NFL preseason roundup
Pennington ready to reclaim job with Jets TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Chad Pennington looks like a quarterback ready to reclaim his job.
Playing in a game for the first time since undergoing a second major operation on his right shoulder, Pennington worked two series in the New York Jets’ 16-3 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday night.
The oft-injured seventh-year pro completed 9 of 14 passes for 54 yards and lost a fumble when he was sacked early in the second quarter. More importantly for him and the Jets, his surgically repaired shoulder withstood the first hits he’s taken since Week 3 of last season.
Lions 20, Broncos 13
DETROIT – Rod Marinelli’s debut as coach of the Detroit Lions got off to a good start. Each of the Lions’ quarterbacks – Jon Kitna, Josh McCown and Dan Orlovsky – led scoring drives and Detroit’s defense caused three turnovers.
Third-string quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt drove Denver deep into Detroit territory in the final minute and on a fourth-and-goal at the 9, his pass behind David Kircus was dropped. Jay Cutler had a solid debut for the Broncos. The 11th pick in the draft was 16-of-22 for 192 yards and a touchdown.
Both starting quarterbacks, Kitna and Denver’s Jake Plummer, played only one series and each moved the ball about 60 yards.
Giants 17, Ravens 16
BALTIMORE – Steve McNair produced a touchdown on his first series with the Ravens, then took a seat as his new team lost on the final play.
Having used his right arm and both legs to deftly move the offense, there was really nothing more for the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback to accomplish in his Baltimore debut. McNair went 4-for-5 for 45 yards and ran for a 6-yard touchdown.
But the Giants scored 10 points in the final nine minutes and Jay Feely kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired.
New York trailed 16-7 before Michael Jennings returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown with 8:44 left. The Giants then forced a punt and moved 62 yards behind third-string quarterback Jared Lorenzen to win it.
Falcons 26, Patriots 23
ATLANTA – Michael Koenen, who handled the punting and kickoff duties last season, appears ready to take on another job after booting four long field goals, including a 40-yarder as time ran out.
Rookie quarterback D.J. Shockley, who grew up in suburban Atlanta and played for the Georgia Bulldogs, thrilled the home fans with an impressive debut in the fourth quarter.
Cheered on with barks from fans who remember him leading Georgia to the Southeastern Conference title last season, Shockley guided the Falcons on a 14-play, 56-yard drive in the final 2:06. The biggest play was a 14-yard pass to Kevin Youngblood, who made a leaping catch over the middle.
After a spike and a short run, Koenen trotted on the field and kicked his final field goal.
None of them was a chip shot. He also connected from 44, 45 and 50 yards.
Martin Gramatica, seeking to replace Adam Vinatieri, made kicks of 26 and 30 yards. The other candidate, Stephen Gostowski, made a 34-yarder.