New York Jets: Five most exciting comebacks in franchise history
2. Seahawks at Jets, 12/6/98
1998 was the year the Jets took the NFL by storm. Bill Parcells was the man of the hour as he completely turned this franchise around. The lack of discipline under Rich Kotite was gone and the Jets were becoming winners. They won nine games in 1997 and barely missed the playoffs. By December they had won eight games and entered this game against Seattle with an 8-4 record.
However, the Seahawks started out like they were going to break up the Jets winning ways. After a Keith Byars touchdown pass from Vinny Testaverde, the Seahawks went ahead with back to back touchdown passes from Jon Kitna to Joey Galloway, from 70 and 57 yards out, respectively. In the third quarter, a 36 yard pick six by Anthony Simmons put the Seahawks ahead by the score of 28-13.
The lead was 31-19 before the Jets completed their comeback. Todd Peterson connected on a 51 yard field goal to extend the lead to 12. With 2:05 remaining in the third, the Jets took over on their own 34. Testaverde led his team on a nine-play scoring drive that ended with a 16 yard touchdown pass to Keyshawn Johnson.
With 3:15 remaining, the Jets took over on their own 36, still down 31-26. They drove down to the five yard line with 27 seconds remaining. The following play became an iconic play of the 1998 season. Testaverde scored on a sneak from five yards out, or did he? Take a look:
It certainly was debatable as to whether or not he scored, to say the least. The replays indicated that he may have come up a bit short. However, the Jets got the break and they got the 32-31 victory to move to 9-4.