The Chad Pennington era is over.  And while it didn’t result in a Super Bowl victory, Pennington had the best run by a Jets signal caller since Joe Namath. He was better than Ken O’Brien, better than Boomer, better than Vinny, and a million times better than Bubby Brister. Some Jets fans with short memories will paint Pennington as an injury-prone passer with a weak arm. Fair enough; there is some truth to that. But let’s not forget that the nine-year veteran from Marshall is the Jets all time leader in post-season yards and touchdowns. Or the 8-4 record he posted as a starter when he replaced Vinny Testeverde in 2002. Or the 41 points he helped orchestrate in beating the Colts in the playoffs that same year. Or the 47-yard bomb to Santana Moss in a playoff win in San Diego. And save for a few rare blow ups with the media, Chad handled the pressure of being a quarterback in New York with class and dignity.

Today is a good day for the Jets fans. Their team now has a puncher’s chance at winning the Super Bowl and there is a buzz about them that has at least for a day (but probably more), taken over New York City. Brett Favre brings the Jets true star power and the “hold-your-breath, don’t-change-the-channel” presence the Jets have lacked for some time. But through all the excitement, tip a hat to Chad Pennington, a tough, accurate, smart, competitive quarterback that gave Jets fans touchdowns, wins and a few thrills as well.