Couldn't Close The Deal
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Having Kellen Clemens start made a differences, because Chad Pennington couldn't prosper. Clemens couldn't get the victory, but the Jets showed improvement.
The Jets aren't making the playoffs, but being able to compete against the Redskins was great.
"It's just so frustrating at this point," Clemens said. "We battled so hard for four quarters and then the overtime period, and we just came up short on a kick that didn't make it by much."
Losing in overtime was heartbreaking, but it's expected. The Jets weren't the favorites facing the Redskins, because their season is delinquency. The Redskins record is better, and their competing in the NFC east division. The Jets aren't succeeding, and trouble will remain this season.
"There's no questioning the heart or the desire or the work ethic of this team," Clemens said. "We're just falling short."
The Jets have lots of work, because their still formidable. Many didn't believe in the Jets, and their expectation were correct.
Clemens played decent his first start, and he'll get better. He was 23-42 with 226 yards, and 1 touchdown. His passing percentage was 54.8, which was better then Jason Campbell who had 52.2.
Clemens should start the whole season, because Pennington doesn't have the ability. Clemens is learning, and facing NFL competition will help. He'll improve and help the Jets, and "no more Pennington" is the goal.
"I made this decision not based on singling out Chad for where we are, but based on the fact that I think Kellen has earned this opportunity," coach Eric Mangini said. "I want to give him this opportunity. It's in no way an indication that Chad is solely responsible. We all are."
The Jets were suffering with Pennington, but with Clemens there's hope in the future. He's young with lots to learn. It's good for the Jets, because Pennington doesn't have a future.
"Getting your first start out of the way I think is pretty big," Clemens said. "So now going into what will be my second start, I feel a lot better, a lot more confident."
It wasn't bad, he did better then Pennington. Clemens is bright, and has talent. Letting him start was the smartest thing Mangini did this season.
"It's exciting to have the opportunity and I'm looking forward to the chance to play," Clemens said. "At the same time, there's a losing streak right now that this entire team needs to work hard to turn around."
Turning the Jets around this season isn't happening, but with Clemens starting this season, brings hope for next season.
Pennington shouldn't be upset, because its helping the team. Only how the Jets are winning a Superbowl is with Clemens starting and Pennington on the bench.
"I'm disappointed and it's a frustrating time for me," Pennington said. "At the same time, it's not about me. It's about our team and our team moving forward and I understand that."
It shouldn't be surprising, because it was terrifying with Pennington starting. He couldn't bring success, and changes were needed.
Mangini should enhance his play calling, because it's forbidding. He needs to realize this, because his coaching is questionable. Better play calling is deficit, because it'll improve this team.
"The coaches coach and I play," said Thomas Jones. "I'm a player and I go out and do what they ask me to do. I get paid to do what they ask me to do to the best of my ability. The coaches coach. I have confidence in them that they are going to make the right decisions and they have confidence in me that I'm going to go out there and perform what I have to."
Fingers should be pointed at Mangini, because everyone realize he needs to improve.
The Redskins were in trouble, but finished with a victory. Showing their able to compete is great, because the Redskins were under pressure. Losing last weekend wasn't pretty, and winning against the Jets was needed.
"If you get down in the dumps for losing against a team like that, you shouldn't be here,"Santana Moss said. "What's done is done. They showed us how they were, and we had nothing to answer for it. All we can do is look at it and feel awful about it, or look at it and say 'Hey, we experienced it, and let's try not to go that route again.'"
It worked, because the Redskins were producing. Losing last weekend against the Patriots 52-10 didn't effect their performance against the Jets.
"Nobody likes to be embarrassed," Portis said. "The best thing about it was that everybody forgot it. We didn't linger on it. The Patriots are a good team and we did a great job of recovering."
Their win wasn't surprising, because the Jets aren't competitive. The Redskins have hope, but don't expect much.
Clinton Portis played great, and helped his team win. 196 yards, and 36 rushes with 1 touchdown was helpful towards the Redskins. His performance was impressive, and it got his team the victory.
"I'm ready to carry this team," said Portis, whose 36 rushes were two short of a career high. "I've been telling coach that: Just put it on me."
He won't succeed, because the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants are more competitive. The Redskins can compete, but no success will happen. The Redskins are 5-3, and their third in the NFC east. That's the highest their going, because the Redskins aren't strong enough.
Wining against the Jets was helpful.
"It's a good feeling," Suisham said. "You feel like you contributed to the team. The guys are working so hard all game and you're off on your own. When you get an opportunity like that, you feel more like a football player."
The Redskins feel great, but it's not going to last.
- Quotes from Yahoo Sports*
