After trading for Brett Favre on Wednesday, the New York Jets decided to release quarterback Chad Pennington, creating yet more opportunities for football franchises to possibly upgrade their passing attack or to at least change it.
Pennington is an eight-year veteran who has spent his entire career with the New York Jets. He’s been the team’s starter since 2002 but has only played in all 16 regular-season games once. That was in 2006 when he passed for 3,352 yards and 17 touchdowns, guiding the Jets to a 10-6 record and taking them into the post-season. That year, after coming back from two shoulder injuries that he received in 2005, he was chosen as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Scouting Report
Pennington has a good arm, is a proven leader and is athletic, but he’s had durability issues. Additionally, he’s been plagued by interceptions and sacks. In 70 games, he’s thrown 71 touchdowns and 55 interceptions while being sacked 132 times. His overall completion rate stands strong at 65.6-percent.
He is a proven commodity- tough, intelligent and seasoned. According to the signal caller’s agent, there are six teams interested in him. Teams that could benefit from Pennington’s skills and experience include the AFC East Miami Dolphins. The AFC West Kansas City Chiefs is another conference team that can use help at that position. In the NFC, the Baltimore Ravens might be interested in the signal caller.
Favre’s Ripple Effect
It’s become extremely clear that the injection of Brett Favre into the Jets’ offensive scheme has not only revitalized that team but has cause a shift in the balance of power in the AFC East and perhaps the entire conference. If Pennington goes to Miami and stays in the conference, the dynamics are altered even more.
Favre’s insistence on coming back into the league as an active player has certainly cause a ripple effect that will make the 2008 season one of the most interesting ones in recent memory.