If nothing else, it shows the Jets are interested in picking up a
suitable backup. The question is, if we sign a FA QB, like a Bulger or
a Brunell, to be a clear, solid backup, who gets cut? Is it reasonable
to think that Clemens gets the boot so we can hold onto a prospect
like Ainge, since we know Clemens has zero value to anyone (us
included)?
D.
i cant imagine why they would hold on to clemens once they secure a
guy like bulger or brunell... i think both of those guys would be
ideal back-ups. both have skill and smarts. only issue with both of
them have been durability. not so much of an issue with a back-up.
any way you slice it, clemens is a wasted roster spot and has been
since he was drafted
I saw Brunell play in some pre-season last year. He might not be better
than Clemens. Bulger yes.
I love the idea of Jets getting Brunell, I was hoping for Pennington.
Sanchez desperately needs a successful veteran, who is not a threat,
to learn those skills that can be best expressed by someone who has
been there. I love it.
One thing we should keep in mind is that Ainge will be entering his 3rd
year. Not just 3rd year, but 3rd year in the system (well, 2nd in the
sense that Rex is new, but lots of other components are the same).
Although he doesn't have any gameday experience, which is obviously
important, I'm sure he's developed a chemistry with the rest of the
offense including Schott. He's not a rookie anymore. If they think
he's a legit player, then I can see them entering the season with him
the #2, in the same way that the Pats entered with Cassel the #2 in '08.
Rex and company have had a full year to evaluate him, so they would
know. Whether or not they make a move in free agency will tell us a lot
about their evaluation of him. There's a lot of value in developing
backup quarterbacks -- not just short term, but also long term (eg. Pats
trading Cassel, SD trading Whitehurst).
Brilliant post Mark. It will also tell us something about what they
really think of OConnel or whatever his name is. This will be his
second year in our system and third as a pro. Enough time to make one
sad or optimistic.
harlan