JET REPORT CARD

QUARTERBACK A

What’s amazing about Chad Pennington (20-27, 224 yards, 2 TDs, 123.1 rating) is that he wasn’t even considered a star of the Jets’ win despite putting up marvel ous numbers.

RUNNING BACKS A

Curtis Martin (29-for-196, 1 TD rushing, 1 TD receiving) ran with more of a bounce in his step than many can remember. FB Jerald Sowell had a standout game blocking.

WIDE RECEIVERS B

Justin McCareins led the way with five catches for 66 yards, while Santana Moss had four catches for 55 yards, but dropped two. Jonathan Carter made up for a fumbled opening KO with a 46-yard TD catch.

TIGHT ENDS C+

Anthony Becht had a drop. Chris Baker caught one pass for 4 yards. Becht did, however, have a terrific blocking game, helping spring Martin.

OFFENSIVE LINE A

Across the board, there was great run-blocking. C Kevin Mawae, LG Pete Kendall, LT Jason Fabini, RT Kareem McKenzie and RG Brandon Moore should all share Martin’s 196 rushing yards.

DEFENSIVE LINE C+

Good job slowing down Bengals RB Rudi Johnson (70 yards, 2.9-yard aver age). DT Dewayne Robertson, though credited only with one tackle for a 6-yard loss, was disruptive and active.

LINEBACKERS B-

Sam Cowart had the best game he’s ever played as a Jet, making 14 tackles, 12 of which were solo. He also forced a fumble that was returned for a TD.

SECONDARY C

Feast or famine. SS Erik Coleman was beaten on a long pass and he later sealed the game with his first career INT. CB Donnie Abraham returned a recovered fumble 41 yards for a TD.

SPECIAL TEAMS D

Tough day. Carter fumbled the opening KO away and later fielded a KO near the sideline when it appeared on the way out of bounds. Moss returned two punts for a 6.5-yard average. Carter returned 5 KOs for a 20-yard average.

KICKING GAME B

Punter Toby Gowin averaged 38.5 yards on two punts and his KOs were consistently inside the 5-yard line. Doug Brien made his only FG attempt.

COACHING B

Herman Edwards had the team men tally ready to handle adversity. Offen sive coordinator Paul Hackett called an imaginative game, keeping the Bengals off balance. B