Jets position battles
July 25, 2008 10:05 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
Pennington Clemens
Here's a look at two major competitions at Jets camp:
Quarterback: Chad Pennington vs. Kellen Clemens
Given the market, the glamorous position and Brett Favre rumors that won't die, this could be the NFL's most scrutinized competition.
Neither Pennington nor Clemens will inspire Jets fans to start making reservations for a February trip to Tampa, but somebody has to be the starter for a team that could contend for the playoffs if the offensive line comes together and they get enough breaks.
Pennington is the savvier quarterback but lacks the arm to ignite the downfield game, which is why he lost his job last year to the young Clemens. Clemens has that sexy arm strength but doesn't make enough wise decisions under pressure. No matter who had the job, the Jets' offense staggered through a 4-12 campaign.
Jets coach Eric Mangini is portraying the competition as a coin flip and said the reps would be split 50-50 until a clear leader emerges. That probably won't be for another three weeks at the earliest.
Intensity Index: Red hot
Baker Franks
Tight end: Chris Baker (vs. the Jets) vs. Bubba Franks vs. Dustin Keller
There's all sorts of drama swirling around the Jets' tight end position. Some of it has to do with Baker's desire for a new contract. Baker, coming off a 41-catch season, has accused the front office of not coming through on promises to restructure his deal.
Meanwhile, the club added veteran free agent Franks and drafted the dangerous Keller 30th overall.
Franks was a three-time Pro Bowler for Green Bay, but he was cut after injuries limited him last year to eight games and 18 receptions. He's a bit worn down, but he's still 6-foot-6 and can catch. That's what made him one of Favre's favorite red zone targets
The Jets traded up to get Keller, making him the first receiver or tight end chosen in the draft. He's not known for blocking, but he's a slick target with exceptional hands. He caught 68 passes for 881 yards and seven TDs last year for Purdue.
Intensity Index: Red hot
IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE REST OF THE AFC EAST, CLICK THE LINK
Original Story:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast?tag=p....
July 25, 2008 10:05 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
Pennington Clemens
Here's a look at two major competitions at Jets camp:
Quarterback: Chad Pennington vs. Kellen Clemens
Given the market, the glamorous position and Brett Favre rumors that won't die, this could be the NFL's most scrutinized competition.
Neither Pennington nor Clemens will inspire Jets fans to start making reservations for a February trip to Tampa, but somebody has to be the starter for a team that could contend for the playoffs if the offensive line comes together and they get enough breaks.
Pennington is the savvier quarterback but lacks the arm to ignite the downfield game, which is why he lost his job last year to the young Clemens. Clemens has that sexy arm strength but doesn't make enough wise decisions under pressure. No matter who had the job, the Jets' offense staggered through a 4-12 campaign.
Jets coach Eric Mangini is portraying the competition as a coin flip and said the reps would be split 50-50 until a clear leader emerges. That probably won't be for another three weeks at the earliest.
Intensity Index: Red hot
Baker Franks
Tight end: Chris Baker (vs. the Jets) vs. Bubba Franks vs. Dustin Keller
There's all sorts of drama swirling around the Jets' tight end position. Some of it has to do with Baker's desire for a new contract. Baker, coming off a 41-catch season, has accused the front office of not coming through on promises to restructure his deal.
Meanwhile, the club added veteran free agent Franks and drafted the dangerous Keller 30th overall.
Franks was a three-time Pro Bowler for Green Bay, but he was cut after injuries limited him last year to eight games and 18 receptions. He's a bit worn down, but he's still 6-foot-6 and can catch. That's what made him one of Favre's favorite red zone targets
The Jets traded up to get Keller, making him the first receiver or tight end chosen in the draft. He's not known for blocking, but he's a slick target with exceptional hands. He caught 68 passes for 881 yards and seven TDs last year for Purdue.
Intensity Index: Red hot
IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE REST OF THE AFC EAST, CLICK THE LINK
Original Story:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast?tag=p....
