QB Chad Pennington finally saw preseason action tonight, as he completed 9 of his 10 passes for 86 yards and helped the Jets defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 28-21.
After his first two drives did not produce a single first down, Pennington moved the Jets 80 yards down the field, concluding the drive with a perfect 20-yard touchdown strike to WR Laveranues Coles in the second quarter. It was a true reunion for Pennington and Coles, as the latter caught 6 of Pennington's 9 completed passes. RB Curtis Martin saw very limited action, carrying the ball just four times for 6 yards. Rookie RB Cedric Houston rushed for team-high 26 yards and scored the game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Jets were also able to capitalize on Minnesota's mistakes. Right after Pennington's touchdown pass to Coles, the Gang Green recovered a fumble and two plays later QB Jay Fielder found WR Wayne Chrebet in the end zone, putting the Jets on top, 14-7. The Jets converted another turnover into a score in the third quarter, when the Vikings fumbled a punt from Australian P Ben Graham. WR Jerricho Cotchery recovered, and Fiedler scored on a 1-yard run for a 21-7 lead.
The defense, however, did not look as good as one week ago. QB Daunte Culpepper was able to complete 11 of his 13 passes for a total of 146 yards, including a 42-yarder to Marcus Robinson. Hopefully, the secondary will improve next week with the addition of CB Ty Law who's expected to play against the Giants. The run defense looked better, as Michael Bennett gained only 14 yards on 8 carries. LB Mark Brown led the team with 7 tackles (4 solo). Rookie S Kerry Rhodes had another interception, his second in two preseason games.
Next Friday the Jets will take on their crosstown rivals, the New York Giants. Kickoff time is at 8PM ET.