Case for the Manginious Being Right
| 7
|
by Alanschech
As reported earlier, Coach Eric Mangini went against what most of us were expecting, naming Chad Pennington the starter for week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, leaving the Kellen Clemens era to wait at least one more week. In his press conference earlier today, as reported on www.newyorkjets.com, Mangini noted that "There were a bunch of plays that he made because of the things he understands within the offense. That really is helpful with whoever you face, the ability to get in and out of plays." After a lot of thought on this, here is the case for why in this beat writer's opinion, this is the right call for now.
If the Guy is On the Ropes, You can't Bench Him After Improved Performance
- Earlier this week, there was a story mentioned on espn.com that coach Mangini put Pennington on a short leash during last week's game. The story was denied, but whether you believe it or not it does come into play. Chad responded by going 20-31 for 272 yards and 3 TDs, and a quarterback rating of over 100. I know a lot of people blame him for ending the game with the interception, but there was no choice on that play. There was a lot of talk about him throwing the same pattern all the way down the field and that it was bound to get jumped. I ask you, with no timeouts, where else should he have thrown? Yes it was going to get jumped but it was the only place he could throw. The defensive back made the right play, but Chad made the right throw in the situation. So whether he was on a short leash or not, he responded, so it doesn't make sense to bench him after he responded with improved play.
Share the Blame for Second Half Offensive Woes
- There also is a lot of talk regarding the fact that the offense has had a great deal of difficulty moving the ball in the second half of these games. This was especially true in the Giants game and the Bengals game. Yes, I agree, blame does need to go somewhat on Pennington. But there is also blame to spread around on this. The offensive line not blocking and opening holes for Thomas Jones is hardly Chad's fault. They also have difficulty going in for the kill, and that has to go against playcaller Brian Schottenheimer. A prime example happened last week in the Bengals game, coming off of Hank Poteat's interception at the Bengals 25, up 10-3. A touchdown would have made it 17-3 and probably changed the complexion of the game. But Schottenheimer calls 2 runs and a jump ball pass and they settle for a field goal, instead of being more agressive and going in for the kill. Another coaching problem is that Thomas Jones is not running the ball enough in the second half with the lead. This has to fall on the coaching staff. So although Pennington is not performing as well in the second half, neither are a lot of others.
Second Half Defensive Woes
- Another major problem that has put the Jets in this hole is the fact that the defense can't stop anybody. We can discuss all day whether the issue is the personnel, the system, a little of both, ...etc. It doesn't matter. The facts are the facts, and the defense can not come up with a stop in a big spot, and that is certainly not on Chad Pennington. It is not Chad's fault that they couldn't make a stop on Sunday at 23-10 or 23-17. One or two stops by the defense would have changed the entire focus of the half, and this is not on Chad either.
Team Morale
- As much of a spark that a change at quarterback can be, I believe it will have the opposite effect on this group. The message all season has been to work hard. The way to get out of this is to work hard. Changing the quarterback at this point says the exact opposite message. It says, "We are playing for next year". Although that might be the reality based on the record, this isn't the time to make that statement quite yet.
There are a lot of ways to look at this situation. We could have a lot of discussion and there are many good reasons to change quarterback. I believe, contrary to popular belief, that coach Mangini made the right call by not doing it quite yet.
