CLEVELAND — A new quarterback named Brett threw two long touchdown passes for the New York Jets.

One day after acquiring three-time MVP Brett Favre, seldom-used Brett Ratliff tossed scoring passes of 70 and 71 yards and Dwight Lowery returned a punt 62 yards for the go-ahead score as the Jets rallied to defeat the Cleveland Browns, 24-20 on Thursday night.

Jets coach Eric Mangini, impressed with his team’s comeback and excited by Favre’s presence, paid tribute to former starter Chad Pennington, who was released earlier Thursday.

“Chad’s a classy guy, a true pro and I wish him nothing but the best,” Mangini said. “In terms of this season, it is a unique opportunity for this organization to get a special player. You can feel (Favre’s) excitement and his passion.”

Favre’s big-play ability rubbed off right away on both sides of the ball for the Jets, who were joined on the sideline by their new star quarterback.

In addition to the three long TDs, New York got key interceptions by Lowery and Hank Poteat off Browns third-stringer Ken Dorsey in the final four minutes.

“It was a great example of everything we’ve been practicing,” Mangini said. “The change of momentum, the big plays ... they’re things we are trying to reinforce on a daily basis.”

Mangini will add eliminating costly penalties to the list.

The Browns got yet another chance in the final seconds after a roughing-the-passer penalty and pass interference call put the ball on the 5. Dorsey tossed his ninth straight incompletion on the possession as time expired.

Favre, acquired late Wednesday night from the Green Bay Packers, joined his club an hour before kickoff, held a news conference, then watched one of his former teammates have a big night for his new team.

David Clowney, picked up on waivers by the Jets from the Packers last October, caught both TD passes from Ratliff and had four catches for 163 yards overall.

“It felt great,” Clowney said. “He put both balls in the perfect spot for me to catch.”

The news wasn’t all good for New York. Tight end A.J. Schable was taken from the field on a stretcher after a head-to-head hit on a kickoff return by the Browns early in the fourth quarter.

Mangini said he was encouraged to see Schable moving his arms and legs as he was taken to a hospital for tests.

Play was delayed an hour by lightning with 4:11 left in the first quarter.