QB Chad Pennington's comeback after a second surgery on his shoulder was an impressive one. He threw for 319 yards and 2 TDs to lead the Gang Green to a 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
After a scoreless first quarter the Jets put up an impressive 74-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard TD run by RB Kevan Barlow. The Titans tried to respond but CB Andre Dyson intercepted two passes in a 4-minute span. His second interception put the Jets in a scoring position and seven plays later Pennington connected with WR Jerricho Cotchery, as the Gang Green extended their lead to 13-0 (Nugent missed the extra point).
As the third quarter began, PK Mike Nugent converted an easy 18-yard field goal, increasing the lead to 16-0. About five minutes later Nugent had another field goal attempt but missed from 34 yards. This wasn't, however, his last miss in this game.
On the next possession Nugent had an even closer, from 30 yards, field goal attempt but hit the right upright. The Titans got the ball back and less than four minutes later, reduced the Jets' lead to just 16-8. The Jets answered with two 3 and out possessions, the latter of which ended with a fumble inside the Jets' 1-yard line. Tennessee quickly scored and the game was tied 16-16 with just 6 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Pennington needed only seven plays to take back the lead, following CB Justin Miller's 41-yard kickoff return. Chad connected with TE Chris Baker on a 12-yard TD pass, 23-16.
Pennington finished the game 24/33 for 319 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT and QB rating of 123.2. RB Derrick Blaylock averaged only 1.9 yards on 19 carries. RB Kevan Barlow wasn't much better - 3.2 yards/carry. WR Laveranues Coles led the team with 8 receptions for 153 yards.
On the defensive side, LB Jonathan Vilma recorded 12 tackles (7 solo). CB Andre Dyson made 6 tackles (5 solo) in addition to his 2 interceptions. LB Victor Hobson and LB/DE Bryan Thomas had one sack apiece. S Kerry Rhodes also had an interception.
Next Sunday the Jets will host the New England Patriots. The kickoff time is at 4:15 PM EST.