I'm a Jets fan, friends. I'd never outright insult any player that wears our colors, unless he disrespects our organization first. But that doesn't mean that I won't be immensely critical of their skills.
It's become evident that there is a true quarterback controversy brewing in New York. The fans are divided between veteran Chad Pennington and the third-year QB out of Oregon, Kellen Clemens. And in the middle of these arguments are mountains of stats and analysis that both groups of fans use to support their arguments.
A Chad Pennington supporter on the NYJetsFan.com forums asked, "What the hell has Kellen proven? [That] when the team is in total collapse, he can arguably look a bit better than Chad...? You're going to hand the future of the team over to a guy on the basis of that?"
My response: Absolutely!
I will gladly support the man who performs best under the worst of conditions. If he can play well in those situations, then that's all that matters to me. What these arguments need to be about is which QB can give the team a fighting chance when the game is on the line! Which QB can "arguably" provide that spark that can bolster a potential come back when it counts! If that's not enough for the fans, then I don't know what is.
Would you really prefer to have the QB that can complete 68% of his passes in the first three quarters, but can't manage to finish the job in the fourth? That's crazy talk. How many more chances are we supposed to give the QB that squeaks by teams we should beat and struggles against the good ones?
We can try and compare the circumstances under which Clemens was given the nod in 2007 to when Chad took over in mid-season of 2002, but that wouldn't be fair. Those two seasons were played by totally different teams and the QB change came under completely different circumstances.
The fans knew Vinny Testaverde was on a short leash and on his way out in 2002 if he didn't perform well. Chad Pennington was being groomed to start, and the fans wanted to see him out there. Kellen Clemens took over this team halfway through a season after Chad had just won Comeback Player of the Year!
In case anyone has forgotten, when Chad's starting, we've rarely ever won the big games that we shouldn't have. He's had a history of folding under pressure. Allow me to strike 2002 from the record because it seems as if that miraculous twenty-two touchdown and six interception season is the one thing keeping Pennington supporters vocal. They will point to the 41-0 destruction of the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs, but that doesn't hold as much validity to me when Indy is infamous for collapsing in the playoffs anyway.
I'm sorry to say it, but Chad supporters are holding fast to dreams of a healthy 25-year-old QB that just doesn't exist anymore. Dreams are lovely, but need to be abandoned when reality sets in.
2003
Chad sits out for the first six games of the regular season after breaking his hand in the preseason. He comes back mid-season and the fans expect an even better show than the one he put on in 2002.
The Reality
- December 7th, 2003: Pennington goes 15/29 against Buffalo's No. 2 ranked defense. He's sacked five times while fumbling once and tossing an interception.
- December 22nd, 2003: Five interceptions in one game against New England.
But 2003 was a long time ago, right?
Today's Must Reads
2004
This one was a playoff year! Chad must be good again! He starts off strong, only to get injured in Buffalo, and spark the true downward spiral of his career. When he returned to action, our season wasn't a total wash like 2003 and there were still meaningful games to play in December.
The Reality
- December 12, 2004: 17/31 and three interceptions against Pittsburgh's No. 1 defense.
- December 26, 2004: 22/36 and two interceptions, one fumble lost against New England at home while we're fighting to stay alive for the playoffs.
- January 2, 2005: We got help getting into the playoffs, but none from Pennington. We lose to the Rams, and Chad goes 21/36. He's sacked six times.
- January 14, 2005: Doug Brien may have missed two crucial kicks, but a 5.5-yard per pass average, with no TDs and one INT in Pittsburgh didn't exactly put the Steelers on the brink of elimination either, did it?
2005
Chad waits for a month after the loss in Pittsburgh to have surgery on his torn rotator cuff. He finally starts throwing again in August and assures everyone from fans to reporters that he's back and ready to play.
The Reality
- September 11, 2005: The first game of the season in Kansas City, and he fumbles the ball SIX times, most of them on snaps from Kevin Mawae! He goes 21/34, 7.8 avg, one INT, and three sacks.
- September 25, 2005: The Jets are at home against the Jaguars and he gets injured again. It didn't come as a shock this time, because we were all watching him play and knew he wasn't performing at even 60% of his abilities. Now he's really out for the season. But before he got the injury that ended his season, he was 9/19, with a four-yard avg, two INTs, four sacks, and two fumbles.
It is worth noting that the "hit" that ended his season was what most other QBs in the league would call pressure. He dropped back to pass and as he was preparing to throw, the ball got knocked out of his hand.
But in the spirit of fairness, I will strike 2005 from the record for you, just as I'm striking the 2002 season from the record.
2006
Uh oh! Chad ate his Wheaties, sprinkled sawdust on them, and drank it down with Jack Daniels! He started off the season with back to back 300+ yard games. He received Comeback Player of the Year honors and took the team to the playoffs with a rookie head coach.
The Reality
- October 8, 2006: We are destroyed by the Jacksonville Jaguars and their No. 2 ranked defense. Chad is ineffective. 10/17 with a 4.2 avg, three INTs and four sacks. Ouch. We lose 41-0.
- October 29, 2006: This day lives in infamy for Jets fans. The setting: Cleveland. Chris Baker's TD is called incomplete by the referees, Browns' fans rejoice, Jets' fans cry. But the details have been forgotten; those very crucial and brutal details! Things like Pennington struggling against a No. 27 ranked defense and going 11/28 with a 3.8 yd avg and two INTs. I remember being angry at the end of that game, but I also remember feeling like we didn't deserve a win anyway with how poorly we played.
- November 19, 2006: We lose to the Bears, 10-0. It was a fairly close game, very defensive. But it's another prime example of how Pennington doesn't show up against top defenses. They couldn't do anything against us until one fortunate pass where our defensive back got burned. But Pennington could never capitalize against a pretty hot team that our defense held in check.
- January 7, 2007: First round of the Playoffs, baby! We're against New England and to hell with them! We beat them a month and a half before, so we had their number! And then Tom Brady showed us what it's like when your QB isn't one-dimensional.
The final score of the New England game was ugly, but it was a lot closer than the total suggested. That was only until Pennington forgot that Asante Samuel played for the other team. And that, my friends, is when it became common knowledge Pennington's short, out-route passes can be jumped and picked off.
2007
The Kevan Barlow experiment is finished, and the team finally got a running back that should keep the opposing defense honest. Chad is supposed to be ready to pick it back up, right?
The Reality
- September 9, 2007: Statistically, he wasn't horrible. But that doesn't tell the tale of the game. Spygate was uncovered as Chad got sacked four times. He did end up injuring his ankle though, allowing Clemens to do what we all know he did against Baltimore the next week.
- September 30, 2007: The Jets are losing to Buffalo with :11 left in the game in their territory and Chad tosses an interception. Two plays before that he under threw a ball to Thomas Jones in the flats.
- October 7, 2007: Chad Pennington gives three interceptions to the New York Giants and their No. 7 ranked defense. Two of those interceptions fell into the arms of rookie Aaron Ross.
- October 14, 2007: 11/21 and two INTS to the Philadelphia Eagles and their No. 10 defense.
- October 21, 2007: Chad is intercepted on our 42 with :46 left in the game while victory is within reach. That interception goes for six the other way. The Cincinnati Bengals win in overtime.
Point made? There's a lot to be said about playing against a top defense. They can only get there by consistently shutting down their opponents. So being held in check by a top ranked D shouldn't really be embarrassing.
But when your QB consistently ends up playing the defense's game plan and forfeiting his own strategy, then I lose the will to cheer for him! If he can't even inspire a little bit of faith against a top defense, then all the fun in watching the game is sucked right out!
A QB is supposed to be the general; the man that leads his team into battle whom the entire offense can rally around, right? When the game is on the line is when the real quarterbacks show up. Clemens may have only won us two more games than Pennington last year, but his instincts when there was a game to be won brought us closer than Chad could have -- even in his better days!
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community.
For more of Angel Navedo's thoughts and opinions, please visit: HeavyWritesThePen.com
comments (22) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Jesus Christ is Chad still playing?!?!
I had no idea! I thought he was looong gone, I had no clue.
Is he finally healthy?
about 1 month ago
You criticized Pennington for a poor pass yards average, which, for all I know, can be attributed to the offensive coordinator calling lots of short pass plays. Or perhaps Pennington dropped too far back and his receivers couldn't run their routes right, so they ended up coming back toward the ball more than they should have. Also isn't the fact that Pennington took so many sacks the fault of the offensive line - and not him? They're supposed to block for him, he can't do much about it if he only gets a second or two to work with because his offensive line can't protect him. Very few quarterbacks could do something in a time span as small as a second or two.
from about 1 month ago
Fair point. I do agree with you. But after having watched Pennington play for the last few years, I've seen some sacks be the result of poor offensive line play, and even more be the result of poor decision making on his behalf. As for the short pass plays, it's unreasonable to blame the offensive coordinators.
In Chad's time with New York, he's been through 3 offensive coordinators, none of which have improved his game or style of play. Paul Hackett was the scapegoat for Pennington's ineffective and short passing. When the Jets secured Mike Heimerdinger and his pass-happy offense from Tennessee, Pennington proved to be incapable of utilizing his entire playbook. Finally, we've settled on Brian Schottenheimer for the last two years, and admittedly, the jury is still out on him. We've seen some incredible game plans from him, and some very conservative play calling as well.
What is evident is that Chad's instinct is to deliver the ball to the dump-off receiver. On any given pass play, there should be at least 3 targets running various routes to exploit potential weaknesses in the coverage. Chad normally utilizes the check-down receiver, gaining a handful of yards. Not only is it a boring style of play, it's a predictable one at this point. The opposing defense attacks him in ways that forces his game to be even more one-dimensional.
about 1 month ago
Nice job.
Speaking as a Patriots fan, the Jets need to find themselves a real QB. Pennington has no arm. At least the kid hasn't proven to suck yet...give him a chance. If he stinks, you're no worse off. Pennington stinks.
I remember back in 02 when everyone was comparing him to Brady....in retrospect, what a joke.
-Sean
about 1 month ago
Matt
It is not only a matter of having time in pocket buddy, but being able to leave pocket if you must. Chad does not bring that option to the table, so comparing him to other QBs is not fair. Kellen does and has shown the ability to scramble and abandon if need be, and with this team to this point it is a option we MUST have. Kellen will start this year, bet on it, Chad never was what we wished he be, with or without a great O-Line. New faces, soon new stadium, head coach with job online, and overpaid veterans with one or two years left spells change at QB. Why are we so concerned with the "risk" factor with Kellen? Why not let him start? isn't it not the same issue with the entire D and O lines.
about 1 month ago
Pennigton is the all-time greatest winner in the history of the Jets under the gun....I know that is not saying much...But, look it up.
It's funny how you don't mention that he beat the talented Chargers on the road in the 2005 playoffs with a town rotator cuff and threw an enormous 50-yards-in-the air TD to do it...If it wasn't for that fruity kicker Doug Brien, Pennington leads his team, after a win at Pittsburgh vs. the Steelers, WITH A TORN ROTATOR CUFF, to the AFC Championship game versus New England....
To disrespect Pennington means that you are not a Jets fan...END OF DISCUSSION....YOU ARE A JOKE...
You may want someone else under the gun and that's fine....But never, NEVER, when you are conversing with a real Jets fan like me, should you ever bash Chad...
Some balls...
Everything you said about 2004 is moot and innacurate....He was producing phenomenally and so were the Jets before he got hurt vs, the Bills....
I AM OFFENDED BY THIS ARTICLE AND YOU ARE NOT 1/100 OF THE JETS FAN THAT I AM.
from about 1 month ago
I'm sorry you feel that way, Colin. I don't disagree with you. Pennington has won the most games as a Jets' QB than any other man to stand behind center. But those wins are moot points when they don't result in championships. I don't know what you mean by "under the gun," because every single stat and date I used in this article can be verified via NFL.com.
The start of 2004 was phenomenal. But when December came was when it was time for the Jets to win out to make it to the playoffs, and he didn't get the job done. We started that year 5-0, and went 1-3 in December. Like I said throughout the article: he can't do it when it counts.
Chad played an excellent game in San Diego that day. He went 23/33, nearly 300 yards, and had 2 touchdowns. But when the game was in overtime, and we needed our QB to march us down the field for a win, he didn't do it. That game was won because San Diego lost. Not because our QB stepped up. And it was Lamont Jordan that placed us in position for that "fruity kicker" to win us the game!
And Doug Brien was crucified for his missed kicks in Pittsburgh, but it doesn't negate what I wrote in the article. Pennington did nothing to win us that game either. The defense stepped up big time in Pittsburgh. David Barrett intercepted the ball and put the team in position to win. Chad couldn't move it at all.
"All-time greatest winners" win games when it counts. That's why Broadway Joe Namath's average career is disregarded when Super Bowl 3 is discussed.
from about 1 month ago
Colin,
Jets "fans" cheered when Pennington went down with an injury this season. You sir, are in the minority.
While I wouldn't cheer his injury (I'm a Pats fan, I want him to play), I can see where they were coming from. Pennington has no arm. You need an arm to be a QB in the NFL.
Thanks,
Sean
about 1 month ago
This article sucked....
I already put in my two cents....
But, what about opening day 2008 vs the Pats...
If it is not for Chad, the Jets lose 100-0
from about 1 month ago
I agree this article was extremely unfair and to disrespect Chad is unacceptable from any Jet fan. The guy has more toughness, heart, and determination then probably anybody in the NFL. Obviously you can make anyone look horrific if you focus on the bad games he had in a season, a technique which is essentially just straight slander. The thing about Chad is that he always keeps us in the game and gives us a chance to win. There really wasn't a huge difference between the 2006 team and last years team. In both 2006 and 2007 the Jets played in nine games decided by seven points or less, in 07 we were 3-6 in 06 we were 6-3. Last year we just didn't come up with the big plays we needed in key situations to win football games, is that entirely Chad's fault no absolutely not, he didn't even play the entire season. I really really hate watching Chad play, it provides for a boring style of play, but realistically he gives us the best chance by far to win football games. And how can you say that Chad Pennington did nothing to win us the game verse the Steelers. HE LEAD A COMEBACK AND THEN GOT US INTO FIELD GOAL RANGE TO WIN... THREE TIMES. ARE YOU AN IDIOT?
about 1 month ago
Look, I love Chad. I hope he is the coach for the JETS in the not too long future. However, I think we have something in Clemens. He is the next Drew Brees if we give him a shot. Just give him a line and a running game, and he could be great. I believe in Clemens. I believed in Chad for a number of years and he proved to be affective. Chad was great. Chad just isn't the quarterback of the future. I can't describe the respect that I have for Chad and if he is starting day !, I will support him. That being said, I think Clemens has more to offer at this point. I hope I'm wrong and I hope Chad comes out and wins the Superbowl just so I can eat my words. Chad is a JET, as good as a JET could ever be, in line with Curtis, Whayne, and Joe. Like I read in a recent article, I am not down on Chad, just up on Clemens.
about 1 month ago
I think Pennington has potential. He just needs a better offensive line and a better offensive coordinator. Once he has those things, I think his career will take off. But the Jets better hurry up.
from about 1 month ago
did you not follow the offseason this year? the line is MUCH MUCH better
about 1 month ago
Thank you, Bruce. This is where people are getting confused. I don't dislike Chad. He's an incredible person, and I believe that he does bleed green. The man wants to be a Jet, and I will always respect him for his class and perseverance.
Unfortunately, those traits don't make him the QB this team needs. My points aren't against the quality of human being Chad is. They're against his inability to play effectively against top-tier defenses, and/or in high pressure situations.
I'm sure I'm not an idiot, Tron. I can say Pennington did nothing to win us the game because his 21/33, 185 yard performance, with no TDs and a 5.5 average does NOT win games. I'm sorry that you believe that's an acceptable contribution from an NFL quarterback in the playoffs, but it's not.
We were in that game because of a Punt Return TD by Santana Moss, and an interception returned for a TD by Reggie Tongue.
We went into the 4th Quarter winning that game, and here is what Chad did in the 4th:
New York Jets at 14:13
1st & 10 NYJ 24 (14:13) C.Martin up the middle to NYJ 25 for 1 yard (C.Hoke, T.Polamalu).
2nd & 9 NYJ 25 (13:35) C.Pennington pass to C.Baker to NYJ 31 for 6 yards (W.Williams).
3rd & 3 NYJ 31 (12:56) C.Pennington pass incomplete to S.Moss. Coverage by #51 Farrior.
4th &-3 NYJ 31 (12:49) T.Gowin punts 38 yards to PIT 31, Center-J.Dearth. A.Randle El to PIT 34 for
Three and Out.
New York Jets at 5:54 (after a punt to Jerricho Cotchery)
1st & 10 NYJ 24 (5:54) C.Martin up the middle to NYJ 28 for 4 yards (L.Foote, T.Polamalu).
2nd & 6 NYJ 28 (5:18) C.Pennington pass to J.McCareins to 50 for 22 yards (C.Hope; W.Williams).
1st & 10 PIT 50 (4:34) J.Cotchery left end to 50 for no gain (K.Von Oelhoffen). On the end around from Pennington
2nd & 10 PIT 50 (3:49) C.Pennington pass to C.Martin to PIT 33 for 17 yards (C.Hope).
1st & 10 PIT 33 (3:00) C.Martin up the middle to PIT 29 for 4 yards (C.Hoke; C.Hope).
2nd & 6 PIT 29 (2:09) L.Jordan left guard to PIT 28 for 1 yard (T.Polamalu, T.Kirschke).
3rd & 5 PIT 28 (2:07) C.Pennington pass incomplete to W.Chrebet. Pressure by #91 Smith
4th & 5 PIT 28 (2:02) D.Brien 47 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Crossbar, Center-J.Dearth, Holder-T.Gowin.
Pittsburgh Steelers at 01:58
1st & 10 PIT 37 (1:58) (Shotgun) B.Roethlisberger pass intended for P.Burress INTERCEPTED by D.Barrett at NYJ 39. D.Barrett to PIT 37 for 24 yards (H.Ward).
New York Jets at 01:46
1st & 10 PIT 37 (1:46) C.Martin right guard to PIT 34 for 3 yards (C.Hope).
2nd & 7 PIT 34 (1:37) C.Pennington pass to C.Martin to PIT 25 for 9 yards (C.Hoke; J.Farrior).
1st & 10 PIT 25 (:56) C.Martin left guard to PIT 25 for no gain (K.Von Oelhoffen, J.Porter).
2nd & 10 PIT 25 (:16) L.Jordan left guard to PIT 23 for 2 yards (J.Farrior; C.Hope).
3rd & 8 PIT 23 (:06) C.Pennington kneels to PIT 24 for -1 yards.
4th & 9-PIT 24 (:04) D.Brien 43 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-J.Dearth, Holder-T.Gowin.
The kick was missed by Brien, but Pennington still lacked the poise to take the team where they needed to be when it counted. It's unfair to square that loss on Chad alone.. you're right. But it remains consistent with his inability to win games in the fourth quarter (especially against the better defenses). Everyone could have produced better. But when you watch a good QB throw TDs while Chad struggles for field position, you tend to lose inspiration in his style of play.
Beyond that playoff game, Chad has since had 2 shoulder surgeries, and appears to have lost that touch and accuracy he was once heralded for. I want a QB that makes his team better; not the QB that relies on his team to bail him out.
about 1 month ago
I would also like to see someone different than Chad in NY this season, but not kellen clemens. The fault of the second missed 43 yard field goal is solely on Bryant, obviously the coaching staff thought they were close enough because on 3rd and 8 pennington kneeled... they called one pass play on that possession and it went for 9 yards, what did you want Pennington to change the plays called in the huddle???
2nd & 6 NYJ 28 (5:18) C.Pennington pass to J.McCareins to 50 for 22 yards (C.Hope; W.Williams).
22 yard completion... huge play
2nd & 10 PIT 50 (3:49) C.Pennington pass to C.Martin to PIT 33 for 17 yards (C.Hope).
another huge play
so he screwed up on a 3rd and 5 but there was pressure... you have to make a 47 yard field goal
about 1 month ago
The bottom line with Pennington after watching every single game of his career is he needs a solid running game to support him. When the Jets are effective running the football Chad becomes deadly accurate and is able to make the proper decisions. He is a leader on and off the field. Championships are won by utilizing a strong running game and being able to pressure the opposing offense. If the Jets are able to do this then Pennington has the moxy to lead his team and keep the chains moving.
Last season was abysmal because of the line play on both sides of the ball. I am willing to bet that if the revamped O-line stays healthy then Pennington will be among the top rated QB in the NFL this season and lead the Jets into the playoffs, which in my mind is a successful season.
about 1 month ago
I agree with Greg here but wanted to add that somebody in the Jets leadership these past 8 yrs believes in pennington to this day. And it is they that has not selected some outstanding QB of the future for if they had pennington would have been long gone.
about 1 month ago
I completely agree with Greg. Great offenses exist only as a result of great offensive lines. Throughout the history of the sport, highly effective offenses have existed with mediocre QBs behind great lines. The Patriots line has allowed Tom Brady to win Super Bowls and become a household name (and future Hall of Famer). It is all about the line, period.
I have been a Jets fan for forty years and I haven't lived in NY since 1986. I saw Namath play. Jets fans are tired of not wining the big game, tired of being the other team at Giants Stadium, offended when successful playoff years are dismissed and disregarded. Jets fans are also constantly attacked by Patriots fans (just read all the sports blogs for examples) trying to lift Boston's status from under the shadow of America's greatest city (please refer to Red Sox copying Yankees formula after years of critizing it) by constantly belittling Jets fans and their hopes. The NE franchise, however, has done everything the Jets haven't - stable ownership, smart leadership with solid drafts, consistent investment in the O line, building for long term success, etc. With all this pressure, Jets fans are desperate for the next Joe Namath to lead the team to greatness. Chad brought that hope to the Jets fans. He still has the ability. But the messiah will not come in the form of a QB, but a squad of O linemen.
The Jets leadership has shamefully neglected the importance of the O line amongst all the ownership and management chaos over the years prior to and since Pennignton became the starter. Everyone knows Pennington (like Vinny) is not a mobile QB. He wasn't at Marshall either. Why criticize him for not being mobile 10 years later. Give him a strong O line and the Jets will win games and even beat the Patriots. Stop all this "hanging Chad" and focus your angst on the real problem, the poor performance of the Jets front office and coaches.
from about 1 month ago
Great response, Chris! You summarized the flaws with this organization perfectly. It appears as if we may finally be turning a corner in the leadership department if fans can hold on to Mangini's principles and foundation building long enough.
But the points I referenced in Chad's game don't fall on the front office's inability to acquire adequate talent. Pennington has had multiple knocks on his ability as a QB for a long time, and I strongly believe it's time to move on. When I compiled this list from memory, and with assistance from the NFL game logs, it was overwhelming to find just how many games our "intelligent" and "game-managing" QB couldn't win.
I don't want a mobile, sprinting QB. He doesn't even need to be a statistical giant a la Peyton Manning. Just make me feel like we have a fighting chance when the game is on the line. Chad's game is too dependent on wearing down the defense for three quarters, and then letting our defense put the nail in the coffin in the fourth. He's won more games for the Jets than any other QB, so it has worked. But his predictability and struggles against top-tier defenses is a flaw in Chad's playing style -- not the front office.
about 1 month ago
I completely agree with Chris. The running game won't work without a strong line.
about 1 month ago
I also agree with Chris and the use of the "hanging Chad" was brilliant!
about 1 month ago
Angel, you are a Jets fan and a brother. We are a small fraternity. I just don't agree that Chad can't be an effective QB for the Jets.
I know you are bullish on the changes the Jets have made this off-season to bring in some significant veteran impact players for the Jets to win now. With some of these moves, the Jets will have to win now or miss the window.
Chad has been an effective Jets QB when they have had other offensive weapons, a stronger line and a good game plan. He has taken those teams as far as they could go. The playoff loss in Pittsburgh was the fault of the front office signing a bad kicker (a Vikings fan friend laughed at me when the Jets singed him).
The Jets are paying Chad a lot of money this year. The offense (and team) is revamped with some offensive weapons and a strong line. Let's give Chad the ball. He is our best chance now. Chad has the experience, Clemens does not. Regardless, Clemens will be there if it doesn't work.
write a new comment