Jets Training Camp Battle: Chad Pennington vs. Kellen Clemens (vs. Brett Favre?)

Training camp is finally here and FanHouse breaks down the most important position battles heading into the season, team by team.

Right now it looks like the chances of Brett Favre suiting up in a Jets uniform are about as good as seeing Suzy Kolber make out with Joe Namath. I actually included him in the title because I got the memo from the MSM that all writers are required to mention "Brettfavre" in every single post about the NFL. So we got that out of the way.

As for the guys that matter ... Kellen Clemens and Chad Pennington look to be in a fight that will last all of camp.

Let's go to the tale of the tape.

The Case for Pennington

The interceptions were a major issue last season for Clemens. He had 10 picks compared to only five TD passes. Games like against Cleveland (24-41, 286 yards) were ruined with INTs (two in that game). Pennington had a higher completion percentage last year by 16 points, and threw 10 TDs to his nine picks. The QB ratings aren't even close, as Pennington's 86.1 pales the 60.9 rating garnered by Clemens. Pennington also has good chemistry with long-time teammate Laveranues Coles.

The Case for Clemens

He has the much stronger arm in this battle -- I actually think my wife has a stronger arm than Pennington -- and that should matter. If they can find a way to somewhat cull the interception from Clemens' arsenal he stretches the field. Last year he had two yards more per completion on average than his counterpart. That's important because the offensive line has been rebuilt -- as I've already covered extensively -- and the running game will be the strength of the offense. You don't need an 8-man box.

Clemens also has a better rapport with deep threat Jerricho Cotchery.

Oh yeah, that little matter of winning games ... each started eight games in '07. Clemens won three games and Pennington won only one.

EDGE: Personally, I'd go with Clemens. I don't see any reason to have the weaker armed QB take snaps unless he's a lot better. Pennington's not that much better than Clemens, if at all. Therefore, you need to stretch the defense and give the revamped offensive line and Thomas Jones their best chance to grind it out on the ground.

I do have to say, though, that Eric Mangini likely disagrees with me. I predict they start the season with Pennington at the helm. Just a gut feeling that they'll be scared off by the turnovers and be more comfortable with the veteran.