"There will definitely be a competition between the two of them," said Johnson about Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens. "No one is favored."
Clemens replaced Pennington in the starting lineup halfway through the 2007 season. Although Pennington had superior statistics, the Jets won three games with Clemens as the starter and only one with Pennington.
"I'm going to leave it up to the coach to make the decision," said Johnson, referring to Eric Mangini.
The Jets' owner thinks whomever Mangini picks will have a much better chance of improving on last season's 4 and 12 record with the additions the team made through the draft, free agency and trades.
"I think we had an excellent draft," said Johnson, who was high on linebacker Vernon Gholston, the No. 6 pick in the first round. "Gholston is going to be real good," he said. "We're very excited about him and the way the draft went."
Johnson also liked Dustin Keller, the tight end grabbed with the 30th selection in the first round.
Johnson and the Jets splurged in the free-agent market to upgrade the offensive line. They signed Alan Faneca, the seven-time Pro Bowl guard and added Damien Woody to play right tackle. On defense, they made a trade with the Carolina Panthers for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins.
"We strengthened both sides of the ball,' Johnson said. "We plugged the holes that needed to be plugged. I think both sides of the ball are going to be better."
Which means added pressure on Mangini to blend in the new players and turn the team around.
"I'm hoping for improvement," Johnson said. According to the owner, he will not give Mangini an ultimatum to make the post-season to keep his job after last year's letdown.
"I'm not saying the playoffs, but I hope we'll play better and win some games."