Mark Sanchez, N.Y. Jets / Image: Zuma Press

Coach Ryan shouldered the decision and felt strongly about going with Mark as his starting QB:

“I think this is the appropriate time to make the decision. I feel very comfortable with my decision to go with Sanchez as a quarterback. I’ve relied on a lot of people, but more than anything, I’ve relied on myself. My instincts as a coach — I’ve been around the game a long time. I feel that the best move for our franchise and for our team is to go with Mark as our quarterback. That’s not a slight to (backup) Kellen Clemens at all. I think we can win with Kellen also as a quarterback. But right now, I think Mark gives us the best opportunity to win. And that’s what I owe this franchise. That’s why I made this decision. It’s not based on any other decision ….. I certainly leaned on people, guys that I have a great deal of respect for, but again this was my decision.”

Source: NFL.com

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Jets Name Mark Sanchez Starting QB

Less than 24 hours after the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship, the N.Y. Jets hired Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as their new head coach. This went down yesterday and it’s a great situation for coach Ryan. First of all, he doesn’t have to rebuild the program. I mean, the Jets just missed the playoffs after a late season collapse (one that cost previous head coach Eric Mangini his job), but the team certainly has the pieces in place to be a contender in 2009. They made sure of that last offseason with a slew of free agent additions.

That being said, one area that coach Ryan will need to address immediately (or almost immediately) is the quarterback position. We’re all waiting to hear if Brett Favre will return for another season, but I can tell you the Jets had better find themselves a free agent QB if they’re going to have any hope for a successful season. Kellen Clemens might ultimately be the answer in New York (aka “the future”), but the team can’t count on someone so unproven without a backup plan. Of course, if Brett does decide to return it’s a moot point, but it’s an area that needs attention.

Coach Ryan was a great defensive coordinator in Baltimore. There’s no doubt about that. But will he be a great head coach? That’s not a given. It’s an entirely different experience to go from coordinator to head coach. I’m wondering if he will be a good leader and motivator? I believe that he will, but only time will tell.

Source: NewYorkJets.com

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Jets Name Rex Ryan Head Coach

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The drama is over. Brett Favre has been traded to the N.Y. Jets. The exact compensation wasn’t immediately available, but it is believed to be a fourth-round draft pick that increases in value depending on how the Jets perform in the 2008 season. If Brett takes 50 percent of total snaps with the Jets in 2008, the fourth-rounder becomes a third-round pick. If he gets 70 percent of the snaps and the Jets make the playoffs, it becomes a second-round pick; and if he gets 80 percent of snaps and the Jets make the Super Bowl, it becomes a first-round pick. My money’s on Brett taking 100% of the snaps and the Jets missing the playoffs. But when you’re getting a future Hall of Fame quarterback who’s coming off one of the best seasons of his storied NFL career, I think the Jets got an unbelievable deal. Jets chairman and CEO Woody Johnson said:

“I am looking forward to seeing Brett Favre in a New York Jets uniform. He represents a significant addition to this franchise, and reflects our commitment to putting the best possible team on the field. Mike Tannenbaum and his football administration staff did a great job of navigating this complex process. I am excited about welcoming Brett, Deanna and their family to the Jets organization.”

Brett likes the limelight and attention. He’ll get plenty of it in New York. As for the Jets, there’s no question they upgraded the position over Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens. Along with their other offseason additions, this is undoubtedly going to be a team to reckon with in the AFC. How well these new players are going to work together is yet to be seen. The Packers, meanwhile, can lick their wounds from this fiasco as I believe they will struggle to make the playoffs this season.

Sources: ESPN.com, NewYorkJets.com, Photo: Newscom

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Brett Favre Traded to N.Y. Jets

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Why does Kellen Clemens have the edge over Chad Pennington in the N.Y. Jets quarterback battle this offseason? The current regime that drafted him did so for a reason and they want to see him succeed. Plus, Kellen is more athletic, he’s got a stronger arm, and he’s eight years younger and less prone to injury than Chad. As the Jets open several days of voluntary minicamp today (and even though head coach Eric Mangini has called the battle an open competition), Kellen will gain valuable experience and strengthen his hold on the top spot. I respect Chad and all that’s he’s accomplished in his career in New York, but his days as a starting quarterback in the NFL are over.

Source: NY Post, Photo: Newscom

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Kellen Clemens, Chad Pennington Compete for N.Y. Jets Starting Quarterback Job

After eight games of sub-par football, the 1-7 N.Y. Jets are making a change at quarterback by benching Chad Pennington and promoting Kellen Clemens. It’s time. Chad has suffered through an injury riddled eight-year career and has been on the receiving end of much criticism under the quarterback spotlight in NYC. It’s extremely difficult to play QB in the National Football League and I think Chad has had more than his fair share of harsh judgment. But it’s time for a change. I don’t think Chad’s career is over, but his career as a starter probably is. And his days in New York are most definitely numbered. Behind Kellen Clemens he’d be a highly paid backup with a questionable arm. He’s due big money in the next few seasons. Chad’s contract runs through 2010 and he’s due a $4.8 million base salary next season.

Jets head coach Eric Mangini is making the right call and without delay heading into this weekend’s game against Washington. Kellen will bring a fresher arm and youthful excitement to an offense in dire need of a spark (they’re 30th in total offense) after only managing three points against the Buffalo Bills yesterday. This will be Kellen’s second career start. Coach Mangini said:

“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. I want to give him this opportunity. It’s in no way an indication that Chad is solely responsible. We all are.”

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Slow Starting N.Y. Jets Turn to Kellen Clemens, Chad Pennington Benched