Welcome!
With exactly seven weeks to go before the start of the NY Jets 2023 regular season, I woke up this morning wondering if I should start a blog for all the Jets fans around my age and older who remember the Jets at Shea, the Sack Exchange, the days when they'd hang something to cover the "Giants Stadium" sign at the Meadowlands when the Jets were home, etc.
I was still trying to make up my mind when I got sign from above: (okay it was on my phone) but it was a text from the Jets announcing the team will be wearing throwback jerseys and helmets (see above to honor the late 70's- to mid 80s "Sack Exchange Era" Jets.
So welcome to a blog for all fans of the Jets, but especially those who got hooked on the team from its birth in 1960 through the early 80s. Of course, the name of this blog honors one of the best players of that late 70's-early 80s days, Linebacker Lance Mehl. Of course, his name also jives with the hit show "Alice" during that same era.
I'm hoping that in addition to talking about the current team, we can take advantage of the memories and knowledge of all the seasoned (and battered) Jets fans out there. For example, when I write about Jets games of the past, please let us know what those games were like for YOU as you experienced them at Shea, the Meadowlands, or even the Polo Grounds.
Or just comment on whatever you like.
Obviously, there's a lot of hysterical extra interest in the team this season with the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, but its the more seasoned fans like us who know we should look forward to this season with cautious optimism.
I'll leave most of the training camp chatter and speculation to the other websites and blogs (though feel free to share it here in the comments section) and focus on the actual regular season and hopefully playoff GAMES on the past, present, and future.
That's why my inaugural series of posts here will be listing my Top 10 Jets Games of All Time. I know many of year will have different lists, and I welcome your input, etc.
So here we go... Welcome to MEHL'S DINER!!!
TOP 10 NY Jets Games of All Time
Namath posts his first dominant game
The $400,000 rookie
November 21st, 1965, Week 10 of the AFL season was truly the first game where rookie QB Joe Namath completely led the Jets to a win on his own. The Jets did have three wins coming into this game, but in those games Namath had either been the backup or split his time significantly with "veteran" QB Mike Taliaferro (he was only a 2nd year player himself).
As this highlight reel of the game shows, Namath tore up Houston with 17 completions on 26 attempts for 221 yards, four TDs, and one interception.
This was truly the first real sign of what could be to come for the Jets and then-owner Sonny Werblin's record $400,000 contract with Namath.
In other words, the actual, "football on the field" roots of the Jets eventual Super Bowl championship 3+ years later were planted at Shea during this game. So while the Jets would end up without another win in 1965, finishing 5-8-1, this was as significant a regular season game for the franchise as any other up to that point.
(Stay tuned for game #9 tomorrow)
Some other key Namath-led Jet victories in the pre-1968 Super Bowl year:
Namath throws five TD passes and no INTs in the win.
Jets 38 Patriots 28 (12/17/1966)
Namath throws for 287 yards, three TD passes, and no INTs in a win that clinches a .500 season for the Jets and knocks the Patriots out of AFL title contention. (video highlights)
Jets 38 Broncos 24 (9/24/1967)
Namath and the Jets overcome a 24-7 deficit in Denver as Broadway Joe throws for 399 yards.
Jets 30 Patriots 23 (10/29/1967)
Namath leads the Jets from 20-7 behind and clinches the game with a 4th quarter seven yard TD pass to Pete Lammons. Namath finished the game with 362 yards passing.
Jets 42 Chargers 31 (12/24/1967)
Namath throws for 362 yards and four TDs in the season finale at San Diego.
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