INDIANAPOLIS — The New York Jets will have a new quarterback after Brett Favre’s retirement, but they appear to be happy with what they have. New coach Rex Ryan said the team feels comfortable with Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Eric Ainge competing for the job.
“I think if you ask the organization, it’s probably split on who they think can do it.” Ryan said Friday at the NFL Combine. “It’s definitely an open competition.”
Ainge, the former University of Tennessee standout, did not play in the regular season during his rookie season.
Ryan said he’d lean toward choosing among his three quarterbacks. He said he’s not interested in selling the future for a quick fix.
“Right now, I’d rather have our draft picks,” Ryan said. “I’d rather not talk about any potential free agent out there, with the tampering rules and everything else the way they are."
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Comments » 39
dvols writes:
start ......... oh dang...too easy.
Good luck eric!
lomas98 writes:
Good for him. Sure wish we had him last year.
johnsonsmile69#240092 writes:
Ainge is an OK QB. As long as he has got over his head trip thing that happen to him at UT. That was not all his fault either, there was a lot of dropped passes that year too. I could see him doing good in the NFL after he gets some snaps. He just will not be a superstar.
ICARRIEDGOALPOST writes:
i hope the pinky has had time to fully heal so he can throw the ball farther than 15 yards. i really do hope he wins the starting job. i like seeing any ex-vol do well in the NFL, it just makes us look better and better. he will just be another player that a potenial recruit can watch on sundays.
jerseydevilvol writes:
all young qbs, clemens will probably get the start if they dont go out and get someone which i think they will, but good luck eric, wouldnt mind seeing him on sundays for the jets
volsdontsuck writes:
He has size to be NFL QB. He had a year under Coach Cut. If he has a good line in front of him he could be a stud. Or he could take a three step drop and fling the ball two yards out of bounds every other play like he did his last year at UT. Clemons will start if they don't pick up someone (Jeff Garcia).
cltvol writes:
I think he's got the skills. He needs to get stronger, really strong, because he's a bit of a crystal. I think the Notre Dame shoulder hit as a freshman made him gun shy most of his career. Hope he does well.
VOLINCALI writes:
Hey guys, Kiffin is looking for the best talent out there. That includes coaches and scouts.
Most of you sound really informed, send Kiff your resume.
TommyJack writes:
Don't make book on this.
UTandETSUfan writes:
What about Brett Favre? (with the exception of Super Bowl XXXI)
Major_Magilicutty writes:
All you guys should post is "Good Luck" You guys really have no sense of loyalty whatsoever...unlike Ainge.
Greer_Vol_22 writes:
getting your grill stuffed into a goal post will do that for you
Hixson_Vol writes:
Not a chance in hell that Ainge starts for the Jets
bluetick writes:
And you're a perfect example of why people should at least have a drivers license for proof of age in order to be able to post on this site. You negative dork.
Good luck Eric!
UTandETSUfan writes:
Your obligation as a Vol fan? You make it sound as if wishing former Vols well is similar to pulling out your teeth.
A true fan always supports his university and the athletes that played there.
ArealVolFan writes:
Its shocking the amount of people that don't want to give Ainge support. I think he is one of the most underrated QBs in Tennessee history. So many people complained about him, but he was very solid. He made a terrible line look amazing and overcame many injuries and becoming a basketcase after '05. I think he is tougher than people give him credit for. I hope he gets the job. I don't think he will but I think he can compete and maybe get the backup spot. Good luck to him.
davemanthevolfan writes:
I would say with the back stabbing attitudes that most on this board have, you don't have many,if any,friends.Do you think Ainge tried to throw those INTs? Lets face it we gave it our best shot and it wasn't enough. If I were a recruit and read all these negative posts, I'd say screw those retards. That's my opinion you can get your own.
gohawks1 writes:
Good luck, young man. I wish you the best.
chad_t31 writes:
Brady's not that tall.
chad_t31 writes:
Should've "stay" in school to get better edumacated.
gohawks1 writes:
Heh heh. Fry cook or brain surgeon... it was a tough decision for Jethro too.
CoachFulmer writes:
I have alot of confidence is Erik. His vision seeing the field and pocket presense is his strong attributes. The deep ball his one of his biggest problems but I think he could over come it. GO VOLS!
halloffamebowler writes:
Man,you're smart.Can't imagine how you could have known.Pat yourself on your back for me.
halloffamebowler writes:
And an arse hole to boot.
orangevolz writes:
Ainge was one of the all-time great QBs at UT, but unfortunately, he was under-appreciated by many ignorant UT fans.
newtonrail writes:
Well welcome back Naffy the White player hater. You really do denigrate the great success Tee Martin had by bashing the White QB's on either side of his playing days.
newtonrail writes:
Naffy, when are you going to get it through your racist head that Peyton Manning, besides being a great Vol, only played in Three Florida games. You like to propigate a lie long enough and hope it sticks.
letshave1more writes:
I wish EA well and hope he has a great NFL career. You gotta wonder the first time a 300++ DT slams him into the ground if he will stay down or get up? He has the tools but not sure if he has the heart....
jimr07 writes:
I am sorry. I got a little confused. what does Kiffin and the UT staff have to do with the New York Jets and Erik Aginge?
jimr07 writes:
I agree, Major. The amount of criticism is exceeded only by their lack of knowledge.
eb502us#225637 writes:
Wish him the best but I can't see it happening. He doesn't have the smarts to play QB in the NFL. He barely had them in college.
iowavol writes:
Better yet, do you think Ainge even cares what these twits have to say? Ainge, like every other athlete that goes through our programs, realizes 95% of the vol nation is supportive and that the vociferous, self centered, instant gratification 5% are to be ingored. Ainge was a good player and good representative that deserves our respect. He made some mistakes...so who hasn't. If some good players hadn't made some mistakes in 98, we don't win a NC.
VOLINCALI writes:
Three out of four have great things ahead of them.
Blonde_Stranger writes:
Tou-f-ing-che! That's funnier than a fart in Algebra class!
When I first read JimR's reply to your post, I thought, "he's got to be incredibly obtuse for VOLINCALI's point to go so sailing right over his head." So, I thought of a good zinger to post as a reply.
But, then I saw this one and figured mine would, at best, be a mosquito bite after a bee sting.
VolFanNC writes:
I think this all depends on the offense for Ainge. He can be a good QB if the offense is a rhythm, quick passing type. He is tall enough to keep it from being swatted down on 3-5 step drops and looks pretty good on his decision making.
He won't be great in a air it out type offense where he holds the ball for more downfield throws like NE. Jets don't have the Oline to support this anyhow.
Hope he makes it though, he had a great turnaround in his TN career and became a pretty capable QB. He has all the tools, just needs the right system.
CoverOrange writes:
Translation: "when we get who we want in the draft or free agency they will be released afterwards"
Good luck Erik but I would put feelers out to other teams.
wyomingvol writes:
Would anyone rather of had Ainge starting for the Vols last year rather than Crapton, Coldman, or Stinkins???
I for one, sure would have...
So, he isn't the worst I have seen come out of Tennessee..
OrangeAppeal writes:
Fat Fruit
joshvols writes:
i wish him the best. Anytime a guy says his name, then University of Tennessee, during introductions on Monday Night Football, its a good thing.
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