Does Clemens Even Have a Chance to Win the Starting Job?

by John B on Jun 23, 2009 1:00 PM EDT

Even if Kellen Clemens lights up camp and the preseason, can he possibly win the starting job without Mark Sanchez stumbling? I vote no. Here's why:

-Sanchez is the face of the franchise. He has a $50 million contract and is already appearing front and center in the team's marketing campaign.

-Starting in New York as a rookie is a tall order, but you have to be impressed with Sanchez's makeup so far. He seems capable of handling it.

-The fans love the rookie and want to see him in action.

-If the Jets really thought Clemens could play, they wouldn't have traded up for Sanchez.

-Rex Ryan saw last year a team can have success with a rookie quarterback. He actually endorsed starting Joe Flacco in Baltimore before a lot of the other decision-makers there.

-Ryan's a confident/cocky guy. He thinks his defense is good enough to carry a rookie. Heck, he would relish the challenge.

Unless Sanchez shows himself to be totally unready, I think he gets the nod from day one. What do you think?

Poll

Is there any way for Kellen Clemens to become the starting quarterback of the Jets without Mark Sanchez struggling badly or getting hurt in camp or preseason?

Yes

194 votes

No

348 votes

542 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

i vote no

and it’s a damn shame.

by psuwxman on Jun 23, 2009 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

I’m definitely not a Clemens fan, as I thought Ratcliff was going to win the job, but I see no reason to start Sanchez instead of Clemens. Lets say Clemens gets off to a bad start and loses his first 3 or 4 games, then if Sanchez goes in he can only do better. But if Sanchez starts off on a bad foot, especially with all the hype, he is just going to get killed. Coughlin decided to bench Warner after he had a pretty good run and Eli proceeded to destroy any hope for that season. It seemed to stick with Eli as Giants fans hated him till the SB win.

by Mark D on Jun 24, 2009 1:42 AM EDT reply actions

If there are any doubts that Sanchez is not ready

Clemens should get the nod. I’m under the impression that the Jets are not rebuiding, but retooling or implementing various players to build upon last year. So, if Sanchez shows any inability, then you go with a more experienced player. I would consider Clemens to have youthful experience. That, preferrably could be the difference in winning games.

Given the media/fan hype over Sanchez, you have to remember, he is a rookie and this isn’t cozy southern Cal anymore. This is NY! Sanchez may be adapting well to NY off-the- field, it’s the on-the-field adaptation that’s important. If Rex feels the pressure to start Sanchez because of the hype, it could be a recipe for disaster. If Sanchez was to get off on the wrong foot, bad decisions, turnovers or just losing, thats not good for confidence.

Now seeing how i don’t know much about either QB, i’m not saying they’re going to fail either. What happened in Atlanta and Baltimore was rare for what those QB’s did. Could it happen for Sanchez? It could, but to put it into perspective, it’s moreless hope vs. having nothing of what to expect!

by Hootman on Jun 24, 2009 8:25 AM EDT reply actions

Clemens the man.

A yo, Clemens the only proven Q.B we got ! he will be a threat with the new and approved O.F line and the killer D.F , as Hootman said give Clemens the nod, to me Sanchez is hype!, I hope he proves me wrong>> to me Clemens the man! BOMBERJET