WATCH: Top five New York Jets victories vs. Buffalo Bills
With the New York Jets set to host the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, now is an opportune time to take a look back at some of the classic matchups between the AFC East rivals.
Let's rank the top five victories from Gang Green in the heated interstate rivalry:
(All stats and scores are courtesy of The Football Database)
5. September 8, 2002 - The Chad Morton game
The 2002 season opener was an instant classic nail biter that came down to the wire, which resulted in a 37-31 win for the Jets.
The reason this game makes the list, even though you can argue the Jets have had better performances vs. the Bills is because of the way the game ended.
A kick return touchdown during the first play of overtime to win the game is just incredibly memorable. It’s like the equivalent of a walk-off home run in extra innings in baseball. The best part of it all was that play was Chad Morton’s second kick return touchdown of game.
4. January 2, 2011 - Flying high into the playoffs
It was Rex Ryan’s second year at the helm, as the Jets were coming off a trip to the AFC Championship Game. This dominating win gave Jets fans plenty of hope entering the playoffs during the 2010-11 season.
The 38-7 season finale victory was a huge statement win for the Jets as it helped jump start and propel a pair of eventual road playoff victories vs the Colts and Patriots.
3. October 8, 1978 - Second most points scored vs. the Bills
This 1978 Week 7 clash, the second of the two matchups that season, resulted in a 45-14 victory for the Jets, which is the second most points they have scored ever vs. the Bills.
The Jets' rushing attack led the way to victory as running back Kevin Long amassed 91 yards on 13 attempts and scored three touchdowns.
2. September 15, 1985 - The blowout
The 42-3 Jets victory was one of two victories vs. the Bills that season. The only points the Bills scored in that game came on their opening drive.
Jets running back Freeman McNeil was the star of the game rushing for 192 yards on 18 attempts and tallied two touchdowns as well.
1. September 11, 1960 - The inaugural meeting
This date in history marks the first time the Jets and Bills matched up against one another in the Polo Grounds back in the days of the AFL. At this time the Jets were known as the New York Titans.
The matchup resulted in a 27-3 victory for the Titans. Not a bad way to set the tone and kick off the rivalry.
***
Let me know what you think about the list. Do you agree or disagree? What are some of your most memorable Jets moments vs the Bills? As always, really appreciate everyone who took the time to read my thoughts and all feedback is welcomed.
