Chad Will Start vs. Buffalo

Eric Mangini announced today that Chad Pennington will remain the starter for the 1-6 New York Jets. Chad was said to have been on a short leash going into last week's game against the Bengals. Despite another fourth quarter meltdown, Chad's performance was viewed as good enough to warrant him another start.

I love Chad more than anyone, but I think it is time to start Kellen Clemens. Pennington played decent last week, but in the three weeks previous he has been terrible. Even against Cincinnati, he threw a dying quail late in the game that was picked off for six and sealed the Bengals comeback. They are not going to make the playoffs this season, so I feel it is time to find out what kind of quarterback Clemens is. If he is good, then it gives him valuable experience going into next season and beyond. If the Jets wait too long, they may have to devote some of the 2008 season to his development. Of course if Clemens is bad, the Jets can find out that too, and make draft accordingly in 2008.

Again, no one more than me loves the heart and determination Chad gives each and everytime out. He works harder than anyone and I really hope his career in the NFL lasts beyond next week. Even if it isn't for the Jets, I will root for him to succeed wherever he goes. However, for the immediate future of the New York Jets franchise, it is time to see what Clemens is and if he can spark this football team the rest of the way. In 2002, Pennington relieved Vinny Testaverde and sparked the 1-4 Jets, which would then end up 9-7 and AFC East Champions. That won't happen this year, but a spark to take the team to 6-10, 7-9 would be greatly beneficial for the future of this team.

Pat Morgan