Hanging With Chad
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by user Thefeed
A report in today's Newark Star-Ledger says that the Jet quarterback competition is over days into training camp. The winner? Chad Pennington, who looks to have retained his starting spot despite his twice surgically repaired shoulder and competition from three other quarterbacks. A team official, speaking anonomously because Eric Mangini isn't ready to make a formal announcement said that Pennington has surprised the organization with his arm strength and accuracy, easily outdistancing himself from Patrick Ramsey.
"We're surprised at the progress he's made," the official said. "No one expected him to be this far along this early."
It's no doubt a strong sign for Pennington's rehabilitation that he's showed enough to win the job so quickly. With a young, inexperienced offensive line and questions about how much the iconic Curtis Martin will be able to produce this year, a steady hand at quarterback will help the Jets regain their footing in the NFL much quicker than if they'd gone with rookie Kellen Clemens while Ramsey's unfamilarity with the other Jets, if not a playbook that's new for everyone, make it all the better that Chad is back under center. It's not so hard to turn back the clock and remember when Pennington was considered a rising star among the league's QBs, perhaps lightning can strike twice for the hard-working Marshall grad.
Edited to add, ESPN.com is running a story contradicting that of the Star-Ledger, saying that the QB competition is still wide open Wednesday afternoon.
Date
Wed 08/02/06, 6:25 am EST
