Jets 38, Packers 10

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Chad Pennington and the New York Jets disassembled the Green Bay Packers' defense and stoked their hopes of an improbable playoff run.<br/><br/>Pennington, who snapped out of a

Sunday, December 3rd 2006, 3:33 pm

By: News On 6

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Chad Pennington and the New York Jets disassembled the Green Bay Packers' defense and stoked their hopes of an improbable playoff run.

Pennington, who snapped out of a midseason streak of shaky performances in a victory over Houston last week, put together 3 touchdown drives of 70 yards or more in the 2nd quarter and the Jets cruised to a 38-10 victory at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

New York (7-5) built a 31-0 halftime lead as snow flurries floated to the ground and boos showered down from the grandstands. The Jets used frequent wide-receiver motion and occasional no-huddle offense to confuse a Green Bay defense that has been prone to miscommunication and susceptible to big plays all season.

Pennington, who was 25-35 for 263 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, connected with 8 receivers. Cedric Houston carried 22 times for a career-high 105 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Packers (4-8) barely managed to avoid being shut out at home for the third time this season.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy called for a field goal with his team down 31-0 midway through the 3rd quarter, and Dave Rayner hit a 34-yarder, a move that elicited the Midwestern version of a Bronx cheer from Packers fans.

Brett Favre's season-long struggles with passing accuracy continued as the three-time MVP was 24-47 for 214 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.

Pennington was intercepted by Patrick Dendy late in the 3rd quarter, and Favre threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver to cut the Jets' lead to 31-10. Green Bay then recovered an onside kick after a successful replay review by McCarthy, but their slim chance at a comeback was dashed when the offense went 3-and-out.

The Jets put together another long scoring drive, and Leon Washington ran 20 yards for a touchdown to put New York ahead 38-10 early in the 4th quarter.

New York began the game with a field goal, then got the ball back when Bryan Thomas sacked Favre and forced a fumble that was recovered by Dewayne Robertson near midfield.

Pennington marched the Jets into Packers territory, then hit Jerricho Cotchery for a touchdown on 3rd & 9 at the Packers 12 as safety Nick Collins appeared to lose his footing in coverage.

The Packers went 3-and-out on their next possession, and Pennington put together an 8-play, 83-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by Houston to put New York ahead 17-0 early in the 2nd quarter.

Green Bay recovered to put together an extended drive, but the drive stalled when Favre threw a deep ball off the mark on 3rd down and Rayner missed a 40-yard field-goal attempt wide right.

Pennington then led the Jets on a 70-yard drive, and Houston ran in from the Green Bay 1 for his second touchdown.

Favre was picked off by Andre Dyson with 5 minutes remaining in the half, and the Jets put together another long scoring drive. Pennington marched the Jets 77 yards, finishing the drive with a lob pass to Chris Baker on 3rd & Goal to make it 31-0 at halftime.

Fans booed the Packers several times during the 1st half and loudly as they jogged to the tunnel at halftime.