Round 1: '67 Jets defeat '67 Colts in OT thriller

NEWYORK—The 1967 New York Jets rallied from a 21-7 second quarter deficit to defeat the 1967 Baltimore Colts 44-38 in overtime at Shea Stadium. Jets QB Joe Namath completed 29 of 45 passing attempts for 329 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions to earn MVP honors.
The Jets scored first when Namath completed a four-yard scoring toss to WR George Sauer Jr capping a 10 play 71 yard drive.

Not to be denied, Colt legend Johnny Unitas finished an 11 play 80 yard drive with an 8 yard TD toss to WR Alex Hawkins. Both teams exchanged punts in the second quarter when Namath threw his first interception to CB Lenny Lyles and six plays later RB Tom Matte gave the Colts a 14-7 lead with a five yard run.

On the next series, Namath threw his second interception to LB Dennis Gaubatz who returned it 34 yards for the score and a 21-7 Baltimore lead. Obscenities could be heard from the stands as Namath slowly walked to the sidelines.
But Namath’s resolve kept the Jets in the game completing a 17 yard TD pass to RB Emerson Boozer cutting the Baltimore lead to 21-14. Colt kicker Lou Michaels added a 45 FG increasing the Colt lead to 24-14 with a minute and twenty seconds left in the first half. Once again the Jets rode Namath’s right arm on a 5 play 56 yard drive culminated with his third TD toss to Sauer bringing the Jets within three at the half at 24-21.

As the Colts started the second half, Unitas attempted to complete a pass in tight coverage to Matte and instead threw an interception to LB Al Atkinson who returned it to the Colt 35 yard line.

Now the fickle Jets fans sensing a Gang Green comeback cheered Namath as he walked onto the field and Joe Willie did not disappoint driving the Jets to the Baltimore six where kicker Jim Turner tied the game with a 23 yard FG at 24-24.
Both teams continued to drive the field with neither defense being much of a factor in a game that had 762 yards in total offense and was headed to overtime after Matte’s one yard out for his second TD of the game locking the score at 38-38.

The Jets won the toss and were aided on their winning OT drive by two personal foul penalties and one successful fourth down conversion. Namath capped the winning drive competing a 18 TD pass to Sauer for his sixth TD and Sauer’s third.

Hats off to Stuart for hosting the game and being a great opponent and for a great game.