E-Boland & Gang Green

By Tom Rock

It’s official. As if there needed to be any sanctioned announcement around these parts. Chad Pennington was named the AP Comeback Player of the Year. After two shoulder surgeries, a four-way training camp competition, more doubters and skepticism than any quarterback in recent memory has had to endure, Pennington was the right recipient for the honor.

Jerricho Cotchery spoke about Chad’s leadership abilities, remembering his presence in the huddle against New England after he threw an interception in the November meeting. “He said ‘Forget that, look at this ground, the ball slipped out of my hands we’re gonna go down and score right now.’”

They went down and scored. And won the game.

Mangini continues to shine in front of an ever-growing media contingent. Today he had several sharp one-liners. When asked if Nick Mangold should have gotten more consideration for Rookie of the Year, he shrugged and said Mangold had won the Jets’ Center of the Year Award. When asked about the “handshakes” he shared with Bill Belichik after their two meetings during the regular season, he was even more charming (while digging at his former boss just a smidge). “I thought my handshake was strong. Firm. My dad always told me it’s important to have a good handshake and I try to be consistent with that. I’ve experimented with a couple other different kinds that haven’t worked for me.”

Mangini also said that while Belichick has not been the supportive mentor most envisioned, largely because they coach in the same division, he has received acknowledgement and advice from other coaches including Bill Parcells, Charlie Weis, Kirk Ferentz, and Romeo Crennel. He said he even received a phone call from Lovie Smith this week wishing him well in the playoffs.