Jets-mnf

October 24, 2000

MILESTONES ABOUND IN THRILLING MONDAY-NIGHTER

A headline in today’s New York Daily News reads, "Miracle at Meadowlands." The New York Times wrote: "What a game. It will go down as one of the best regular-season contests in league history."

The media reports refer to last night’s game in which the New York Jets staged a come-from-behind 40-37 overtime victory over the Miami Dolphins. New York outscored Miami 30-7 in the fourth quarter before winning in overtime.

It was a game that was overflowing with notable statistics. Take a look:

The Jets’ 23-point comeback is a club record. The previous best was a 21-point comeback against Denver on November 5, 1978.

The Jets’ 23-point comeback matched the second-largest in NFL history for a club trailing after three quarters. On November 8, 1987, the St. Louis Cardinals trailed Tampa Bay by 25 points (28-3) after the third quarter before posting a 31-28 victory. On October 1, 1985, the Minnesota Vikings overcame a 23-0 score after three quarters to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 28-23.

The Jets’ 30 points is the most scored in a quarter in club history.

The Jets’ 30 points in the fourth quarter is one point shy of the NFL record for fourth-quarter scoring. Three teams scored 31 in the fourth quarter, with the Atlanta Falcons last accomplishing the feat against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 1981. The other clubs were the 1960 (Dec. 17) and 1963 (Dec. 8) Oakland Raiders.

Jets quarterback VINNY TESTAVERDE became the third player in NFL history to throw four touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. The others were San Francisco’s JOE MONTANA (Sept. 24, 1989 vs. Philadelphia) and Houston’s KEN STABLER (Nov. 23, 1980 vs. Jets).

Testaverde’s five touchdown passes tied the Monday-night record (DAVE KRIEG, Nov. 28, 1988; and JIM KELLY, October 21, 1991).

Jets cornerback MARCUS COLEMAN tied a club record with three interceptions in the game.

Coleman is the second player in regular-season overtime history to record two interceptions (Cleveland's FRANK MINNIFIELD vs. Houston, Nov. 30). Regular season overtime was implemented in 1974.

It was the longest Monday-night game ever – four hours and 10 minutes.

The Dolphins had the most first-quarter yards (205) in a game this season.