Classic Jets / Dolphins Game #2

JETS vs. DOLPHINS, September 21, 1986

I was only 16 years old when I attended this game so I don't remember all the details as vividly as the Monday Night Miracle but until that game, this one had been the greatest game of all time (not counting the Super Bowl III win).

This was a classic shoot-out between Ken O'Brien and Dan Marino. There was 93 passes thrown between both quarterbacks. Marino threw for 6 touchdowns while O'Brien threw for 4. There was 884 yards (then an NFL record) combined passing yards between both quarterbacks. There was 13 total touchdowns.

The day had seven lead changes but this game belonged to Wesley Walker. Blind in one eye, he had the game of his life catching 6 balls for 194 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The game was back and fourth. Wesley fumbles a catch at the Jets 27 yard line with under 5 minutes remaining. The Jets were then unable to stop Miami's offense as they scored the go-ahead touchdown with 2:56 left on the clock. I remember sweating in the seats thinking we still had a chance to tie the game as the offenses were dominating the game.

I don't remember what happened next. I believe we went three and out and then stopped the Dolphins as well getting the ball on our 20 with 1:04 remaining in the game. We had 80 yards to go to tie up the game. Things were NOT looking bright especially since we did not have ANY timeouts left.

O'Brien didn't care leading the hurry-up offense to the 21 yard line with time ticking away. This was the end. The had come down to the last play. O'Brien goes back to pass, throws a high line drive down the middle of the field, Walker snags it. TOUCHDOWN. Extra Point. TIE GAME. YES ! We were going bananas. There was NO time left on the clock and the game was tied at 45.

I remember the kick off to us as we won the coin toss. We actually fumbled it and they had said we recovered it. Just to make sure, we hurried to the line to get a play off.

A few plays later, approx. 2:35 into Overtime, O'Brien goes back to pass, throws a 43-yard bomb to Wesley Walker. TOUCHDOWN. JETS WIN IN OT. What a game !