Pennington’s passing arm still hurting

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004 | 10:54 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Some throws fell woefully short, skittering across the turf and rolling to the feet of receivers. Others sailed over the heads of the intended targets, fluttering to a leathery thud as they tumbled incomplete. The three worst passes by Chad Pennington in Sunday's 17-6 loss to Pittsburgh ended up in the hands of Steelers defenders.

As the New York Jets continue to search for answers to their suddenly sputtering offense, attention has turned to the recent difficulties of Pennington and how much his struggles may be related to the effects of an injured shoulder.

Coach Herman Edwards said Wednesday that Pennington was still feeling soreness from a strained rotator cuff that he sustained on Nov. 7. The injury sidelined Pennington for three games.

"He's sore," Edwards said. "He's going to be sore. He's going to be sore for the rest of the year. That's the way it is."

Despite the soreness, which the Jets said was a normal part of the healing process, Edwards said Pennington would most likely not be re-evaluated until the off-season. Pennington has not ruled out needing surgery.

Neither Pennington nor Edwards said the quarterback's troubles were caused by the injury. They each pointed to factors such as Pennington's decision making.

After practice, coach John Fox said Sauerbrun will play Saturday night at Atlanta.

"We're a microcosm of society," the coach said. "It (drunken driving) happens to every other NFL team. It's something we take very seriously, but it's reality."