EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Steve McNair made his first and only Monday night appearance of the season, but Chad Pennington seized the prime time spotlight.
Pennington was flawless in the second half, completing all eight of his pass attempts for 134 yards and two touchdowns to lead the New York Jets to a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for the Titans (9-3), who share first place with the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South and host them next weekend.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher wasn't sure if McNair would be able to play due to a strained right calf, which knocked him out of last week's game at Atlanta.
But as is usually the case, McNair battled through the injury, shook off two first-half interceptions and threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
"I've played with worse injuries than that," said McNair, who completed 21-of-35 passes. "It probably inhibited my running ability a bit, but I felt fine throwing the ball."
However, the NFL leader in quarterback rating had to take a backseat to Pennington, who also shrugged off two first-half interceptions and pitched a perfect second half.
"All I thought about was the Oakland playoff game last year when I fell apart in the second half after a tough first half, and I wasn't going to let it happen again," said Pennington, who is 11-6 as a starting quarterback.
Pennington hit Kevin Swayne with a 27-yard touchdown with 3:32 left in the third quarter to snap a 10-10 tie and connected with Curtis Conway on an eight-yard scoring play with 10:45 remaining.
Swayne beat safety Lance Schulters and made a leaping catch in the end zone for his first catch of the season and first career touchdown.
"It really feels good to contribute in any way," said Swayne, who is in his third year with the Jets after starring in the Arena League. "We came in here expecting to win and showed the country we're a team to be reckoned with."
The Jets (5-7) also received a fortunate bounce. On their last touchdown drive, Pennington threw a pass over the middle that deflected off tight end Chris Baker and went to Santana Moss for a 31-yard gain to the Tennessee 10. Two plays later, Pennington lobbed the ball in the end zone to Conway.
"Maybe we have some breaks coming to us," Jets coach Herman Edwards said. "All I know is this was like a playoff game for us."
The Titans pulled within 24-17 on an eight-yard touchdown pass from McNair to Derrick Mason with 1:52 left. Mason finished with 11 catches for 133 yards.
But Baker recovered the ensuing on-side kick and the Jets ran out the clock.
"They were a playoff team last year and they played like a playoff team tonight," Fisher said of the Jets. "We just have to bounce back from this and beat Indianapolis on Sunday."
