QB, #11
Kellen Clemens!
CHANGE.

I, Angel Navedo, officially declare my position as a supporter of Kellen Clemens for the New York Jets starting Quarterback in our upcoming season. I tried to be cryptic in my previous article and write out vague supporting arguments for both potential quarterbacks, but my efforts were transparent. You Jets’ fans are an intelligent bunch! This is a very happy moment for me. My decision to support Clemens is based solely upon my belief that his skill sets can lead our New York Jets to the next level. If the reports from the New York Jets’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this past month are any indication, Clemens is prepared to make our offense more multi-faceted than it’s ever been. While the revamped offensive line and deep backfield may allude to plans for a more dominant rushing attack, opposing defenses will need to constantly be weary of the young QB that can hit a wide receiver anywhere on the field. We are on the verge of some very exciting times as Jets’ fans!

Our organization is on the brink of massive improvement, and Kellen Clemens should be the man that leads us there. Pennington was once touted as a cerebral QB and heralded for his intelligence and accuracy. He may have faced pressure behind a weak offensive line, but there was no intelligence or accuracy when he tossed crucial, game-changing interceptions. The passes weren’t only the fault of a weak offensive line, but mainly because of an opposing defense identifying the most predictable target and attacking. Last season, when there was a game to win and the clock was winding down, I knew Chad wasn’t going to lead us to a thrilling comeback. In Kellen’s first start in Baltimore, he gave us hope. Chad needs a team around him that can help him. Kellen was able to create opportunities to give us hope. Unfortunately, Justin McScissorhands cut those hopes down.

Statistically, Clemens may not have looked much better than Chad, but stats lie. And more importantly, Chad is the veteran. If his abilities were on par with that of an inexperienced NFL QB, then what’s the difference? Most of Clemens’ negative statistics were the result of poor play from his receivers. There were interceptions that popped into the hands of defenders off of our receivers’ hands! All of the new toys on this team point to a new era. It’s best to develop young offensive talent like Dustin Keller with the QB that is likely to be around longer. We want our team to develop a rapport with the man that we expect to be our future rather than revert to the past with a QB that we know can’t get it done. It’s sad to say, but we already know what our ceiling is with a healthy Chad at the helm. Kellen is too young for us to have defined his ceiling, but if it doesn’t surpass Pennington’s, then it’s best we know sooner than later.

But allow me to be clear: my support for Kellen Clemens is not synonymous with dislike for Chad Pennington. This decision was not a simple one for me. Chad has a quality about him that makes me want to see him succeed. He’s a great man that effortlessly displays class and integrity. With the terrible luck our favored franchise has seen over the years, it’s incredible to know that he wants nothing more than to be our starting QB, and I respect the hell out of him for it. So if Pennington does receive the starter nod from the NYJ brain trust come September, my expectations for the season will remain the same.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in this article belong to me, and only me. My words are not to be interpreted as an official representation of NYJetsFan.com, its owners, partners, or valued members.

Categories: Editorial
Tags: Chad Pennington, Eric Mangini, Kellen Clemens, New York Jets, Offense