Jets/Dolphins 1983 AFC championship game

[BigOrangeJetFan]

I missed that game. Had to fly to the west coast. Was absolutely convinced we would win the Super Bowl that year.

Thanks to cnnsi.com (the Vault), I read the article about that game. Todd was horrific. Guess it's fair to say that game ruined his career. Sorry to re live a downer, but here's the link. Any memories of those of you who watched that game?

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1120461/index.htm

[aec4]

Miami had Pete Johnson, a straight ahead runner, while we had McNeil. They decided to not cover the field, even though there were downpours in Miami all week. The field was a quagmire, and McNeil couldn't do anything. They took the Jets offense out of the game by removing McNeil without even having to guard him.

I think since, the NFL has taken steps that monitor field conditions, and make sure things like this do not happen again.

EDIT: I was 10 at the time, so I may not fully remember.

[Cant Hackett]

WTF

AJ Duie

[jetsman1]

Miami had Pete Johnson, a straight ahead runner, while we had McNeil. They decided to not cover the field, even though there were downpours in Miami all week. The field was a quagmire, and McNeil couldn't do anything. They took the Jets offense out of the game by removing McNeil without even having to guard him.

I think since, the NFL has taken steps that monitor field conditions, and make sure things like this do not happen again.

EDIT: I was 10 at the time, so I may not fully remember.

You sir,are correct!Shula instructed the grounds crew to remove the tarps and turn off the pumps.His intention was to slow the Jets offense down as we were built more on speed than the Fins.It worked.

[nyjunc]

Miami had Pete Johnson, a straight ahead runner, while we had McNeil. They decided to not cover the field, even though there were downpours in Miami all week. The field was a quagmire, and McNeil couldn't do anything. They took the Jets offense out of the game by removing McNeil without even having to guard him.

I think since, the NFL has taken steps that monitor field conditions, and make sure things like this do not happen again.

EDIT: I was 10 at the time, so I may not fully remember.

The dolphins had Woody Bennett & Andra Franklin not Pete Johnson and Miami struggled running the ball. Pete played most of the '84 season w/ Miami but the Championship Game we played was the 1982 season(Jan. '83).

[Jetfan13]

There actually was a rule at the time forcing all teams to have a tarp available for situations like that one..however, Shula was the Belidick of the times, also being on the competition committee, and the fins didn't have a tarp so didn't cover the field. The Dolfags got away with murder for years and I had to live with it in the local papers and tv..Also, Todd was business partners at the time with Bob Baumhauer (sp) , not that he threw the game or anything...sic

[SoFlaJets]

I missed that game. Had to fly to the west coast. Was absolutely convinced we would win the Super Bowl that year.

Thanks to cnnsi.com (the Vault), I read the article about that game. Todd was horrific. Guess it's fair to say that game ruined his career. Sorry to re live a downer, but here's the link. Any memories of those of you who watched that game?

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1120461/index.htm

I'll never forget it Big O-last time I ever made chili for a Jets game

[SoFlaJets]

There actually was a rule at the time forcing all teams to have a tarp available for situations like that one..however, Shula was the Belidick of the times, also being on the competition committee, and the fins didn't have a tarp so didn't cover the field. The Dolfags got away with murder for years and I had to live with it in the local papers and tv..Also, Todd was business partners at the time with Bob Baumhauer (sp) , not that he threw the game or anything...sic

that's a pretty damn good read on it 1-3...the reason the Fins were most hated by us was yes-they WERE the darlings of the NFL (at least in our division) and they seemed to get ALL the breaks and calls. I remember hearing somewhere about Shula threatening officials that HE could and WOULD get them fired.

I always-even to this very day have suspected Richard Todd of throwing that game. He stayed behind and went to Lauderdale after the game instead of flying back to NY with the rest of the team. Me and my friends always figured he went to get his payoff...

[shawn306]

That game....

That one game earned the Miami Dolphins a lifetime of just pure unadulterated hatred from me.

The thing I remember most of about that game is just sitting there thinking "if they can just get SOMETHING going" that they would be okay.

Remember the F'n Dolphins didn't score until I think the third qtr. It was a real nasty defensive battle throughout. Alot like the Raiders game the week before.

That game ruinied Todd.

Todd was a guy who when things were going good he could be a great QB. When things weren't going well though he was probably the worst QB in the league and that game sent Todd on a downward spiral that he never recovered from.

When Walton became HC in 83 he drafted O'Brien and Todd saw the writing on the wall. He had a tough 83 and then was traded to the Saints in 84.

Ironic thing is that the Jets did resign him early in the 1986 season and acutally suited up for the Monday Night game against Denver that year. Didn't play though and retired before the season ended.

[MSGold12]

That game....

That one game earned the Miami Dolphins a lifetime of just pure unadulterated hatred from me.

The thing I remember most of about that game is just sitting there thinking "if they can just get SOMETHING going" that they would be okay.

Remember the F'n Dolphins didn't score until I think the third qtr. It was a real nasty defensive battle throughout. Alot like the Raiders game the week before.

That game ruinied Todd.

Todd was a guy who when things were going good he could be a great QB. When things weren't going well though he was probably the worst QB in the league and that game sent Todd on a downward spiral that he never recovered from.

When Walton became HC in 83 he drafted O'Brien and Todd saw the writing on the wall. He had a tough 83 and then was traded to the Saints in 84.

Ironic thing is that the Jets did resign him early in the 1986 season and acutally suited up for the Monday Night game against Denver that year. Didn't play though and retired before the season ended.

he avtually suited up for the NO game also and in both games the crowd was ceering for him to get in!!!

The Jets signed him during the season in 86 because both O'Brien and Ryan were dinged up and they didnt have a #3 QB on the roster. Todd was relased by NO and since he was familar with thr jets system, it made sense. He never got in and was released a few weeks later.

But you are right about Todd. After a really rough start to his career, in 81 and 82 he really got things going. But he was FAR too sensetive a person to survive in NY sports and after that game he never recovered. 83 was one of the most frustrating years in Jet history and Todd was a big part of it. Somehow we got a #1 for him but of course screwed ot up by taking the great Ron Farout.

Todd had a big arm, quick release and great mobility. But his in game intelligence was always a problem.

[Scott Dierking]

Fate conspired against the Jets that year, as usual.

i feel absolute confidence that the Jets were the best team in tthe NFL that year. As fate would have it, that was also the year that teh players strike wiped out a number of games.

The Jets, due to a poor first couple of games before the strike were forced into a "must win" situation after the strike concluded just to quilfy for a revamped playoff format in a shortened season.

I again feel confidence that if a full season had played itself out, the Jets very well could have earned a home field advantage, and not had to play in that Miami field.

The only consolation to that game (meager) was the prior 2 playoff games, where Freeman rushed wild over the Begals and probably one of the best playoff games I have ever seen where the Jets eked one out over the Raiders in Oakland.

Unfortunately, that was the undoing of Walt Michaels as he thought Al Davis was eavesdropping on the Jet lockeroom (in those days that sounded preposterous), and Michaels became unglued.

[SoFlaJets]

Fate conspired against the Jets that year, as usual.

i feel absolute confidence that the Jets were the best team in tthe NFL that year. As fate would have it, that was also the year that teh players strike wiped out a number of games.

The Jets, due to a poor first couple of games before the strike were forced into a "must win" situation after the strike concluded just to quilfy for a revamped playoff format in a shortened season.

I again feel confidence that if a full season had played itself out, the Jets very well could have earned a home field advantage, and not had to play in that Miami field.

The only consolation to that game (meager) was the prior 2 playoff games, where Freeman rushed wild over the Begals and probably one of the best playoff games I have ever seen where the Jets eked one out over the Raiders in Oakland.

Unfortunately, that was the undoing of Walt Michaels as he thought Al Davis was eavesdropping on the Jet lockeroom (in those days that sounded preposterous), and Michaels became unglued.

Freeman ran like 200 yards that day in the freezing cold-Johnny Hector too was a great back-up...that was a fun day to be a Jets fan-wow 25 years now...I remember being so psayched for football that I became a NJ Generals fan...ahh Bobby Scott at QB now HE was a horrible quaterback

[MSGold12]

Fate conspired against the Jets that year, as usual.

i feel absolute confidence that the Jets were the best team in tthe NFL that year. As fate would have it, that was also the year that teh players strike wiped out a number of games.

The Jets, due to a poor first couple of games before the strike were forced into a "must win" situation after the strike concluded just to quilfy for a revamped playoff format in a shortened season.

I again feel confidence that if a full season had played itself out, the Jets very well could have earned a home field advantage, and not had to play in that Miami field.

The only consolation to that game (meager) was the prior 2 playoff games, where Freeman rushed wild over the Begals and probably one of the best playoff games I have ever seen where the Jets eked one out over the Raiders in Oakland.

Unfortunately, that was the undoing of Walt Michaels as he thought Al Davis was eavesdropping on the Jet lockeroom (in those days that sounded preposterous), and Michaels became unglued.

I agree with the fate part and them being the best team in the NFL that year but your recollection is off....

The Jets were 1 and 1 when the strike hit. They had lost opening day to Miami but then whollped NE in week 2. Then the strike. After the strike in the first game back, they shut out Balt 37-0. They then went on to a 6-2 record with the only loss coming to Miami again. However, in the last week of the season, they somehow got smoked by a terrible KC team and finished 6-3 wiht a 6 seed in the 8 team playoff format thus leaving them little chance for any home playoff games. They played the 3 seed Cincy on the road in rd 1 and killed them. They played the 1 seed LA on the road in rd 2 and beat them. They then played the 2 seed Miami on the road...and the rest is mud history.

As for Micheals, he was already a bit unstable after the Davis incident the week before but he was SO enraged after the Miami loss (and Shulas lack of a tarp) that he got wasted on the plane ride home, berrated the team owners son, and essentially got himself fired. They also feared that Walton was ging to get a HC offer and felt HE was more of a reason for the success then Micheals and thus it gave them an excuse to keep Walton and ditch Micheals.

[Scott Dierking]

Freeman ran like 200 yards that day in the freezing cold-Johnny Hector too was a great back-up...that was a fun day to be a Jets fan-wow 25 years now...I remember being so psayched for football that I became a NJ Generals fan...ahh Bobby Scott at QB now HE was a horrible quaterback

USFL actually was fun. I also watched the Generals because they had intrigue (Flutie, Walker, Trump), but also paid a lot of attention to the Stars from Philadelphia, as they had a lot of PSU players.

USFL actually offered decent entertainment value.

[Scott Dierking]

I agree with the fate part and them being the best team in the NFL that year but your recollection is off....

The Jets were 1 and 1 when the strike hit. They had lost opening day to Miami but then whollped NE in week 2. Then the strike. After the strike in the first game back, they shut out Balt 37-0. They then went on to a 6-2 record with the only loss coming to Miami again. However, in the last week of the season, they somehow got smoked by a terrible KC team and finished 6-3 wiht a 6 seed in the 8 team playoff format thus leaving them little chance for any home playoff games. They played the 3 seed Cincy on the road in rd 1 and killed them. They played the 1 seed LA on the road in rd 2 and beat them. They then played the 2 seed Miami on the road...and the rest is mud history.

As for Micheals, he was already a bit unstable after the Davis incident the week before but he was SO enraged after the Miami loss (and Shulas lack of a tarp) that he got wasted on the plane ride home, berrated the team owners son, and essentially got himself fired. They also feared that Walton was ging to get a HC offer and felt HE was more of a reason for the success then Micheals and thus it gave them an excuse to keep Walton and ditch Micheals.

You are correct, but even at 1-1, coming into a short season, you were digging out of a hole.

Just some rotten luck there, but what are you going to do?

I remember when the Jets were in teh lockeroom at halftime, and they received a call (it was actually patched through in some way from a bar in NY), and Michaels allegdly screaming into the phone "I know that it this is you AL (Davis, you SOB!".

Michaels was a nut job, but his players played for him. He was just not what a prim and proper Jet organization thought was befitting a head coach.

And that haunted the jet organization for years-trying to find great citizens, rather than great coaches. Damn Jim Kensil, etc.

[MSGold12]

You are correct, but even at 1-1, coming into a short season, you were digging out of a hole.

Just some rotten luck there, but what are you going to do?

I remember when the Jets were in teh lockeroom at halftime, and they received a call (it was actually patched through in some way from a bar in NY), and Michaels allegdly screaming into the phone "I know that it this is you AL (Davis, you SOB!".

Michaels was a nut job, but his players played for him. He was just not what a prim and proper Jet organization thought was befitting a head coach.

And that haunted the jet organization for years-trying to find great citizens, rather than great coaches. Damn Jim Kensil, etc.

If you could have combined Micheals motivational skills wiht Walton's x and o talent, you;d have had a perfect HC. In fact it was a mian reason why the Jerts were so good in 81 and 82 and not nearly as good prior to that. Micheals needed Walton to be successful and as we found out, Walton needed Micheals.

I vividly remember that post game prssser with MIcheals. He said something like "there is a cheating lying SOB out there who tried to mess wiht us and his initials are A D". Micheals was losing it and then the plane ride back from Miami was apparntly the last straw!

But that 82 team was fantastic...even with Klecko at 75% after his knee injury. On a true playing surface, they proably beat Miami that day. Just anohter in a long lilne of "bad luck" for this franchise.

Hess, Kensil and Hickey did extraordinary damage to this franchise in the 70s and 80s.

[shawn306]

I had season tickets for the Generals their last season. 1985.

That was alot of fun. We had seats lower level corner of the end zone and we saw alot of reallly good football. You had Flutie, Walker, Sam Bowers (TE) and we got to see guys like Reggie White.

One of the best games we saw was an Easter Sunday game against Jim Kelly and the Houston Gamblers. Back and forth before the Generals finally won.

The last home game of the season (Playoff loss to the Baltimore Stars) as we are walking out they announce that they were going to move to the fall and that we would see them in September of 1986. I turned to my buddy Bob and said "They are done". Turns out I was right. Ended up getting Jets tickets the next season.

For one summer though football and beer = lots of fun.

[nyjunc]

One thing people seem to forget is that Miami swept us during the regular season in good conditions. Sure we may have beaten them in the title Game if it was a nice day and the field was in good condition but it's hard to argue that when they swept us during the reg season in good conditions.

[MSGold12]

One thing people seem to forget is that Miami swept us during the regular season in good conditions. Sure we may have beaten them in the title Game if it was a nice day and the field was in good condition but it's hard to argue that when they swept us during the reg season in good conditions.

Yes they swept us but the first was in week 1 of the season and in the 2nd game, if not for a bunch of leahy misses, we win that game. Miami won by 1 on a l;ast seocnd FG and if I remember correctly Leahy missed at least 1 XP and a few chippy FGs that day.

We were on an amazing roll going into that AFC title game. Todd was on fire, McNeil was runing wild, the D was much better with Klecko back. We had just come off two huge wins on the road v teams that were probably better then Miami that year.

But that field took away our whole strategy and Todd was horrific. The D did their job but the O could not fnction in the mud.

[SeniorFlaJet]

Miami had Pete Johnson, a straight ahead runner, while we had McNeil. They decided to not cover the field, even though there were downpours in Miami all week. The field was a quagmire, and McNeil couldn't do anything. They took the Jets offense out of the game by removing McNeil without even having to guard him.

I think since, the NFL has taken steps that monitor field conditions, and make sure things like this do not happen again.

EDIT: I was 10 at the time, so I may not fully remember.

Regarding the game. The less you remember about it the better off you will be.

[nyjunc]

Yes they swept us but the first was in week 1 of the season and in the 2nd game, if not for a bunch of leahy misses, we win that game. Miami won by 1 on a l;ast seocnd FG and if I remember correctly Leahy missed at least 1 XP and a few chippy FGs that day.

We were on an amazing roll going into that AFC title game. Todd was on fire, McNeil was runing wild, the D was much better with Klecko back. We had just come off two huge wins on the road v teams that were probably better then Miami that year.

But that field took away our whole strategy and Todd was horrific. The D did their job but the O could not fnction in the mud.

It's hard to call a 2 game win streak an amazing roll. Obviously we were playing well winning at Cincy and LA but it's not like we won 8 games in a row.

Todd played well in Cincy but did have 2 picks at LA, he had the one deep pas to Walker and the D pretty much did the rest. Lance Mehl saved the Jets w/ his 2 picks.

In good conditions at Cincy and at LA Todd threw 2 TDs and 3 INTs. My heart says we would have won it in good conditions but gettign swept and knowing what Todd did in big games tells me we may not have pulled it off.

[Gastineau Lives]

USFL actually was fun. I also watched the Generals because they had intrigue (Flutie, Walker, Trump), but also paid a lot of attention to the Stars from Philadelphia, as they had a lot of PSU players.

USFL actually offered decent entertainment value.

What position did Trump play?

[slowmoe57]

I was in the Air Force at the time -- Grew up in Long Island and wanted to see the world - Got stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey where I spent 3 miserable years -- anyway I was stoked beyond words waiting for this game -- and never was I so disappointed in a loss -- seriously it took me 2 weeks to get over it -- I thought for sure we were playing the Skins in the SB - felt like a child who didnt get what he wanted most of all on Christmas morning - AJ DUIE AJ F------ DUIE -- I still get pissed when I hear that name --

[slowmoe57]

USFL actually was fun. I also watched the Generals because they had intrigue (Flutie, Walker, Trump), but also paid a lot of attention to the Stars from Philadelphia, as they had a lot of PSU players.

USFL actually offered decent entertainment value.

I as well went to several Stars game back in the day -- your right cheap entertainment and plent of seats to choses from --

[Scott Dierking]

What position did Trump play?

Owner

[nyjunc]

What position did Trump play?

Trump played the position of league killer. It was his brilliant idea to try to play in the fall and the league folded shortly after that idea.

[crashingjet]

You sir,are correct!Shula instructed the grounds crew to remove the tarps and turn off the pumps.His intention was to slow the Jets offense down as we were built more on speed than the Fins.It worked.

I just knew somebody was gonna say this when I clicked on the link... Shula was the coach of the Miami Dolphins, not the supervisor of the grounds crew. I suppose he also installed slower turf right, you know because the jets were sooo much faster than the Dolphins. Sheesh, give me strength.

[MSGold12]

It's hard to call a 2 game win streak an amazing roll. Obviously we were playing well winning at Cincy and LA but it's not like we won 8 games in a row.

Todd played well in Cincy but did have 2 picks at LA, he had the one deep pas to Walker and the D pretty much did the rest. Lance Mehl saved the Jets w/ his 2 picks.

In good conditions at Cincy and at LA Todd threw 2 TDs and 3 INTs. My heart says we would have won it in good conditions but gettign swept and knowing what Todd did in big games tells me we may not have pulled it off.

Fair point...Todd wasnt exactly reliable in the clutch!

[jimfire]

I was talking with Mr. Klecko last year at a fund raiser. I spoke with him about his days with the Jets and asked him about this game. He was quite animated and adamant that the Jets would of and should have won that game. He had a great game and talked of pushing the offensive players straight back in their tracks like they were on skiiis. Had quite a few amusing stories reguarding Walt and then ole Joey boy. The plane ride home was filed with alot of cursing and alcohol!

[i remember shea]

I was in the Air Force at the time -- Grew up in Long Island and wanted to see the world - Got stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey where I spent 3 miserable years -- anyway I was stoked beyond words waiting for this game -- and never was I so disappointed in a loss -- seriously it took me 2 weeks to get over it -- I thought for sure we were playing the Skins in the SB - felt like a child who didnt get what he wanted most of all on Christmas morning - AJ DUIE AJ F------ DUIE -- I still get pissed when I hear that name --

dude....some of us are on year 25.

[SoFlaJets]

dude....some of us are on year 25.

yup IRS...as I said above I have NEVER and WILL never again make chili while watching a Jets game-that was the last time-talk about agita'...I blame the chili for the loss

[Jetfan13]

yup IRS...as I said above I have NEVER and WILL never again make chili while watching a Jets game-that was the last time-talk about agita'...I blame the chili for the loss

Damn Jimmy, that loss and chili? must have been the mother of all agita...

[SoFlaJets]

Damn Jimmy, that loss and chili? must have been the mother of all agita...

the chili was good the game was bad-I figured the chili is what jinxed us-more than likely though it was Richard Todd throwing the game and making off with a nice little retirement package for himself-that game looked fixed

[i remember shea]

the chili was good the game was bad-I figured the chili is what jinxed us-more than likely though it was Richard Todd throwing the game and making off with a nice little retirement package for himself-that game looked fixed

gee...i was only 17/18 @ the time, so i doubt i would have had such thoughts back then....can you elaborate a bit as to why you had/have such suspicions?

i mean, the field was a mess and shula had already beaten us twice, and todd was a classic...CLASSIC...choker in big spots. pat pat pat the ball thrice...inetrception. sigh.