It isn't a hook into NJ. If you look at the UKMET model run (http://moe.met.fsu.edu/tcgengifs/) you will see exactly what happened. The computer app that takes the UKMET output and finds the low pressure center didn't find the same low for every datapoint.

UKMET track:
Ophelia goes across easter NC and back out to sea, and dissipates quickly. Meanwhile, a 2nd low forms over VA and tracks north across northern NY. The UKMET track on your link skips from Ophelia to this new low that is forming, thus making it appear that Ophelia moves inland.

Edit: It's easier to see on this model animation: http://weather.uwyo.edu/cgi-bin/model?MO...one&C1=pmsl