Chris Pizzotti Returns

by John B on Aug 22, 2009 2:12 PM EDT Comment 10 comments

The Jets have resigned recently released quarterback Chris Pizzotti, a rookie from Harvard.

Pizzotti was cut the day after the preseason opener against the Rams in which QB Erik Ainge completed 10 of 17 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown to lock up the third-string job. He didn't get to play because Ryan said he was "trying to win the game" (the Jets lost, 23-20).

Afterward, the coach felt bad that he didn't give the Harvard product an opportunity.

Huh? Are the Jets being nice and giving this guy a stage to audition for another team? What exactly changed? The Jets are firmly behind Erik Ainge as the third guy. They kept Pizzotti on the bench because they didn't think he was capable of winning. Why take him back?

0 recs | Comment 10 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Not impossible...

Ainge was the 4th QB carried last year… It was Favre, Clemens, Ratliff and Ainge. So I wouldn’t say that the Jets couldn’t keep Pizzotti. But the Jets really have 5 in Brad Smith, and frankly, Smith has the 2nd highest number of snaps of all QBs on the roster, and I don’t even know how many that is.
Still, I’d like to see Pizzotti play in the preseason, but I feel that the Jets are hoping that either Ainge (5th Rd) or Pizzotti (UFA) turn out to be a sleeper like Tom Brady (5th Rd) or Matt Cassel (7th Rd). The Patriots can take low QB picks and turn them into winners. But lightning just doesn’t strike twice (or three times) when its the Jets…

http://charlottejetsfans.com

by NC_Scott on Aug 22, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m still kind of puzzled. Last year, they knew they’d need a replacement for Favre and thought Ainge could be the guy so they made space for him. Now they’ve got a new franchise QB.

Editor-In-Chief
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
http://www.ganggreennation.com

by John B on Aug 23, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but keep in mind that the trade to get the 5th pick from Cleveland sent Ratliff to Mangini, not Ainge.. I wonder if Mangini had Ratliff higher than Ainge on his unofficial depth chart, or if you’re right – the Jets just refused to part with Ainge in that trade. I think Ainge is a project, but so is Sanchez (and Clemens), so then who is our veteran? We are lacking the Culpepper that the Lions have to mentor Stafford.

http://www.charlottejetsfans.com

by NC_Scott on Aug 23, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to think Mangini preferred Ratliff.

Ratliff outplayed Ainge last year in camp. Ainge was the fourth quarterback.

I can’t imagine Ainge was the dealbreaker. Mangini wanted Ratliff. Why wouldn’t you trade a backup quarterback to get a starting quarterback?

Editor-In-Chief
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
http://www.ganggreennation.com

by John B on Aug 23, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

On Ratliff, I thought it looked like he might have even been pushing Clemmens a bit in training camp to be backup last year.

by WebBard on Aug 23, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it Possible Ainge failed another drug test?

by WebBard on Aug 22, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

… well someone has to take the snaps, and with our OLine still banged up, maybe ole Rexy doesnt want to risk injuring his top 3. So sign a “throw away” QB and hope he doesn’t get slaughtered out there..

“Err, yeah, just stand here and snap the ball, and try not to get killed, ok Harvard”. Don’t laugh if Pizzotti is in by the 2nd Qtr. Then you’ll know he’s their insurance plan.

Still not sure why we need 4 near rookie QBs with the most seasoned one a whopping 3 seasons. Should have picked up a veteran.. oh wait, we had one until we cut him so he could sign with the Vikings.. Nevermind. Wonder if the Fins are close to cutting Pennington..

http://www.charlottejetsfans.com

by NC_Scott on Aug 22, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brian Griese at the very least is still out there. I said we should pick him up months ago. If Clemmens whose been in this system for 3 years can’t beat out a rookie who had a handful of College starts then why do we think he can be a competent backup?

Farve wasn’t coming back with the Jets, especially not as a backup.

by WebBard on Aug 23, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree.. Not sure about Griese, but you are definitely right about Clemens. He doesn’t deserve the starting spot if he can’t outplay Sanchez after so many years with Schotty.

http://www.charlottejetsfans.com

by NC_Scott on Aug 23, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs