Jets Get Pennington Back And First Win In Same Day

Chad Pennington returned to the lineup after a one-week absence because of a sprained ankle and threw two touchdown passes while running for another score to lead the New York Jets to a 31-28 victory over the Miami Dolphins at the Meadowlands. Pennington sat out last weeks loss at Baltimore after suffering his injury during the season-opener against New England. On Sunday, he completed 15-of-22 passes for 124 yards without an interception to lead the Jets (1-2) to their first victory of 2007. "I hope when I get in there the guys can feed off my energy," Pennington said about his return. "I try to be energetic and enthusiastic and lead that way. I think thats important that we all play with passion." Thomas Jones ran for 110 yards in the victory and the Jets also scored on a 98-yard kickoff return by Leon Washington. "I was really happy with the complimentary football that we played," said Jets head coach Eric Mangini. "I think we did good things in all three phases 1/8of the game3/8. Thats something weve been talking about." The Dolphins (0-3), meanwhile, remained winless despite a more productive offensive showing than in losses to Washington and Dallas. Miami had managed just 33 points and ranked last in the league in rushing with a mere 127 total yards in the two games. Ronnie Brown, who had just 65 rushing yards in those contests, finished with 112 in this one. He also caught six passes for 99 yards and scored all three touchdowns for Miami, which has lost its first three games for the second time in four seasons. "There was definitely the intention this week of giving 1/8Brown3/8 more touches, whether it was through the passing game or running the ball," said Dolphins quarterback Trent Green. "I thought Ronnie responded pretty well." Green completed 23-of-36 passes for 318 yards with a touchdown and an interception in defeat, while Chris Chambers hauled in six passes for 101 yards. The Dolphins outgained the Jets, 424-256. Greens lone scoring toss, a 22-yard screen pass to Brown, pulled the Dolphins within three with 1:15 to play. Miami then tried an onsides kick and Jay Feely nearly recovered his own kick after a Jet could not come up with it on the high bounce. New York, though, managed to gain possession and ran out the clock. "You have to give New York a tremendous amount of credit," said Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron. "Ive always been impressed with Chad Pennington. He was out there playing on one leg and did an outstanding job. I think its clear that there are some areas where we have to improve on." The Dolphin defense, playing without star linebacker Zach Thomas because of a mild concussion, had trouble stopping the Jets and allowed them to score on three consecutive possessions after Miami had pulled within 14-13 late in the first half. After the second of two Feely field goals made it a one-point game, the Jets had 1:36 left on the clock and used all but two seconds of it to reach the end zone. Pennington completed seven passes -- with one spike to stop the clock -- on the nine-play series, capping it with a four-yard toss to tight end Chris Baker, who was able to drag his feet in the back of the end zone after making a juggling catch. "That was a real good throw," Baker stated. "He put it where 1/8only3/8 I can get it. He had the confidence in me to go get it. When I get those opportunities, Im going to make the most of it." Despite trailing 21-13 at the break, Miami had an advantage of 227-97 in total yards and held the ball for nearly twice as long. The Jets took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove from their own 30 to the Miami four, but the Dolphins eventually forced a 21-yard Mike Nugent field goal to make it 24-13. Miami moved the ball into New York territory with its first possession of the second half, but Green was picked off by Kerry Rhodes inside the 25-yard line. Pennington then directed a 15-play, 74-yard drive that ate up more than 7 1/2 minutes. He finished it by calling his own number, scoring on a quarterback draw from two yards away to give the Jets a comfortable 31-13 cushion early in the fourth. The Dolphins answered with a quick, eight-play scoring drive, as Brown found the end zone on a two-yard carry and added a two-point conversion run to make it a 10-point game with 8:56 to play. New York then took more than five minutes off the clock before a punt pinned the Dolphins at their own 10 with just over 3 1/2 minutes left. Green led another quick scoring march that ended with Browns touchdown on the screen pass, but the Dolphins could not complete the comeback. Miami has lost three straight to the Jets, all by three points. "We still have a long way to go," Brown remarked. "We got some things to build off of. Well go in and look at tape this week, and hopefully continue this next week to progress as a team." The Jets took a lead for the first time this season when Pennington hit Laveranues Coles in the back left corner of the end zone for a touchdown late in the first quarter. The Dolphins responded with a six-play, 80-yard drive for the tying score with Brown doing most of the work. He started the series with an 11-yard run, added a 43-yard reception off a short pass and finished it with a one-yard run for the touchdown early in the second quarter. New York regained the lead immediately, however, on Washingtons kickoff return. He caught the ball at the two and found a seam through the left side, going virtually untouched to the end zone. The Dolphins went right back on offense and marched deep into Jets territory with the aid of a fourth-down conversion, but had to settle for a 31-yard Feely field goal to pull within 14-10. Miamis defense forced a quick three-and-out from the New York offense and the Dolphins drove back into Jets territory before Feely came on for a 39-yard field goal to make it a one-point game. Game Notes Penningtons rushing touchdown was his first since October 24, 2004 against New England...Brown notched his third straight 100-yard rushing game against the Jets...The Jets have won six of the last seven meetings and lead the all- time series, 44-39-1, which includes Miamis AFC Championship Game victory after the 1982 season...The Jets honored former wide receiver Wayne Chrebet during a halftime ceremony.