The most important thing about Friday night's game was nobody got hurt.

Oh, and the Jets beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-16 at the Meadowlands.  They do keep score in these games and if they do, that means YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME.  Herm may be gone, but I still haven't tired of that line.

I'll be honest with you Jet fans, I missed most of this game.  I did tape it and was preparing to watch it later, but I ran out to pick up my new DVR (yes, I'm entering into the 21st century) on Saturday and after I hooked it up, my Internet was down and my phone didn't work.  By the time the smoke cleared, I had disconnected my VCR and decided not tempt fate and try and hook it back up. 

SML has a nice breakdown of the game if you want a more in-depth look.

I, on the other hand, will be piecing it together from sporadic glimpses, highlights and the newspaper.  And a waaaaay we go!

I didn't think Chad Pennington would go more than a couple of series on Friday night, but I thought he would've at least attempted a pass.  Pennington had maybe the strangest box score -- even for a preseason game -- ever for a starting quarterback.  His line: 0 completions in 0 attempts for 0 yards.  In fact, his name isn't even listed in the box score on some Web sites.  I realize the idea is to keep Pennington from taking any unnecessary hits, but you have to take the red jersey off eventually.

After Pennington's phantom-like appearance, second-year pro Kellen Clemens took the reins and jumped into the lead for the backup spot.  Clemens finished 16 of 22 for 174 yards and three touchdowns.  Sure, it came against the Falcons' backup defense, but it's important to have Clemens enter his sophomore year with some confidence.  Off-season acquisition Marques Tuiasosopo came in late and was regulated to just handing off.

The Pete Kendall fiasco continued.  He started the game, but alternated with starter Adrien Clarke and played into the third quarter.  This looks like it could get really ugly before everything is said and done.

Thomas Jones didn't have a great night (8 carries for 27 yards), but he did score the first touchdown of 2007 for the Jets.

Leon Washington's numbers also looked less than spectacular (9 carries for 30 yards), but his 86-yard kickoff return set up Thomas' score.

Seventh-round pick WR Chansi Stuckey had a nice night (3 catches for 20 yards) and made a nifty catch for a touchdown in the third quarter. 

Backup TE Sean Ryan had the best game of his short Jet career.  I gotta tell ya, Ryan was my PWB (Personal Whipping Boy) last season.  In the Jets first game last year, Ryan caught a short pass and rumbled 10 yards for a first down, only to fumble the ball away to the Titans.  Ever since then, he's been on my list.  I shuddered whenever I saw him go in motion and hoped he wouldn't be on the receiving end of a pass.  He usually wasn't (he finished 2006 with only 6 receptions), but my trepidation remained.  Stupid, I know, but it's just the way it was.  Anyway, I suppose his night (4 catches for 29 yards and 2 TDs) was his way of extending an olive branch to me going into the new season.  OK, I guess I'll wipe the slate clean.

Next up for the Jets: the Minnesota Vikings.  The Jets will host the Purple Crew on Friday night. 

I'll make a fearless prediction and say Pennington throws at least one pass next week.