The Facts:
One year ago Eric Mangini stepped onto the podium at the NFL combine and announced Chad Pennington would be the Jets' starting QB. He did not repeat the performance Thursday. While the coach still exhibited a liking for his more experienced signal-caller, he said the competition for the starting job will be open between Pennington and Kellen Clemens in 2008, "We will be able to look at that season during OTAs, training camp and the preseason games," Mangini said, "and then make the evaluation about what gives us the best chance to win."
Reported by thepittsburghchannel.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
While some observers have suggested Mangini's comments might have been an attempt to increase Pennington's trade value, the coach dismissed that notion out of hand. "I feel very good about Chad Pennington," Mangini said, "and there's a lot of things I've talked about with him about his huddle presence, leadership and a lot of the things he has been able to do. ..." It's also worth noting that Clemens did little with his opportunity after taking over as the starter last October. Assuming there is no trade, Pennington will have a legitimate shot at winning the starting spot back.
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