Rehabbing Pennington doing great (1 Viewer)

[Chase Stuart]

http://www.sny.tv/article.jsp?content=news20060323a

Jets quarterback Chad Pennington appeared Thursday night on SNY's "Daily News Live" show, in a remote from his annual West Virginia bowling event that benefits his 1st and 10 Foundation. Pennington, who missed 13 games in the 2005 season, will have to battle Patrick Ramsey to win back his starting job. Highlights from the interview:

How he's feeling: "I'm doing great. Just rehabbing, working hard every day, doing everything I can to get back to the level I can play at, and everything's going well."

On the coaching change: "The NFL's about change. If you can't adapt to change, you won't be in the NFL very long. I had a great relationship with Coach (Herm) Edwards, and now I'm looking forward to working with Coach Mangini. ... He's got a great plan for our organization and I'm looking forward to it."

If the QB job is his to lose: "I'm coming in to be healthy. That's what I’m concentrating on right now. This game is about ... teamwork and I'm going to do everything I can to help the team win. In my opinion, that's to be starter of the New York Jets. ... This business is about competition, and I'm not going to back down from that."

Can they return to contention without two key players? "When you lose two great players like John Abraham and Kevin Mawae, two Pro Bowlers who changed the game, you've got work to do to fill two big holes. That's what the NFL is all about, stepping up to win, and I think we'll get the job done."

On his career: "It's very challenging, but I'm blessed. I'm privileged and honored to play for the Jets and have this opportunity not many people get to have. I'm going to enjoy this ride and have a chance to win a championship."

On his recent dealings with the Jets: "I just tried to look at the situation as business and not personal. The organization's going to do what it has to do to make the team better, and I'm going to do what I have to help my family and make a living. I knew there was a situation there to come to middle ground."

On whether he has talked to Mangini: "He's expecting one thing, and that is (for) guys to come in, work hard, have a great attitude and win, that's what it's all about. The great thing about the NFL, every team, no matter what their record was previously, they have a chance to have a great year the next year. We have a chance just like every other team."

Interesting note: 170 days after Pennington's surgery in following the 2004 season, the Jets opened up camp. Tomorrow will be 170 days after his most recent surgery. The timetable is much more favorable for Pennington to have a complete recovery and to prepare himself for a full season.

 

[Bri]

good luck to him

Hope he proves doubters wrong and can be his ol' self

 

[diesel7982]

Why do I feel I read this article a year ago, while predicting the demise of Pennington and the "playoff bound" Jets?

 

[Phlash]

What if Pennington rehabbed well and became a top flight QB again like he was in '02

 

[diesel7982]

What if Pennington rehabbed well and became a top flight QB again like he was in '02

That would be great, and Im rooting for him. But, like the guys who are eternally hopeful for Tyrone Calico, sometimes you can't keep saying "what if...."

 

[Chase Stuart]

Why do I feel I read this article a year ago, while predicting the demise of Pennington and the "playoff bound" Jets?

I think the words are the same, but the big difference this year is what I closed the original post with. Pennington rushed to return last year, and he was never fully health. He was throwing about two weeks from now, this time last year. There's no need for Pennington to throw for another 2-4 months, and that could make all the difference IMO.

 

[Raekwon]

We should make some fake bets on how well he does this year

 

[gman8343]

I hope he comes back to full strength.

 

[Chase Stuart]

What if Pennington rehabbed well and became a top flight QB again like he was in '02

I'm not sure if this is a rhetorical question or not. But as a side note, I think if the Jets avoid taking a QB that's a sign that they're at least willing to give Pennington a fair chance. There's no doubt that if Herm was still here Pennington would be penciled in as the starter; it's yet to be seen what the new staff thinks of him (and Mangini's secondary has typically given Pennington big problems).

 

[Kiddnets]

Very doubtful that he returns to form. Name one QB that has returned for 2 such surgeries who had a weak arm to begin with - Jets should grab a QB with the #4.

 

[diesel7982]

I really expect that once the Jets move up to get Leinart at #2, they'll release Penny post-June 1.

Only way Penny sticks is if they dont take a QB.

 

[yoda]

regardless the guy is a class act and those seem to be rare in pro sports these days.

 

[diesel7982]

regardless the guy is a class act and those seem to be rare in pro sports these days.

Only if you arent paying attention. Plenty of great humanitarians in the NFL and other pro sports...but the media of course has no incentive to report "great" deeds, just the bad ones.

 

[Slinger]

Patrick Ramsey just moved up a few spots on my list.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Very doubtful that he returns to form. Name one QB that has returned for 2 such surgeries who had a weak arm to begin with - Jets should grab a QB with the #4.

It's a bit more complicated than that.How many QBs that have won a passing title or won multiple playoff games, had two surgeries, and then never returned to form?

At this point, Pennington seems like a very longshot to play 16 games in 2006. Further, even if healthy there are going to be significant questions about his arm strength and how much, if any, missing most of last year will hurt him.

 

[LBH]

I think Ramsey beats him out in training camp

 

[Z-Dog]

I really expect that once the Jets move up to get Leinart at #2, they'll release Penny post-June 1.

Only way Penny sticks is if they dont take a QB.

That's pretty hard to believe - for one, why spend all the time and effort rengotiating with him if you're just going to cut him? Also, Pennington has been the most succesful QB the franchise has had since Namath. He's taken the team to playoffs a few times, led the league in passer rating, and has a winning record as a starter. They're not just going to toss him without finding out if he can play again. 'Course, I also don't think they're going to trade up for Leinart either...

 

[Weiner Dog]

What is the consensus for the Jets starting job in '06 (assuming a QB is not drafted with the 1.4 pick)??

Option #1

Pennington 100% (shoulder recovers nicely and he returns to '02-'04 form)

Ramsey 0% (in camp, Ramsey shows he's a "lifer" backup)

Option #2

Pennington 75% (shoulder recovers nicely and beats Ramsey's charge in camp)

Ramsey (he gave it a shot but Pennington is better)

Option #3

Pennington 50% (flip a coin)

Ramsey 50% (flip a coin)

Option #4

Ramsey 75% (shows he's a potential NFL starter)

Pennington 25% (nagging shoulder injury which causes him to miss camp time)

Option #5

Ramsey 100% (rips the cover off the ball and shows his '03 season was just the beginning)

Pennington 0% (shoulder is shot and/or he's cut)

 

[Buckeyedawgs]

My guess somewhere between option 3 and 4 is what we should expect. I'd flip a coin. Or will they have to call Vinnie back again?

 

[brednbuddah]

regardless the guy is a class act and those seem to be rare in pro sports these days.

agreed. he has always come off as a selfless, team-oriented player. nothing would make me happier to see him rise above all of this.