Mangini Announces Benching of Pennington In Favor of Clemens

New York Jets Coach Eric Mangini made the move for which many of his team's followers had been clamoring, announcing that he's benching quarterback Chad Pennington in favor of Kellen Clemens.

"Kellen will be the starting quarterback," Mangini said at a news conference today. "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 and I want to give him this opportunity. It's in no way an indication that Chad is solely responsible. We all are."

Clemens will be making his second NFL start when he faces the Washington Redskins on Sunday at Giants Stadium. The Jets are on a five-game losing streak and have a record of 1-7.

"It's exciting to have the opportunity," Clemens said. "I'm looking forward to the chance to play. At the same time, there's a losing streak that this entire team needs to work hard to turn around.... I feel better, a lot more confident than that first start where you're a little unsure."

Pennington accepted the demotion without public complaint.

"I'm disappointed and it's a frustrating time for me," he said. "At the same time, it's not about me. It's about our team and our team moving forward, and I understand that.... I don't think it'll be hard at all. I've had a great mentor in Vinny Testaverde, and I was on the other side of this situation in 2002."

But he said he also considers himself still capable of being a starting quarterback in the league, and indicated he'll have to reevaluate his status with the organization after the season.

"It's the bad part of losing," Pennington said. "It's a team game and when you lose changes have to be made, and sometimes drastic changes have to be made whether it's that particular person's fault or not."

By Mark Maske |  October 29, 2007; 7:49 PM ET  | Category:  Jets
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