Thursday, November 7, 2002
Pennington's start most accurate ever
Jets QB has 76.9 completion pct.
The Associated Press
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - No quarterback ever started his NFL career as accurately as Chad Pennington.
Not Kurt Warner. Not Brett Favre. Not Joe Montana.
No one.
Pennington is just 2-2 in his four starts with the New York Jets, but that record is more the result of a disappearing defense than any failings on his part. Indeed, Pennington has been on-target as a passer, completing a phenomenal 76.9 percent and compiling a 108.5 rating in those games.
"The reason it's not mind-boggling for me is my teammates around me," Pennington said Wednesday. "They are making plays for me. My passes by no means have been accurate all the time. I get the ball in the vicinity of these guys, and they'll make a play."
Jets coach Herman Edwards switched from veteran Vinny Testaverde to Pennington when the Jets were 1-3. Before that change, the team was in the middle of a three-game slump in which it was outscored 102-13.
Pennington played well in taking over early for an injured Testaverde in Week 4 against Jacksonville. Even though the Jets lost 28-3, the offense found some rhythm.
That rhythm has turned into a persistent marching beat. Pennington has revitalized a dormant passing game, getting the wide receivers more involved, and, most significant, the 2000 first-round pick has led New York to the end zone.
"The people playing a role around him have contributed to his success," Edwards said. "I'm not trying to take anything from Chad. He has done an outstanding job, but there are a lot of things happening around him that help him function better."
Still, Testaverde couldn't master the West Coast-style offense coordinator Paul Hackett employs. Pennington is a better fit, thanks to his maneuverability, precision and a stronger arm than most people thought.
His 76.9 completion percentage is the highest ever for a quarterback in his first four starts.
Counting relief appearances against the Jaguars and Patriots, Pennington's passer rating is 96.6 - third behind Favre and Rich Gannon.
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