K. Clemens Likely to Take Over for C. Pennington This Week as Jets' Starter

The New York Jets likely will have a new starter at quarterback for this weekend's game against the Washington Redskins at Giants Stadium.

Coach Eric Mangini sat down Chad Pennington during Sunday's 13-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills, which extended the Jets' losing streak to five games and dropped their record to 1-7. Kellen Clemens took over with 3-1/2 minutes left in the game and, despite throwing two interceptions in that short stint, probably will be the starter against the Redskins.

Mangini said during his postgame news conference that he wasn't certain if he'd switch to Clemens as the starter this week, but added: "I'm going to look at it more closely."

The New York Post reported that Mangini already has made his decision and will start Clemens against the Redskins. Some people around the league thought that Mangini would make the switch last week, but he stuck with Pennington. However, Pennington threw for only 106 yards against what had been the league's 31st-ranked defense. Pennington was removed from a game for the first time during his career for a reason other than an injury or resting him with the outcome already decided.

Clemens, a second-year pro, made one start earlier this season when Pennington was hurt, completing 19 of 37 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown in a loss at Baltimore. Clemens threw two interceptions in that September game but nearly led a late comeback, and was hindered by some key dropped passes by his receivers.

By Mark Maske |  October 29, 2007; 1:25 PM ET  | Category:  Jets
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Posted by: Pete | October 29, 2007 3:58 PM

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