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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2009

Brennan hurt in Redskins' loss


Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Colt Brennan

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars played like it didn't want to be the first team in franchise history to endure a winless preseason.

It showed, too. Washington's backups were no match for Jacksonville's starters who played most of the first half.

David Garrard led the Jaguars to a touchdown and two field goals in four possessions to beat the Redskins, 24-17, last night.

Washington quarterback Colt Brennan, a second-year player from the University of Hawai'i, battling Chase Daniel for the third-string job, left the game after injuring his hamstring in the fourth quarter.

Brennan was 10 of 14 for 83 yards before leaving the game.

Garrard completed 10 of 13 passes for 95 yards and a score. He hooked up with Mike Sims-Walker for a 10-yard TD late in the second quarter, then found rookie Jarett Dillard for the 2-point conversion, making it 21-0.

"We didn't want to be the first 0-4 team in Jacksonville history," Sims-Walker said. "We were at home, so that would have made it even worse. We wanted to get a win. That was the most important thing tonight."

The Redskins (1-3) played without running back Clinton Portis and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and several starters played one series.

Washington starting quarterback Jason Campbell completed 4 of 6 passes for 33 yards.

"He was excellent," coach Jim Zorn said. "He made big plays. He made a great throw to Antwaan Randle El that we couldn't connect on. We saw what we wanted to see tonight."

Washington even skipped right over backup quarterback Todd Collins and turned things over to rookie Daniel on the second drive. Daniel, completed 8 of 16 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. He fumbled on Quentin Groves' sack, and Jacksonville (1-3) scored three plays later.

Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew bruised his right leg on the opening series when cornerback Fred Smoot tackled him following a short reception. X-rays were negative, but Jones-Drew's status for the season opener remains a question.

"I don't know what's really wrong with him," Garrard said. "I don't know if anything's really wrong with him. He'll be fine. He'll be ready to roll."

JETS 38, EAGLES 27

At East Rutherford, N.J., Michael Vick was hardly dynamic in his first significant action in three years, just hours after the Philadelphia quarterback found out he'll be fully reinstated in Week 3. He ran for a 2-yard touchdown, but was sacked four times, lost a fumble and was intercepted as New York beat Eagles. He finished 7 for 11 for 26 yards, and carried the ball seven times for 35 yards.

LIONS 17, BILLS 6

At Orchard, Park, N.Y., Detroit rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford closed the preseason much like he opened it: by showing plenty of promise but little finish. The top draft pick from Georgia finished 5 of 9 for 81 yards with two drive-killing turnovers — a fumble and interception. Jerome Felton scored on a 1-yard plunge late in first half to open the scoring for the Lions. Tristan Davis then sealed the win with a 79-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

RAVENS 20, FALCONS 3

At Atlanta, Matt Ryan played one series for Atlanta. Most of Baltimore's starters didn't even bother suiting up. This final exhibition game belonged to guys fighting for roster spots. John Beck threw for 232 yards with a pair of touchdown passes as the Ravens closed out the preseason with a victory over the Falcons.

PATRIOTS 38, GIANTS 27

At Foxborough, Mass., Eli Manning and David Carr passed the Giants to a 21-point first-quarter lead. Rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer brought the Patriots back for a victory in the exhibition final for both teams. Brady and nearly all of New England's usual starters sat out the exhibition finale.

STEELERS 21, PANTHERS 10

At Charlotte, N.C., Pittsburgh's first-team defense forced a three-and-out, Stefan Logan returned a punt for a touchdown, and the Steelers' second unit made Carolina punt before Ben Roethlisberger hit the field. He threw one swing pass for seven yards on third-and-9 and called it a night in the final exhibition, a victory over the Panthers.

TITANS 27, PACKERS 13

At Nashville, Tenn., Vince Young ran for a touchdown and threw for another in his strongest performance this preseason, leading Tennessee. On a night where not getting hurt was the top goal, Green Bay rookie defensive tackle B.J. Raji — the No. 9 draft pick overall — hurt his ankle after having three tackles and a sack.

BEARS 26, BROWNS 23

At Chicago, Eric Mangini apparently didn't need another look at Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson. Cleveland's coach gave his quarterbacks a night off rather than one more audition. Brett Ratliff started for the Browns and led a touchdown drive, and Robbie Gould kicked four field goals to lead the Bears.

DOLPHINS 10, SAINTS 7

At New Orleans, Patrick Cobbs rush for 54 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown run, and Miami closed out a perfect 4-0 preseason beating New Orleans. New Orleans held out numerous starters on offense, including quarterback Drew Brees, running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, receiver Marques Colston and tight end Jeremy Shockey.

RAMS 17, CHIEFS 9

At St. Louis, Kansas City had four gains of 40 yards or more and totaled 406 yards, yet still lost to St. Louis to finish its fourth winless preseason this decade. Quincy Butler's 28-yard interception return off Tyler Thigpen was the go-ahead score late in the third quarter for the Rams, who produced three turnovers and won the annual Governor's Cup.

BENGALS 38, COLTS 7

At Cincinnati, Bengals backup quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan capped his only series with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell as Cincinnati beat Indianapolis. Indianapolis backup Jim Sorgi was 11 of 19 for 119 yards and a touchdown, a 22-yarder to Taj Smith. Sorgi missed most of camp because of a pulled right hamstring.

BRONCOS 19, CARDINALS 0

At Denver, with Denver's top two quarterbacks injured, rookie Tom Brandstater stepped in and guided the Broncos over Arizona. In a composed and effective performance, Brandstater completed 16 of 30 passes for 187 yards, and led the Broncos to scores on four of their first five possessions.

SEAHAWKS 31, RAIDERS 21

Yes, Aaron Curry is ready for the real season. Seattle's prized fourth overall draft pick made four tackles, two for losses, hit Oakland quarterbacks twice, then sacked one and forced a fumble to set up a field goal. And that was just in the first half. Seattle and new coach Jim Mora, coming off a 4-12 season, finished 4-0 in the preseason for the first time in its 34-year history.