EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – Chad Pennington rediscovered some missing chemistry with his receivers. He also gave the New York Jets quite a scare.

Pennington had his finest passing day in weeks, throwing for 286 yards and a touchdown in New York’s 26-11 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday. The quarterback also had to leave briefly in the third quarter when he was hit by two Texans and left writhing in pain on the Meadowlands turf.

He was grabbed by his lower right leg by Jason Babin, but was able to complete a 4-yard pass to Jerricho Cotchery. As Pennington released the ball, rookie Mario Williams fell on top of him.

With the crowd watching in stunned silence – a scene that has become all too familiar with Pennington the last few seasons because of shoulder injuries – the Jets (6-5) stood around him as the trainers examined the quarterback. Good friend and receiver Laveranues Coles also went down on a knee to talk to the quarterback.

After several nervous moments, Pennington got up under his own power as the fans cheered wildly. He let them know he was OK when he pumped his right fist and then signaled the crowd to make more noise. Pennington missed one play – Patrick Ramsey threw an incomplete pass – before returning.

And he certainly looked good, especially in the second half, as Pennington finished 24-of-31. He spoke at length during the past few weeks about needing to reconnect with his receivers after throwing for 200 or more yards once since opening the season with two consecutive 300-yard games.

Apparently, everything’s OK now. Coles caught nine passes for 111 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and Cotchery had seven catches for 110 yards.

Mike Nugent tied a career high with four field goals, including a career-long 54-yarder for the Jets.

Pennington was 5-for-5 for 89 yards on the Jets’ first possession of the third quarter. He connected with Chris Baker for 28 yards and Cotchery for 35 to get down to the 12. Pennington then lofted a pass to the left front corner of the end zone, and Coles leaped for the score.

Cedric Houston added a 1-yard touchdown run later in the third quarter to make it 23-3.

Nugent kicked a 40-yarder midway through the fourth quarter for his third career four-field-goal game.

Andre Johnson caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from David Carr with 3:51 left to cap a 76-yard drive for the Texans (3-8), and Wali Lundy’s short reception completed the 2-point conversion. Carr was 39-of-54 for 321 yards, and Johnson and Eric Moulds each had 10 catches.

The Jets held Houston to 25 yards rushing a week after the Texans ran for 188 against Buffalo.

On Houston’s second possession, punter Chad Stanley fumbled the snap and, seven plays later, Nugent kicked a 23-yard field goal.

On New York’s next drive, the Jets had the ball on their 48 when Demarcus Faggins made contact with Justin McCareins and was called for pass interference, putting the ball on the Texans 20. Nugent kicked a 34-yarder four plays later.

Kris Brown kicked a 47-yarder to cap Houston’s next drive. Not to be outdone, Nugent easily made a 54-yarder to make it 9-6 with 1:09 left in the half.

AP-ES-11-26-06 1621EST

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