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NFL

Vrabel last MNF memory for ABC

Associated Press
Published December 28, 2005

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - When Mike Vrabel trotted onto the field for the second time with the Patriots offense, everyone knew what to expect. Another touchdown.

Somehow, Jets cornerback David Barrett missed the memo.

Vrabel, the standout linebacker, scored two touchdowns on Barrett, taking the spotlight in the Monday Night Football finale on ABC as the Patriots beat the uninspired Jets 31-21.

Vrabel had already scored on a 1-yard catch in the first quarter. His 2-yard grab in the second quarter came on the same play.

"It's not like me to make stupid mistakes like that, but if you weren't human you wouldn't make mistakes," Barrett said. "I was frustrated about it. You don't want the same thing to happen two times in a row."

Vrabel also had a sack, making him the first player with two TDs and a sack in a game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The Jets' Vinny Testaverde became the first quarterback to throw a touchdown in 19 straight seasons with 2:10 left, when Laveranues Coles made a leaping 27-yard catch and bounced into the corner of the end zone.

The 42-year-old Testaverde came into the game late in the fourth quarter - and was not even the oldest player on the field. Doug Flutie, 43, took over for Tom Brady when the game was out of hand. Afterward, Testaverde went over to Flutie and spoke to him, "just two old guys reminiscing."

Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi injured his left leg in the first quarter, but walked from the locker room on his own afterward.

Nielsen ratings fell 11 percent from last year's MNF finale in the 56 largest U.S. markets. The program moves to ESPN next year.

THE PENNINGTON QUESTION: Ever since Chad Pennington injured his right rotator cuff for a second time, the Jets have painted an optimistic picture about his future. But offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger expressed hesitancy on the quarterback's return in 2006, saying he was worried about Pennington because of the severity of the injury. Pennington injured his rotator cuff in September, less than a year after tearing it the first time.

Heimerdinger said he wasn't sure how much Pennington would be able to take part in minicamps or offseason training activities.

[Last modified December 28, 2005, 00:37:18]

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