HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK -- New York Jets coach Eric Mangini is either loyal or stubborn - maybe both.
Despite the Jets' 1-6 record, Mangini announced Wednesday that he is sticking with Chad Pennington as his starting quarterback.
When Mangini did not name a starter at the beginning of the week, speculation grew that he was ready to make a change to backup Kellen Clemens.
But the coach ended the suspense Wednesday, saying Pennington did enough good things in last week's 38-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals to keep his job.
Pennington completed 20-of-31 passes for 272 yards with three touchdowns in perhaps his best performance of the season. The Jets squandered a 23-10 lead in the third quarter.
"There are a lot of really good things that he did on Sunday," Mangini said. "There are a bunch of checks that he got us in and out of. There were a bunch of plays that he made because of the things that he understands within the offense."
But with the Jets having dropped four straight games to fall out of playoff contention, fans have been clamoring for Clemens. The second-year quarterback has a stronger arm and played well in relief of Pennington in a Week Two loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Pennington, who missed the Ravens' game with a right ankle injury, understands the frustration of the fans.
"I just focus on me and what I can do, what I bring to the table," the eight-year veteran said. "That's all I can control. I didn't understand that when I was a young player. I thought I could control everything."
Pennington has completed 115-of-170 passes for 1,211 yards this season with nine touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
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