E-Boland & Gang Green

By Tom Rock

Jets coach Eric Mangini raved over Kellen Clemens’ poise in the 2-minute drill during Friday’s game, a drive that resulted in the only points of the game for the Jets. Clemens showed the ability to conduct the offense on a tight schedule, calling a timeout after he was tackled at the 2 with six seconds left then throwing a pass away when it was clear no TD options were available to set up the FG with two seconds left.

After the game, Clemens said the speed of the game – and the players – was different that in college. “That run towards the end zone, he closed way faster than I’m used to,” Clemens said of the second-and-goal play from the 4 in which he rolled to his left and ran for a 2-yard gain. “I thought I had a chance (to score a touchdown) until I took about three steps and it was all over from there.”

It seems Clemens has a real shot at the backup QB spot. Assuming the Jets go with three QBs on the roster – and assuming Pennington stays healthy, a much more risky assumption -- that could make things tight for both Ramsey and Bollinger. Their battle could surface Saturday in Washington as both will likely get significant playing time after getting the scraps in the preseason opener.

As for Sunday’s practice, the coach was not happy. If you haven’t heard, at least nine players were forced to run laps for mental mistakes that included things such as false starts, botched exchanges on snaps and handoffs, and muffed punts. About 25 players ran wind sprints toward the end of practice, apparently after they were slow to jog back during a drill. Mangini said all of the practices for the rest of training camp are scheduled as one-a-days, but he holds the threat of two-a-days over the players and said if they cannot accomplish their goals and meet standards during one practice, it will have be done during two.

The Jets brought in big FB Jamar Martin, who was waived by the Saints. He practiced for the first time yesterday. Stacey Tutt also saw time at FB. Based on the tailbacks currently in camp and the inexperienced offensive line, fullback could be a significant position for the Jets this season.