucked the ball in and scored the Jets' only touchdown with 14:53 to play, then led the 16-play, 65-yard drive to Mike Nugent's walk-off game-winning field goal.

"All I can do is go out there and play well when I have to, whether it's in practice or the game," he said. "Obviously, I haven't been perfect, but hopefully I've shown I learn from the mistakes and don't make the same mistake twice. Hopefully I've shown I can be a guy that can help this team win in whatever role that may be. I've done the best I can do. I've worked hard and I put my heart and soul in it. And I love these guys, developed some great relationships. I hope it works out."

"Tui" sounded as if he was ready for whatever fate awaits him today, when he and the rest of the 75 Jets still on the active roster are likely to find out if they're staying or going. There is still a good chance the Jets will keep four QBs, including Brad Smith, to give them maximum flexibility in how they use Smith, who ran (three carries, 13 yards, two first downs) more effectively than he passed (2-for-8, 29 yards, one first down) in his one quarter of action.

But there is also a chance they'll keep only three. While head coach Eric Mangini, OC Brian Schottenheimer and QBs coach Brian Daboll ponder the bottom of the quarterback depth chart today, the top half had other concerns.

Kellen Clemens, whose locker was two away from Tui's and who started and went only one series before heading to the sideline for the night, answered confidently but diplomatically when he was again pressed by reporters about whether he's ready to be an NFL starter.

"I'm preparing, or trying to prepare at least, each week like I'm going to have an opportunity to play," Clemens said. "At some point, hopefully that opportunity will present itself. But Coach Mangini has been very diligent about us taking it one game at a time."

And Chad Pennington, who lockered in between the two and who threw some mean passes in warmups but, like last year at home against the Eagles, after he'd won the four-way QB competition, didn't take a snap during the game. What was his biggest thrill Thursday night?

"I won the dart game," Pennington said, referring to a pregame locker room competition. Then, about his being ready for Opening Day and the Patriots, he said, "I'm feeling good."

That's about the best thing you can be after the fourth preseason game, which means so little to many yet so much to a few. Feel good about whatever role you had in the victory, then get ready because in 10 days we start keeping score in earnest.

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Fans Respond

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Paul Said:

Sun, September 2, 2007 - 10:36am EST

"Is it me, or the inexperience of Man-Genious. We're never going to the Big Show with Chad. He's got a great receiving corps. To bad he'll never allow us to truly enjoy those talented receivers. Get on to the next phase coach. I'm not getting any younger and want my kid to see supreme sometime soon."

Offensive Comment?

Dave Said:

Mon, September 3, 2007 - 10:35am EST

"did anyone watch the preseason games or what? Did you see the drive stats posted on this website? It should be a no brainer as to who starts and who is the Jets quarterback for the 2008 season. "

Offensive Comment?

Joseph M. Said:

Thu, September 6, 2007 - 9:41am EST

"It's sad that they're so many witless Jets fans. Vinny Testaverde has a great arm & Coles averaged 800+ yards with him & most other non Pennington quarterbacks. With Chad, LC always reaches his career highs. If you ask LC who he wants throwing to him, expect to hear Chad Pennington. "

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