THE GREEN LIGHT
Eric Mangini wouldn’t reveal his quarterback rotation for tonight’s preseason opener against the Michael Vick-less Falcons or say how long his starters would play. And reading the Jets’ poker-faced coach is about as easy as deciphering a French menu.
But after going through two-a-days in brutal heat, the Gang Green veterans can’t wait to hit somebody wearing a different color, and the youngsters can’t wait to hit the field and show Mangini they belong.
“Obviously we’re excited to play a new opponent, be back at the stadium with our fans. We try to simulate the crowd noise, but it doesn’t do the ‘J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets’ on the loudspeaker. It isn’t the same,” Mangini said. “You try to tell the rookies; it’s just something you need to experience to appreciate.”
Other than Chad Pennington starting, Mangini wouldn’t say what rotation he’d use among quarterbacks Kellen Clemens, Marques Tuiasosopo and versatile Brad Smith. Clemens struggled early in camp, but came on strong Wednesday. No matter the rotation, Pennington said the offense has a long way to go.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do in terms of making sure everybody is on the same page, communicating and thinking the same way, being able to make adjustments on the run,” Pennington said. “That’s always most important.”
Pennington may only play a quarter or so tonight, but this year – finally healthy, and able to concentrate just on football – he’ll have the reins loosened by coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and will be allowed to call plays for a series or two every game.
“I feel good physically. I’ve been able to get better mentally so I can make this offense part of me, where we all talk the same language on the field,” Pennington said. “A lot of times the defense has your play covered; you have to adjust. That 4, 5 seconds makes all the difference in keeping the chains moving and having success.”
The Falcons have questions to answer. Because the NFL told Vick, who’s facing federal dogfighting charges, not to come to camp, Atlanta enters tonight with a new quarterback, Joey Harrington, and a new coach, NFL rookie Bobby Petrino.
The Jets also have some new blood, notably running back Thomas Jones. And, to have success (either tonight or next month when the games count), Mangini’s team also needs to answer some questions on the offensive line and in the secondary.
Cornerback David Barrett has had a good camp, but Justin Miller still is out (hamstring) and first-round pick Darrelle Revis still is holding out. Safety Eric Smith hurt his leg Wednesday, so the secondary will be tested.
“It’s coming along good. We’ve been working hard out here, trying to get that chemistry going,” said safety Erik Coleman. “We all have a feel for the defense. It doesn’t matter who you put in; we’re confident we can play well.”
How left guard Adrien Clark plays is vital considering they have no depth behind he and starting right guard Brandon Moore, disgruntled Pete Kendall could be waived or dealt, versatile Wade Smith is backing up at center, and rookie free agent Nick Smith is struggling. Smith got an earful from offensive line coach Tony Wise and ran another punishment lap Wednesday.
And there are other good position battles, like Justin McCareins trying to hold off Smith for the third receiver spot, and longshot defensive lineman Andre Wadsworth, the No. 3 overall pick in 1998, now running with the third team and set to play in his first game since 2000.
“It’s seeing the progress of guys,” Mangini said. “The rookies last year, what kind of strides have they made? Your veteran guys that have a year in the system, what does their improvement look like? That’s the great thing about camp and preseason games: You get to look at a body of work.”
