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Manning sharp, but Giants lose to Jets

Aug 26, 2007 - 3:00 AM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The final result mattered less than the strong first half by the New York Giants.

The New York Jets won the preseason game, 20-12, on Saturday night, but more telling was the solid performance of Eli Manning and the Giants' first-team defense through the first 30 minutes.

Manning completed 17-of-25 passes for 233 yards, including a 5-yard score to rookie wide receiver Anthony Mix with just 27 seconds left in the first half to give the Giants a 12-6 lead.

Overall, the Giants' quarterback directed his team into scoring position on three other occasions, but kicker Lawrence Tynes was only able to convert one of those as he missed field goals from 40 and 43 yards. Tynes finally split the uprights from 40 yards with 3:44 left in the half.

The Jets got on the board quickly when, on the first play from scrimmage, Chad Pennington hooked up with running back Leon Washington for a 79-yard scoring pass. The extra point was blocked by defensive tackle Fred Robbins.

That would be the lone bright spot on the night for Pennington, who finished 5-of-11 for 89 yards in one half of action. The quarterback did not lead his team to another first down over his ensuing five drives.

The Giants got on the board in the second quarter when Jets defensive back Rashad Washington was called for holding in the end zone during a punt, resulting in a safety.

The Jets took a 13-12 lead in the second half on 16-yard scoring run by rookie Danny Ware, then scored on their next possession on a 1-yard plunge by backup quarterback Kellen Clemens.

Clemens hit Justin McCareins for 45 yards and Brad Smith for 34 yards to set up his rushing touchdown. The second-year quarterback completed 6-of-8 passes for 122 yards, but was also intercepted once.