A clandestine undertaking on behalf of Israel, the Jets and the Jews.

 
Chad Pennington's Reemergence

Since Jets QB Chad Pennington sustained a second major shoulder injury last September, numerous cynics have scoffed at the notion that Pennington would return to be the Jets' leader. In frequent comments on this blog during the 2005 season and into the offseason, Jetsphan even ridiculed the mere mention of Pennington, labeling him irrelevant.

While I share concerns as to whether Pennington is durable enough to withstand the physical punishment of the NFL, I've long rejected the view that Pennington is done. These days, major league pitchers come back after sustaining torn rotator cuffs to regain velocity on their fastballs of 95 miles per hour and higher. Surely a quarterback who never relied on arm strength could regain his accuracy. Furthermore, other quarterbacks, such as Phil Simms and Rich Gannon, recovered from being labeled injury-prone to have solid careers. Then there are guys who can't play a full 16 game season but remain valuable when healthy. Steve McNair, Michael Vick, and Kurt Warner are in that group.

Early in Jets' training camp, it appears that unlike last season, when the old evil regime rushed him back prematurely, Pennington has recovered from his shoulder injuries, and that he is by far the best quarterback on the Jets roster. If he stays healthy throughout the preseason, he will start at Tennessee in next month's season opener.

It is silly to point out Pennington's shortcomings and his injury history, as Jetsphan and others continue to do. Even assuming that Pennington is only an average starting quaterback, the bottom line is that Pennington is under contract, and he is the best the Jets currently have. If Pennington gets hurt, he will be replaced. If his performance is mediocre, second round draft pick Kellen Clemens will be given a chance to replace him next season - or even in the latter part of 2006. In the meantime, Pennington is the only quarterback who gives the Jets a chance to win more than five games this season.

Pennington is coming into a tough spot, with rookies at left tackle and center, especially since the rest of the offensive line is average at best. It will probably take half the season for the offensive line to solidify, and hopefully Pennington will remain intact during what will be a tough first half of 2006. It also doesn't help that the Jets have not really improved at wide receiver, and that Curtis Martin looks like he may never play again, leaving the Jets with a bunch of no-names at running back, and making the decision to let Lamont Jordan leave for nothing after the 2004 season all the more regrettable.
posted on 8/08/2006