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This week in Jets History 12/06/1998
“He said the guy saw the helmet go across the goal line and thought it was the ball” Jerry Seeman
On December 6, 1998, the 9-4 Jets played host to the 6-7 Seattle Seahawks, which turned out to be a game that would lead to a major rule change in the NFL. The Jets have been rolling behind a reborn Vinny Testaverde, newly acquired RB Curtis Martin and a stingy defense. The Jets had just won 8 of their last 10 games and were licking their chops as they looked across the field at the underdogs.
The Jets jumped out to a 7-0 lead after Vinny hit Keith Byers on a 3-yard pass. The Seahawks answered quickly with some big plays to stun the Jets when Jon Kitna connected with the speedy Joey Galloway on 70 and 57 yard td strikes to give the Seahawks a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter the Jets added two 20 yard field goals by John Hall, but, big plays still plagued the Jets defense as RB Ricky Watters took a Kitna handoff and ran it 39 yards to the house. The Seahawks held a surprising 21-13 halftime lead at the Meadowlands.
The second half, and thoughts of a Jets victory began to fade as Anthony Simmons intercepted Testaverde on a 36 yard pick 6. There was no quit in these Jets when HOF RB Curtis Martin scored on a 1-yard run to pull the Jets within 9 points. Todd Peterson added a 50-yard FG to close out the third quarter, which left the Jets in a 31-19 hole.
As a Jets fan since 1977, my first thought was that this game was over. I was programed to think this way after enduring many years of disappointment. Then, on the other hand, something was a bit different this season. We had Bill Parcells calling the shots and a veteran QB playing the football of his life. Maybe there was some magic in store for the Jets Nation? Vinny rallied the Jets within 5 points after he hit Keyshawn Johnson on a 16-yard pass play.
Both defenses had clamped down in the 4th quarter until the Jets were driving with only moments left in the game. There are plays you remember, and then there are plays that can actually change the culture of a franchise. I was fortunate enough to witness the play that changed the Jets. On a 4th and goal from the 5 with 45 seconds to play in the game, the Jets lined up for what could have been their final play in a comeback bid. The ball was snapped, and Vinny Testaverde, who was not known to be mobile QB, began running towards the end zone. “A QB draw? Oh no!” I remember screaming as I saw Vinny tackled short of the goal line. Game over. Then the unthinkable happened.
Jason Fabini raised his arms to signal TD while Vinny was clearly covered at the 1-yard line. Neither he, nor the ball broke the plane. We laughed as to say nice try Fabini, when just then, the referee also signaled for the TD. This bizarre play was actually ruled a TD and the Jets took a 32-31 lead with 40 seconds remaining on the clock. The NY Jets finally caught a break!!
This play not only moved the NY Jets to 10-4 but also ushered in the immediate re-instatement of the instant replay system in 1999. Craig Erickson’s protest of the play also initiated the coach’s challenge rules being implemented as well. The NY Jets may not have many Super Bowl rings, but it is safe to say that they have had an impact on the National Football League.
http://nyjetsfanatics.com/content.php?134-This-Week-In-Jets-History
“He said the guy saw the helmet go across the goal line and thought it was the ball” Jerry Seeman
On December 6, 1998, the 9-4 Jets played host to the 6-7 Seattle Seahawks, which turned out to be a game that would lead to a major rule change in the NFL. The Jets have been rolling behind a reborn Vinny Testaverde, newly acquired RB Curtis Martin and a stingy defense. The Jets had just won 8 of their last 10 games and were licking their chops as they looked across the field at the underdogs.
The Jets jumped out to a 7-0 lead after Vinny hit Keith Byers on a 3-yard pass. The Seahawks answered quickly with some big plays to stun the Jets when Jon Kitna connected with the speedy Joey Galloway on 70 and 57 yard td strikes to give the Seahawks a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter the Jets added two 20 yard field goals by John Hall, but, big plays still plagued the Jets defense as RB Ricky Watters took a Kitna handoff and ran it 39 yards to the house. The Seahawks held a surprising 21-13 halftime lead at the Meadowlands.
The second half, and thoughts of a Jets victory began to fade as Anthony Simmons intercepted Testaverde on a 36 yard pick 6. There was no quit in these Jets when HOF RB Curtis Martin scored on a 1-yard run to pull the Jets within 9 points. Todd Peterson added a 50-yard FG to close out the third quarter, which left the Jets in a 31-19 hole.
As a Jets fan since 1977, my first thought was that this game was over. I was programed to think this way after enduring many years of disappointment. Then, on the other hand, something was a bit different this season. We had Bill Parcells calling the shots and a veteran QB playing the football of his life. Maybe there was some magic in store for the Jets Nation? Vinny rallied the Jets within 5 points after he hit Keyshawn Johnson on a 16-yard pass play.
Both defenses had clamped down in the 4th quarter until the Jets were driving with only moments left in the game. There are plays you remember, and then there are plays that can actually change the culture of a franchise. I was fortunate enough to witness the play that changed the Jets. On a 4th and goal from the 5 with 45 seconds to play in the game, the Jets lined up for what could have been their final play in a comeback bid. The ball was snapped, and Vinny Testaverde, who was not known to be mobile QB, began running towards the end zone. “A QB draw? Oh no!” I remember screaming as I saw Vinny tackled short of the goal line. Game over. Then the unthinkable happened.
Jason Fabini raised his arms to signal TD while Vinny was clearly covered at the 1-yard line. Neither he, nor the ball broke the plane. We laughed as to say nice try Fabini, when just then, the referee also signaled for the TD. This bizarre play was actually ruled a TD and the Jets took a 32-31 lead with 40 seconds remaining on the clock. The NY Jets finally caught a break!!
This play not only moved the NY Jets to 10-4 but also ushered in the immediate re-instatement of the instant replay system in 1999. Craig Erickson’s protest of the play also initiated the coach’s challenge rules being implemented as well. The NY Jets may not have many Super Bowl rings, but it is safe to say that they have had an impact on the National Football League.
http://nyjetsfanatics.com/content.php?134-This-Week-In-Jets-History
