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Slow Starting N.Y. Jets Turn to Kellen Clemens, Chad Pennington Benched

by David Kindervater on October 29th, 2007

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

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After eight games of sub-par football, the 1-7 N.Y. Jets are making a change at quarterback by benching Chad Pennington and promoting Kellen Clemens. It’s time. Chad has suffered through an injury riddled eight-year career and has been on the receiving end of much criticism under the quarterback spotlight in NYC. It’s extremely difficult to play QB in the National Football League and I think Chad has had more than his fair share of harsh judgment. But it’s time for a change. I don’t think Chad’s career is over, but his career as a starter probably is. And his days in New York are most definitely numbered. Behind Kellen Clemens he’d be a highly paid backup with a questionable arm. He’s due big money in the next few seasons. Chad’s contract runs through 2010 and he’s due a $4.8 million base salary next season.

Jets head coach Eric Mangini is making the right call and without delay heading into this weekend’s game against Washington. Kellen will bring a fresher arm and youthful excitement to an offense in dire need of a spark (they’re 30th in total offense) after only managing three points against the Buffalo Bills yesterday. This will be Kellen’s second career start. Coach Mangini said:

“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. I want to give him this opportunity. It’s in no way an indication that Chad is solely responsible. We all are.”

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POSTED IN: N.Y. Jets