Jets Change Course

The timing was right by Eric Mangini.  It’s always difficult to turn the page at quarterback when it involves a respected veteran in Chad Pennington, who has been a fixture with the Jets for several years.  With the Jets at now 1-7, it’s time to give Kellen Clemens an opportunity to establish himself as the franchise’s quarterback moving forward. 

Clemens does possess better physical tools than Pennington and has a strong competitive level of toughness.  I believe Clemens will grow into a strong leader if performs on the field.  

At the moment though, this move goes beyond having a quarterback with better physical tools in the lineup.  Clemens will have growing pains.  Most young quarterbacks experience them.  Clemens needs to gain a lot of repetitions to learn how to work through progressions and most importantly – recognize the blitz.  Through the next eight games, this will be valuable experience for Clemens. 

In looking at the offense moving forward, they have a respectable veteran in the backfield with Thomas Jones.  Jericho Cotchery is a solid young receiver who should be a staple in New York for several years.  Laveranues Coles is a solid veteran, but I believe the Jets need to upgrade to find a receiver who has the ability to stretch the field more consistently.  The Jets don’t have any weapon in the passing game that truly worries opposing defensive coaches.  That’s one primary reason beyond Pennington’s limited arm strength that opponents didn’t respect the big-play ability of the Jets’ passing game.

As for the future of Pennington, he has value elsewhere as a short-term starter/backup type.  He remains a respected leader and brings professionalism to the locker room.  Look for the Minnesota Vikings to consider Pennington as they re-evaluate their direction at the quarterback position this coming spring. 

On the other side of the ball, there is a mystery surrounding Jonathan Vilma.  Let’s put those thoughts aside for a moment.  Have we seen the last of Vilma with the Jets?  That’s a very good possibility.  It’s no secret that Vilma nor fellow inside linebacker Eric Barton haven’t been comfortable working within Mangini’s 3-4 defense. 

Vilma is one of the league’s most respected linebackers.  He’s instinctive and has good range.  He has a strong leadership presence within their defense.  But those traits aren’t very useful in Mangini’s scheme.  Vilma has a lot of trade value around the league – provided he’s truly healthy.  So look for Vilma to be shopped this spring. 

In my opinion, that’s ashame.  Mangini believes in his defensive philosophy and he has every right to.  It’s a proven system.  But the Jets have a few high round picks among the front seven that aren’t best suited to his scheme.  Forcing these players to play in a scheme clearly not suited to their strengths creates a lot of problems with this defense. 

David Harris steps in for Vilma. Harris possesses good size and the ability to take on blockers inside the box.  He has displayed a nose for the ball and plays smart for a rookie.  Look for Harris to evolve into a long-term fixture here.  

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