SwimCoach

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Chad Pennington's tenure as the New York Jets' starting quarterback is over.

Coach Eric Mangini announced Monday he's going with Kellen Clemens as his starter for Sunday's game against Washington. It's a move fans and media have been suggesting for weeks as the Jets have struggled to a 1-7 start.

"I made this decision not based on singling out Chad for where we are, but based on the fact that I think Kellen has earned this opportunity," Mangini said. "I want to give him this opportunity. It's in no way an indication that Chad is solely responsible. We all are."

Clemens, in his second season out of Oregon, replaced an ineffective Pennington late in the Jets' 13-3 loss to Buffalo on Sunday. His entrance was cheered by those remaining at Giants Stadium. He was just 5-of-12 for 67 yards and two interceptions, but one of those came on a desperation toss as time expired.

After waiting until last Wednesday to keep Pennington as the starter, Mangini didn't need the extra time to make his choice this week.

Clemens has a much stronger arm than Pennington and is more mobile, perhaps able to add a few more elements to the offense than the veteran could. Although Mangini wouldn't commit to Clemens beyond this weekend, the 2006 second-round pick will be under center Sunday against Washington for his second NFL start.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

SwimCoach

And its about time to see what the New York Jets future will hold

PaullyInNYC

Seriously the New York Jets offense will def be better off with Kellen in. When I watch Chad Pennington throw the ball he only looks to one reciever and never checks other options. In doing that you give the defense a much easier time to read you. I believe this will be the last time we see chad play unless Kellen Clemons gets hurt.

TheMan

I feel bad for Chad Pennington but I am VERY EXCITED to see Kellen Clemons play this week against Washington. Washington who lost badly to the Patriots 52-7 this past weekend will look to seek some vengence on the AFC East, which should give Kellen Clemons a good challenge. I believe Clemons can lead this team, I am just hoping he doesnt fold to pressure!

PaullyInNYC

I am disappointed with the NY metropolitan media. I here way too much about how Kellem Clemons is not performing to great. This kid has only 4 starts under his belt and already there is moaning and groaning about possibly having to pick a quarterback in the draft. I think that would be crazy thing to do. Kellon Clemons will have some growing pains and obviously he will have some more games to play before seasons end. But I think he deserves a fresh start from the begining of the season. Also he has faced some of the TOUGHEST defenses in the league.

He started against Baltimore, Washington, and the Cowboys, & his first career start win came against Pittsburgh which is probably the BEST DEFENSE in the NFL.

I would like to see Kellon in a couple more games before i make any crazy prediction as to our quarterback situation. I think Mangini should have started Kellon Clemons A LONG TIME AGO!