Kingsbury replaces Testaverde as No. 2

[Smizzy]

Jets notebook: Kingsbury replaces Testaverde as No. 2

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Veteran quarterback Vinny Testaverde will be demoted from the No. 2 spot to the third quarterback, and first-year pro Kliff Kingsbury will move into the backup role behind starter Brooks Bollinger, The Star-Ledger has learned.

Testaverde, 42, had four turnovers in the Jets' 27-0 hammering in Denver and has 12 turnovers (six interceptions and six fumbles) in 43 possessions this season without a touchdown pass.

Coach Herman Edwards yesterday refused to confirm or deny the move. Someone close to the coach said he wanted to talk to Testaverde before making an announcement. Edwards, did, however say Kingsbury will get more work in practice this week, in part, because Testaverde is slowed by a sprained right ankle.

"I haven't determined (the No. 2 quarterback) yet," Edwards said. "Obviously, if Vinny is a little sore, Kingsbury will get most of the reps, and if he's the second this week, then he's the second."

Edwards defended his decision to leave Testaverde in the game against the Broncos although the outcome was long decided. Testaverde rolled his right ankle with 1:11 to play.

"Kingsbury wasn't ready to play," Edwards said. "He didn't get any reps (in practice). Vinny was better equipped than Kingsbury. That isn't fair to Kingsbury or the football team. He'll be more equipped this week."

Edwards also repeated he wanted to score and not be shut out.Edwards said he's not worried about owner Woody Johnson's refusal to answer questions about the coach's future on Sunday following the game.

"I'm fine with Mr. Johnson," Edwards said. "We have a good relationship. He knows exactly where we're at as a football team and that's all that matters, period. That's all I'm going to say."The Jets have had five quarterbacks play in a season only three times in their history -- 1962, 1989 and 2005.... The back-to-back 9-minute scoring drives by the Broncos marked just the sixth time in the past 11 seasons an opponent has had 9-minute drives vs. the Jets.Players attended meetings yesterday but were excused from the media. ... CB David Barrett (eye) is questionable vs. the Saints.... Edwards said S Erik Coleman and LB Mark Brown will retain their starting jobs despite being benched vs. the Broncos.... The Jets signed C Norm Katnik and waived LB T.J. Hollowell and S Jeremy LeSueur.

Peace Vincenzo!!

[4HCrew]

Great just means poor Curtis is going to get 45 carries on Sunday for 72 yards.