JET NOTES

PHILADELPHIA – Get off Chad Pennington’s back.

That was a message Herman Edwards has delivered somewhat subliminally in recent days in response to some mild criticism the Jets backup quarterback has taken because he hasn’t looked extremely sharp this summer.

Edwards, on a couple of occasions during the week, voiced his concern that Pennington is being too heavily scrutinized for being such a young player.

Pennington, by his own admission, has looked just OK this summer. He was 3-of-8 for 47 yards Saturday against the Giants and said, “I haven’t been myself” yet with concern to being in complete command of the offense.

In fairness, though, it’s not as if Pennington, his own toughest critic, has looked bad, either.

“We’re putting way too much pressure on Chad,” Edwards said. “Vinny is the starting quarterback. Chad is the backup and he’s going to make mistakes. If [Pennington] goes in the game we’re going to make sure he’s successful by building around what he does best.”

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Not that there’s even a remote thought that he was a fluke against the Giants Saturday night, but a lot of eyes were on Chad Morton in last night’s preseason finale against the Eagles.

Morton, the punt and kick returner the Jets acquired from the Saints for a mere sixth-round draft pick and CB Earthwind Moreland, averaged 22.7 yards on three punt returns and 22.3 yards on three kickoff returns.

“I think we’ll be even better once I get to know the guys back there,” Morton said. “I can’t wait until I know who everyone is.”

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With WR Matthew Hatchette expected to play last night after missing last week with a sprained ankle, the Jets were hoping to see him make a few catches since he has only one this preseason. Hatchette trails Laveranues Coles in the battle to start opposite Wayne Chrebet.

“He’s shown the ability to really make a tough catch when covered,” Edwards said. “That’s why we brought him in. He’s a big guy (6-2), so when you throw the ball up he’s liable to come down with it.”

Asked whether Hatchette has been “frustrated” by the lack of catches, Edwards said, “He’s fine, because the way we’re going to run it he’s going to catch a lot of balls.”

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The Jets must make their final cutdown by 4 p.m. Sunday, so last night’s game was a last hurrah for a number of players. The team must cut from the 68 to 53.