Although Jets’ rookie head coach Eric Mangini claims that the starting QB position is still open for grabs, Chad Pennington looks like he’s back and ready to assume the leadership position. He missed most of last season season due to injury and has not been healthy for the past three seasons. P

ennington is a sure bet to be the Jets starter as long as he is healthy. If he can stay away from the DL, the team should fair better than expected. Vet QB Patrick Ramsey, late of the Redskins, looks to be the likely backup with rookie Kellen Clemens possibly the future of the club. But despite Pennington’s promising camp performance, the Jets are far from being a contender. Along with a myriad of problems, the aging Curits Martin is PUP due to a nagging knee injury. Mangini managing a winning season with this team would be astounding. Playoff contenders? No. But if Pennington can stay away from the DL, the team should fair better than expected. That “if” connected to Pennington’s health is a BIG “IF”