Jets In Trouble At Quarterback

The New York Jets have an interesting problem at quarterback as they get set to head into training camp this summer. They have four quarterbacks fighting for the starting role. Brian Schottenheimer is the Jets new offensive coordinator this year and he must make a decision during camp on who his guy is going to be.

The four quarterbacks he must choose from are Chad Pennington, Patrick Ramsey, Kellen Clemens and Brooks Bollinger. Pennington’s been the Jets guy since 2000 but has been hurt most of the last two years. They picked up Ramsey in a trade from the Washington Redskins a few months ago. Clemens is a rookie and Bollinger played quite a bit last year while filling in for Pennington.

So, who’s gonna be the guy this year?

“The thing I look for first and foremost is leadership,” Schottenheimer said in his first interview since being hired in February. “At the end of the day, when they step in the huddle and they call a play, they have to exude confidence. It’s an over and over ordeal that takes place 65 times a game. Does experience mean leadership? I don’t know. But all four guys have different ways they lead.”

Schottenheimer says he’d have no problem starting Clemens as a rookie if he’s the better player, but I can’t see that happening. Patrick Ramsey’s been a tease ever since the Redskins drafted him in 2002. He’s disappointed more than he’s shown that he’s going to be a star starting quarterback in the NFL. If Chad Pennington is healthy I don’t see why he won’t be the Jets starting quarterback in 2006. Bollinger has an uphill battle to stay on the roster.

However, Schottenheimer and new head coach Eric Mangini have said it’s an open competition until someone sticks their head up and says, I’m the guy with a great pre-season performance.

When asked if he had an ideal date for when he wants to make a decision, Schottenheimer hedged. “Would you love to put a date on it? Probably,” he said. “But however long it takes to determine who the guy’s going to be is what we’re going to do. We’re not going to rush this decision.”

Should be a fun competition to watch, but like I’ve already mentioned, if Pennington is healthy, he’ll most likely start the season. He’s the best of the four, but only if healthy. If he can’t go because he’s not fully healed or gets hurt again during the season, I think the Jets are in big trouble at the quarterback position. The other three guys just don’t excite me. Kellen Clemens has impressed early, but he’s a rookie. Good luck New York Jet fans!