Football is still arguably the most-loved game in the USA and has an increasingly large global following. Preseason is over and the start of the new 2021/22 NFL season is not far away. Of course, any Jets fan will be eager to see the new season come around — especially after the 2-14 disappointment of 2020/21. A new season is an opportunity for the team to create better memories and to hopefully pick up a lot more wins.
The start of a new season also means fans in New York will have the opportunity to bet on the Jets again. Although sports betting rules in New York still prevent online betting unless you are at an upstate casino, many people will make the journey to a land-based casino to back their team. Of course, if you are a Jets fan in other states or countries where betting at online sportsbooks from home is allowed, then you have an even easier way to get more involved with the new season.
The key thing to remember when betting on or watching the team this coming year is that they are capable of pulling off some fabulous victories. Despite last year’s poor showing, this is cause for optimism moving ahead. Although the Jets 2021 schedule may contain some tough games, there is every chance the team could create new iconic moments for fans.
But which are the best sporting moments in New York Jets history to reflect on for now?
Winning Superbowl III
There is only one contender for THE best sporting moment involving the Jets to date — the time they won Superbowl III in 1969. This is not only because it is the team’s only Superbowl win so far, but also because they beat a heavily backed Colts team. It is also a favorite memory for Jets fans due to the personal guarantee that quarterback Joe Namath made to bring the trophy home pre-game. Namath put on a masterclass of QB play to back his words up, while Matt Snell rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown. Three field goals from kicker Jim Turner were enough to lead to a 16-7 victory for the New York team.
October 2000’s ‘Monday Night Miracle’
When it comes to awesome sporting moments in New York Jets history, this is one that lives long in the memory. It concerns an AFC East regular season game at Meadowlands in 2000, where the Jets were taking on the Miami Dolphins. Heading into the 4th quarter, the Dolphins were leading 30-7 and most people saw no way back for the team from New York. But then the miracle happened! Over the next 15 minutes, the team hit their stride to clinch a truly magical 40-37 overtime victory. This included QB Vinny Testaverde throwing for five touchdowns and 378 yards in that period.
Superb win against the Patriots in 2011
Rex Ryan was an abrasive figure as Jets Head Coach, but you couldn’t deny that he had the team playing effective football during his tenure. This led to the Ryan-coached Jets springing a huge surprise in the AFC Divisional round of the 2011 season. This win was even more surprising when you think as in game 13, the Patriots had handed out a 45-3 footballing lesson to Ryan’s men. This return game though saw the Jets in the mood for revenge and also saw quarterback Mark Sanchez on fire. Sanchez threw for three touchdowns. His performance combined with aggressive defense from players like Darrelle Revis to give the Jets a famous 28-21 victory.
Defeating the Colts 41-0 in 2002
This moment happened in 2002 and occurred when the Colts and Jets met for the AFC Divisional Round game. Many did not expect the team from New York to triumph as the Colts had Peyton Manning to rely on. Manning though could not handle the Jets pressure and did not perform as well as he could at Meadowlands. With Chad Pennington hurling three touchdowns for the Jets and LaMont Jordan running for two, the eventual 41-0 win was the most one-sided playoff score in the modern NFL.
New memories lie ahead for Jets fans
As any Jets’ supporter will tell you, there has not been a great deal to shout about over the years. As the above shows though, the team does have it in their DNA to not only win a Superbowl but also spring some awesome victories. Let’s hope that the coming season sees them do just that!