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BAKER COULD BE SITTING ON A BIG SEASON | By DAN MARTIN | New York Jets

excerpt:

August 7, 2007 -- The Jets have wanted Chris Baker to become a more vital part of the offense for several years. Although the Springfield Gardens native did catch a career-high 31 passes a year ago, he might be ready to do more.

Chad Pennington had trouble connecting with his top wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery in the team's simulated game on Sunday, but he seemed more comfortable than ever finding Baker.

Pennington was in the game for just 10 series, as coach Eric Mangini let all four of the Jets' other backups get work, and he still teamed up with Baker six times for 77 yards.

"I think me and Chad are more comfortable than we ever have been," Baker said. "Just in terms of this is our second year in this system and he knows where I'm going to be and I know he's going to get me the ball."

Mangini likes Baker's development, but thought he was doing pretty well even before this training camp.

"He had a really nice season last year," Mangini said. "His run blocking is very good and he's got a good feel for running routes."

He's not surprised the rapport between the tight end and quarterback has gotten better.

"Their relationship continues to evolve," Mangini said. "And with their familiarity with the system, they're going to get better and better."

Pennington agreed.

"He's very versatile," Pennington said of Baker. "He can do a lot of different things and will be out on the field a lot and I'm excited about that."I've seen improvements in Chris ever since he was a rookie. Every year he's gotten better. We knew he had good hands, but every year he's been able to hone those skills, really concentrate on the detail and try to put all those things together."

It looks as if Pennington is going to give him a chance to do that.

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