A Bye Week Prediction : Chad Pennington a Chief in 2008
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by Alanschech
Here we are at the Jets 2007 bye week, with a 1-8 record. A middle linebacker having surgery, and a new quarterback going forward. Not a lot going on during the Jets bye week, fairly uneventful. So, with a new quarterback in Kellen Clemens for the future, I bring you a prediction on this bye week: Chad Pennington goes to the Kansas City Chiefs next year. Here is why:
Cannot Remain With the Jets
- We all know that quarterbacks are expensive. Especially starting quarterbacks. Chad Pennington has already taken a paycut during the Eric Mangini era for the good of the team, and this is when he was still the starting quarterback. To go forward as the backup quarterback, Pennington will again be asked to take a paycut, and it will be too much in the long run and he will have to go somewhere and start.
Evolution of the Chiefs Offense
- Herman Edwards has been the coach of KC for the past 2 years, and they have quickly begun to resemble the Jets of previous years, which would be a perfect fit for Chad Pennington. They are no longer a team that goes down the field like they used to, baseing the offense on a running game of Larry Johnson,(now by committee due to Johnson injury), and a controlled passing game focusing on Tony Gonzalez. Current starting quarterback Damon Huard only averages 6.8 yards per pass attempt in this offense, which is in stark contrast to quarterbacks like Tom Brady, who average 9.0 yards per pass attempt. So, leading an offense based on a strong running attack and short, controlled passing. Does that sound like anyone we are all familiar with Jets fans?
Damon Huard Not Setting World on Fire
- Although the Chiefs are putting together a run at the division title, Damon Huard is not setting the world ablaze with his statistics. So far, he has thrown for only 8 TDs against 9 INTs, for a meager 79.1 quarterback rating. For a Herman Edwards offense to work, an accurate quarterback, and you can say a lot about Chad Pennington, but he certainly is accurate.
Mentor for Brodie Croyle
- Chad Pennington would certainly not be the quarterback of the future for the Kansas City Chiefs. This prediction is a short term solution for the team. That being said, Brodie Croyle needs a mentor going forward. Damon Huard has been around the league for a long time, but primarily as a backup. A young quarterback can learn a great deal from Chad Pennington, who has had his share of playoff experience, including going into Pittsburgh and coming a missed field goal away from leading his team to the AFC championship game. Chad would be a perfect fit as Croyle's mentor.
Pennington's Relationship with Herman Edwards
- This is the strongest reason why Chad should end up in KC. It is well documented that while he was in NY, the strength of the relationship between Chad Pennington and his coach, Herman Edwards. Coach took Chad under his wing, had almost a fatherly relationship with him, and Chad found his greatest success under Edwards. It's human nature that when a situation goes wrong, to go to a situation of comfort. Chad and Herman were a perfect fit before, and they would be a perfect fit again.
Chad Pennington can no longer start for the Jets, they cannot go backwards. He is not finished as a starter, however, and Kansas City would be a perfect fit for Chad to finish his career, and mentor another young quarterback.
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