Like spandex, the 3-4 is not for everyone

SPEED READS

* The Jets paid quarterback Chad Pennington more than he deserves based on his first four years in the NFL, but signing him was wise from a business standpoint. In extending Pennington's deal, the Jets are projecting more than rewarding. Their only other option was to let the season play out, then either give Pennington the franchise tag or let him walk. This is the best solution, and based on what Pennington has shown, the contract will end up as a solid decision for the Jets.

* The Denver passing game won't be very effective unless Ashley Lelie steps up, and so far that looks unlikely. If the passing game isn't very effective, the team will be limited.

* In light of all the injuries that have been occurring in preseason games, I can't blame coaches for not playing stars such as Michael Vick and LaDainian Tomlinson. In most instances, these players have been taking snaps with their offenses since March: If they don't have it figured out by the start of September, they probably never will.

INSIDE DISH

By DAN POMPEI

The Chiefs plan to get Dante Hall more snaps at receiver, but not so many that he will be affected as a return man. The team recognizes Hall's primary value is to return kicks and punts, so it will monitor the number of snaps he gets on offense to ensure he's fresh for special teams. The plan is for Hall to get about 20 to 25 snaps a game on offense, and maybe five or six touches. Hall, a college running back, had a great camp and showed growth as a receiver.... Seahawks TE Itula Mili stayed away from minicamps because he wanted more money than his contract called for, but the no-show might end up costing him in the long run. The Seahawks refused to redo Mili's contract, and his absence allowed backup Jerramy Stevens to get work with the first team. Stevens did so well that it appears he'll take Mili's starting job. Stevens, a 2002 first-round pick, worked out with the team all offseason for the first time, and it has showed in his conditioning and quickness. When Mili becomes a free agent in the offseason, his market value might not be what it could have been.... It's sad that Patriots third-round pick Guss Scott blew out his knee and will miss the season. It's sadder that the safety passed up significant guaranteed money before the injury. Scott originally agreed to a four-year deal with a club option for a fifth year that would have given him a $625,000 signing bonus. But the language in the contract was not approved by the NFL, so the Patriots had to make minor adjustments. In the meantime, Scott backed out of the deal. He ended up signing a one-year tender worth $230,000. After missing all of 2004, Scott won't get much of a contract next year, either.... The Texans turned down trade overtures for backup RB Tony Hollings because they believe they need two solid running backs. Even though Domanick Davis is the starter, the plan is for Hollings to get a significant share of the carries. The Texans are high on Hollings, in part because he has added 10 pounds of muscle and is up to 220 pounds, and he appears to be recovered from the knee injury that cut short his college career. The Texans gambled on Hollings by choosing him in the second round of the 2003 supplemental draft after Hollings had started only four games at Georgia Tech. It isn't looking like a bad gamble ... The knocks on Eagles first-round pick Shawn Andrews coming out of Arkansas were that he would have problems picking up a complex offense and controlling his weight. Neither has been the case. Andrews, who is starting at right guard, has worked hard and assimilated the Eagles' blocking schemes quickly. Although he ballooned to more than 400 pounds in the past, Andrews has held his weight in the 350s since coming to Philadelphia.... Former college QB Arnaz Battle, now a 49ers receiver, is starting to look a little like another Antwaan Randle El. Battle has made an impression with his toughness, versatility and athleticism. Team insiders believe he's the best receiver on the team at gaining yards after the catch. Battle still is learning to be a receiver, but he should have an impact this season, and he could be very valuable in the future.

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