Jets Beat Miami In OT
September 21, 1986
In one of the most memorable games in club history, the Jets topped Miami 51-45 in a wild OT contest. Ken O'Brien, who was 29-43-479-4 TD, threw a perfect strike to Wesley Walker from 21 yards out on the final play of regulation to tie the score. In OT, Walker caught a club record fourth TD on a 43-yard bomb at the 2:35 mark.
Record Settler
October 12, 1986
The Jets defense set a club record holding New England to 10-17 rushing in a 31-24 victory. Johnny Hector set a team mark with 40 rushes for 143 yards and 3 TD.
Mehl Injured
October 26, 1986
Pro Bowl LB Lance Mehl was lost for the season after suffering a knee injury during a 28-24 win over New Orleans.
Winning Streak, Gastineau Hurt
November 16, 1986
The Jets won a club record ninth consecutive game with a 31-16 decision over Indianapolis to improve to 10-1 on the season. The win was costly though, as Mark Gastineau suffers a knee injury which forced him to miss the rest of the regular season.
Injuries Mount
December 13, 1986
Injuries continued to be the story as the Jets lost Joe Klecko and Reggie McElroy to reconstructive knee surgery following a 45-24 loss to Pittsburgh.
Pro Bowlers, MVP
December 17, 1986
Al Toon, who set a Jets record for catches in a season with 85 to finish second in the AFC, is voted MVP by his teammates in addition to being named a Pro Bowl selection. Also named to the Pro Bowl for the first time is Mickey Shuler.
Wild Card Playoff Win
December 28, 1986
After ending the season with five straight defeats, Joe Walton named Pat Ryan as the starting QB for this playoff game, and the Jets won their first home playoff contest since 1968 with a 35-15 trouncing of Kansas City. The key play of the game was Ryan's 24-yard run on a QB draw on fourth and six to the nine-yard line in the first quarter. The Jets took the lead two plays later and it set the tone of the game.
