HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- There were no awkward moments or uncomfortable conversations. Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens had already prepared for this situation.

Jets coach Eric Mangini announced yesterday that he is turning to Clemens as his starting quarterback. Clemens is in his second season out of Oregon.

Pennington says he and Clemens made a promise to each other. And that was no matter what happened, they would do whatever they needed to do to help the other one be successful.

It's Clemens' turn to see if he can turn around the Jets' season from a 1-7 start, starting Sunday against Washington.

And it's time for Pennington to turn into a mentor, much in the same way Vinny Testaverde helped him along at the beginning of his career.

Clemens says the fact that Pennington has handled his benching with grace has made the transition "ten times easier."