Jets Win Season Opener On Chad Pennington's Last Minute Red Zone Pick

Seeing Chad Pennington throw a red zone interception with five seconds remaining in a 20-14 season-opening game brought back bad memories of the past 6 seasons, the years when Pennington was the starting quarterback for the Jets.

Not such a rare occurrence, Pennington's crucial interceptions in the red zone always angered me. Today, however, I could not have been more content to see the former Jets quarterback throw an end zone pass, only to be picked off by Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis. 

The pick put an end to a 4th quarter offensive surge led by Pennington. 

After turning the ball over on downs at the Jets 2 yard line, the Dolphins defense forced the Jets three and out. 

Pennington took the ball back after a Ben Graham punt bounced out of bounds at the Miami 47 yard line. 

After being sacked by Bryan Thomas to start the drive, Pennington completed 6 of 7 passes, the final one being an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight-end Daniel Martin. 

Again, the Dolphins defense forced the Jets three and out. 

With 1:53 remaining on the clock, Ted Ginn Jr. returned Ben Graham's fifty-one yard punt to the Miami 34 yard line. 

After completing five consecutive passes, Pennington had the Dolphins at the Jets eighteen yard line with 23 seconds left in the game. 

Pennington's next pass was nearly picked off at the edge of the end zone by Drew Coleman, but the Jets cornerback was unable to hold on to the ball. 

Following another incomplete pass, Pennington lofted a ball into the back corner of the end zone with ten seconds left on the game clock. Revis read the pass well, getting in position to intercept the ball. Ginn Jr., the intended receiver, was in no position to make the catch, and climbed on Revis's back, drawing a penalty flag for offensive pass interference.

With five seconds remaining, all Brett Favre had to do was take a knee to end the game. 

In his debut as a Jet, Favre completed fifteen of his twenty-two passes for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

After completing two of his first four passes, Favre started the Jets' second offensive drive with a play-fake 56-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery. 

In the second quarter, Favre lobbed a ball into the end zone on fourth down. Rookie wide receiver Chansi Stuckey leapt into the air and came down with the pass, falling into the end zone for Favre's second touchdown of the day. 

Favre certainly spread the wealth, completing passes to seven teammates, six of whom received two or more passes. 

Starting runningback Thomas Jones matched his season touchdown total from last season with a 6-yard run into the end zone in the third quarter. Jones finished the game with 101 rush yards on 22 carries. 

Mike Nugent strained his thigh on a missed field goal in the first half, which led to a drive to the end zone for the Dolphins. Nugent returned to kick the extra point following Jones's touchdown. 

Overall, the Jets played well today. Despite having trouble with Pennington's short passes when he caught fire, the Jets held the Dolphins offense to 277 total yards. 

The most impressive part about the game today was possibly the Jets rush defense, a piece of the game that has been a problem for the Jets in previous seasons.

The Jets held the Dolphins backs to a total of 49 rushing yards. 

Next week, the Jets will oppose the New England Patriots. The Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs today, 17-10, but lost Tom Brady to a knee injury suffered early in the game. Brady did not return, and his status for next week has not been disclosed. 

One thing is for sure, the Jets will need to bring their A-game to beat the defending AFC champs. The Jets looked good today, but definitely could have handled a weak Miami team in an easier fashion. 

If the Jets play with the same intensity against the run, and put enough pressure on Brady, if he plays, Favre will be able to lead the offense and the Jets to victory next week.