1985 New York Jets season

1985 New York Jets season
1985 New York Jets season
Owner	Leon Hess
General manager	Jim Kensil
Head coach	Joe Walton
Offensive coordinator	Rich Kotite
Defensive coordinator	Bud Carson
Home stadium	Giants Stadium
Results
Record	11–5
Division place	2nd AFC East
Playoffs	Lost Wild Card Playoffs; (vs. Patriots) 14–26
Pro Bowlers	QB Ken O'Brien; RB Freeman McNeil; DT Joe Klecko; DE Mark Gastineau; LB Lance Mehl

The 1985 New York Jets season was the 26th season for the team and the 16th in the National Football League. It began with the team trying to improve upon its 7–9 record from 1984 under head coach Joe Walton. Among quarterbacks, Ken O'Brien had the lowest rate of interceptions, with only eight interceptions in 488 passing attempts. The Jets finished the season with a record of 11–5, qualifying for the top Wild Card spot in the playoffs. On October 14, during a Monday Night Halftime ceremony, the Jets retired Joe Namath's number 12, and helped inspire the Jets to a 23–7 victory over the Dolphins. In the Wild Card round of the playoffs, they fell at home to the eventual AFC champion New England Patriots 26–14.

NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Just The Beginning; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye.

Offseason

Draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1985 New York Jets draft
1	10	Al Toon *	Wide receiver	Wisconsin
2	40	Lester Lyles	Cornerback	Virginia
3	67	Donnie Elder	Cornerback	Memphis State
4	94	Doug Allen	Wide receiver	Arizona State
5	120	Troy Benson	Linebacker	Pittsburgh
5	124	Brian Luft	Defensive tackle	USC
5	134	Tony Smith	Wide receiver	San Jose State
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

Staff

**1985 New York Jets staff**
	Front office Owner – Leon Hess President/general manager – Jim Kensil Head coaches Head coach – Joe Walton Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Rich Kotite Quarterbacks – Zeke Bratkowski Running backs – Bobby Hammond Offensive line – Bill Austin			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Bud Carson Linebackers – Dan Radakovich Linebackers – Mike Faulkiner Special teams coaches Special teams – Larry Pasquale

Roster

**1985 New York Jets roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 7 Ken O'Brien 10 Pat Ryan Running backs (RB) 23 Dennis Bligen 34 Johnny Hector 24 Freeman McNeil 49 Tony Paige FB Wide receivers (WR) 84 Bobby Humphery 87 Kurt Sohn 88 Al Toon 83 Jo-Jo Townsell 85 Wesley Walker Tight ends (TE) 81 Billy Griggs 89 Rocky Klever 82 Mickey Shuler		Offensive linemen (OL) 60 Dan Alexander G 63 Ted Banker G/T 64 Guy Bingham C 65 Joe Fields C 68 Reggie McElroy T 79 Marvin Powell T 53 Jim Sweeney G Defensive linemen (DL) 95 Tom Baldwin NT 78 Barry Bennett DE 99 Mark Gastineau DE 73 Joe Klecko NT 93 Marty Lyons DE 76 Ben Rudolph DE		Linebackers (LB) 59 Kyle Clifton ILB 50 Bob Crable OLB 55 Charles Jackson OLB 56 Lance Mehl ILB 58 Matt Monger OLB 57 John Woodring OLB Defensive backs (DB) 38 Larry Flowers SS 35 Kerry Glenn CB 39 Harry Hamilton FS 28 Carl Howard CB 40 Bobby Jackson CB 26 Lester Lyles SS 29 Johnny Lynn CB/FS 36 Rich Miano FS 20 Davlin Mullen CB 21 Kirk Springs SS Special teams (ST) 13 Dave Jennings P 5 Pat Leahy K		Reserve 31 Marion Barber RB (IR) 54 Troy Benson LB (IR) 27 Russell Carter CB (IR) 86 Glenn Dennison TE (IR) 37 Donnie Elder CB (IR) 94 Rusty Guilbeau LB (IR) 80 Lam Jones WR (IR) 90 Brian Luft DE (IR) 48 Ken Schroy S (IR) 70 Stan Waldemore G (IR) Rookies in italics

Pre season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	August 10	Philadelphia Eagles	L 17–37	0–1	Giants Stadium	30,097
2	August 17	at Cincinnati Bengals	L 20–24	0–2	Riverfront Stadium	40,371
3	August 24	at New York Giants	L 31–34 (OT)	0–3	Giants Stadium	63,174
4	August 31	at Green Bay Packers	W 30–20	1–3	Lambeau Field	56,753

Preseason Game summaries

Week P1 (Saturday, August 10, 1985): vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week P2 (Saturday, August 17, 1985): at Cincinnati Bengals

Week P3 (Saturday, August 24, 1985): at New York Giants

Week P4 (Saturday, August 31, 1985): at Green Bay Packers

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	September 8	at Los Angeles Raiders	L 0–31	0–1	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum	57,123
2	September 15	Buffalo Bills	W 42–3	1–1	Giants Stadium	63,449
3	September 22	at Green Bay Packers	W 24–3	2–1	Milwaukee County Stadium	53,667
4	September 29	Indianapolis Colts	W 25–20	3–1	Giants Stadium	61,987
5	October 6	at Cincinnati Bengals	W 29–20	4–1	Riverfront Stadium	51,785
6	October 14	Miami Dolphins	W 23–7	5–1	Giants Stadium	73,807
7	October 20	at New England Patriots	L 13–20	5–2	Sullivan Stadium	58,163
8	October 27	Seattle Seahawks	W 17–14	6–2	Giants Stadium	69,320
9	November 3	at Indianapolis Colts	W 35–17	7–2	Hoosier Dome	59,683
10	November 10	at Miami Dolphins	L 17–21	7–3	Miami Orange Bowl	73,965
11	November 17	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 62–28	8–3	Giants Stadium	65,344
12	November 24	New England Patriots	W 16–13 (OT)	9–3	Giants Stadium	74,100
13	November 28	at Detroit Lions	L 20–31	9–4	Pontiac Silverdome	65,531
14	December 8	at Buffalo Bills	W 27–7	10–4	Rich Stadium	23,122
15	December 14	Chicago Bears	L 6–19	10–5	Giants Stadium	74,752
16	December 22	Cleveland Browns	W 37–10	11–5	Giants Stadium	59,073
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Regular Season Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 8, 1985): at Los Angeles Raiders

^[1]

Week 1: New York Jets at Los Angeles Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (0–1)	0	0	0	0	0
Raiders (1–0)	7	14	7	3	31

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, California

Date: September 8, 1985
Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
Game attendance: 57,123
Referee: Tom Dooley
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
^[2]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing	Ken O'Brien	16/29, 192 YDS, 2 INTs
	Rushing	Freeman McNeil	17 CAR, 44 YDS
	Receiving	Mickey Shuler	7 REC, 88 YDS
RAI	Passing	Jim Plunkett	14/21, 242 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Marcus Allen	20 CAR, 76 YDS, 2 TDs
	Receiving	Todd Christensen	6 REC, 87 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	RAI
1	1:13				Raiders	Allen 1-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good	0	7
2	12:10				Raiders	Williams 41-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good	0	14
2	5:08				Raiders	Allen 3-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good	0	21
3	11:38	—	—	—	Raiders	Interception returned 76 yards for touchdown by Toran, Bahr kick good	0	28
4	8:29				Raiders	20-yard field goal by Bahr	0	31
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							0	31

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Jets	Game statistics	Raiders
14	First downs	19
24–62	Rushes–yards	35–122
192	Passing yards	258
16–29–2	Passes	15–22–0
10–61	Sacked–yards	4–24
131	Net passing yards	234
193	Total yards	356
0	Return yards	125
7–43	Punts	4–37
1–0	Fumbles–lost	0–0
2–10	Penalties–yards	7–60
28:21	Time of possession	31:39

Week 2 (Sunday, September 15, 1985): vs. Buffalo Bills

^[3]

Week 2: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills (0–2)	3	0	0	0	3
Jets (1–1)	0	21	14	7	42

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: September 15, 1985
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game attendance: 63,449
Referee: Pat Haggerty
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
^[4]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
BUF	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	BUF	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							3	42

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Bills	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 3 (Sunday, September 22, 1985): at Green Bay Packers

^[5]

Week 3: New York Jets at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (2–1)	7	0	10	7	24
Packers (1–2)	3	0	0	0	3

at Milwaukee County Stadium • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Date: September 22, 1985
Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
Game attendance: 53,667
Referee: Bob Frederic
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
^[6]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
GB	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	GB
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							24	3

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Jets	Game statistics	Packers
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 4 (Sunday, September 29, 1985): vs. Indianapolis Colts

^[7]

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (1–3)	0	10	7	3	20
Jets (3–1)	6	12	7	0	25

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: September 29, 1985
Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
Game attendance: 61,987
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[8]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	IND	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	25

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Colts	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 5 (Sunday, October 6, 1985): at Cincinnati Bengals

^[9]

Week 5: New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (4–1)	7	7	12	3	29
Bengals (1–4)	7	6	0	7	20

at Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio

Date: October 6, 1985
Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
Game attendance: 51,785
Referee: Ben Dreith
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[10]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
CIN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	CIN
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							29	20

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Jets	Game statistics	Bengals
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 6 (Monday, October 14, 1985): vs. Miami Dolphins

^[11]

Week 6: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins (4–2)	0	0	7	0	7
Jets (5–1)	0	6	10	7	23

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: October 14, 1985
Game time: 9:06 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Cloudy & Foggy • 65 °F (18 °C) • Wind SE 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
Game attendance: 73,807
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play-by-play), Joe Namath (color commentator) and O. J. Simpson (color commentator)
^[12]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
MIA	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	MIA	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							7	23

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Dolphins	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 7 (Sunday, October 20, 1985): at New England Patriots

^[13]

Week 7: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (5–2)	0	3	3	7	13
Patriots (4–3)	3	3	0	14	20

at Sullivan Stadium • Foxboro, Massachusetts

Date: October 20, 1985
Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Cloudy • 54 °F (12 °C) • Wind NNW 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
Game attendance: 58,163
Referee: Fred Silva
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
^[14]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing	Ken O'Brien	15/31, 246 YDS, 1 INT
	Rushing	Johnny Hector	21 CAR, 80 YDS
	Receiving	Wesley Walker	6 REC, 140 YDS
NE	Passing	Steve Grogan	11/32, 171 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Craig James	22 CAR, 94 YDS
	Receiving	Stanley Morgan	3 REC, 71 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	NE
1	1:56				Patriots	19-yard field goal by Franklin	0	3
2	9:30				Patriots	53-yard field goal by Leahy	3	3
2	2:37				Patriots	44-yard field goal by Franklin	3	6
3	5:48				Patriots	52-yard field goal by Leahy	6	6
4	10:22				Patriots	Fryar 36-yard touchdown reception from Grogan, Franklin kick good	6	13
4	6:50				Jets	Paige 2-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good	13	13
4	3:27				Patriots	Grogan 3-yard touchdown run, Franklin kick good	13	20
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							13	20

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 3 hours, 4 minutes

Jets	Game statistics	Patriots
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 8 (Sunday, October 27, 1985): vs. Seattle Seahawks

^[15]

Week 8: Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks (4–4)	0	14	0	0	14
Jets (6–2)	0	0	7	10	17

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: October 27, 1985
Game time: 1:01 p.m. EST
Game weather: Sunny • 69 °F (21 °C) • Wind SW 11 miles per hour (18 km/h; 9.6 kn) to 16 miles per hour (26 km/h; 14 kn)
Game attendance: 69,320
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
^[16]Gamebook

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SEA	Passing	Dave Krieg	9/20, 148 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
	Rushing	Randall Morris	23 CAR, 88 YDS
	Receiving	Daryl Turner	2 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD
NYJ	Passing	Ken O'Brien	13/25, 182 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
	Rushing	Freeman McNeil	22 CAR, 151 YDS
	Receiving	Rocky Klever	3 REC, 43 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	SEA	NYJ
2	9:08	6	80	2:26	Seahawks	Turner 45-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	7	0
2	0:46	—	—	—	Seahawks	Fumble recovery returned 79 yards for touchdown by Green, Johnson kick good	14	0
3	4:10	9	69	6:02	Jets	McNeil 16-yard touchdown reception from O'Brien, Leahy kick good	14	7
4	12:47	3	2	1:28	Jets	41-yard field goal by Leahy	14	10
4	5:11	7	91	4:02	Jets	Walker 15-yard touchdown reception from O'Brien, Pat Leahy kick good	14	17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	17

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Seahawks	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 9 (Sunday, November 3, 1985): at Indianapolis Colts

^[17]

Week 9: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (7–2)	14	21	0	0	35
Colts (3–6)	0	3	7	7	17

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

Date: November 3, 1985
Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 59,483
Referee: Jerry Markbreit
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[18]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							35	17

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Jets	Game statistics	Colts
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 10 (Sunday, November 10, 1985): at Miami Dolphins

^[19]

Week 10: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (7–3)	0	3	7	7	17
Dolphins (6–4)	0	7	7	7	21

at Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, Florida

Date: November 10, 1985
Game time: 4:01 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Mostly Sunny • 84 °F (29 °C) • Wind E 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn)
Game attendance: 73,965
Referee: Bob McElwee
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
^[20]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
MIA	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	MIA
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	21

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Jets	Game statistics	Dolphins
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 11 (Sunday, November 17, 1985): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

^[21]

Week 11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers (4–4)	14	7	7	0	28
Jets (8–3)	17	24	14	7	62

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: November 17, 1985
Game time: 1:16 p.m. EST
Game weather: Partly Sunny • 59 °F (15 °C) • Wind NW 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
Game attendance: 65,344
Referee: Gordon McCarter
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play) and Terry Bradshaw (color commentator)
^[22]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
TB	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	TB	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							28	62

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 3 hours, 29 minutes

Buccaneers	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 12 (Sunday, November 24, 1985): vs. New England Patriots

^[23]

Week 12: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Patriots (8–4)	0	3	0	10	0	13
Jets (9–3)	6	0	7	0	3	16

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: November 24, 1985
Game time: 1:01 p.m. EST
Game weather: Sunny • 53 °F (12 °C) • Wind NW 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn) to 22 miles per hour (35 km/h; 19 kn)
Game attendance: 74,100
Referee: Bob Frederic
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
^[24]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NE	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NE	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							13	16

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 3 hours, 39 minutes

Patriots	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 13 (Thursday, November 28, 1985): at Detroit Lions

^[25]

Week 13: New York Jets at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (9–4)	0	3	7	10	20
Lions (7–6)	3	14	7	7	31

at Pontiac Silverdome • Pontiac, Michigan

Date: November 28, 1985
Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 65,531
Referee: Chuck Heberling
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator) and Ahmad Rashad (sideline reporter)
^[26]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DET	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	DET
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	31

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Jets	Game statistics	Lions
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 14 (Sunday, December 8, 1985): at Buffalo Bills

^[27]

Week 14: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (10–4)	0	21	0	6	27
Bills (2–12)	0	0	7	0	7

at Rich Stadium • Orchard Park, New York

Date: December 8, 1985
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game attendance: 23,122
Referee: Ben Dreith
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
^[28]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
BUF	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	BUF
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							27	7

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Jets	Game statistics	Bills
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 15 (Saturday, December 14, 1985): vs. Chicago Bears

^[29]

Week 15: Chicago Bears at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears (14–1)	3	7	3	6	19
Jets (10–5)	3	0	3	0	6

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: December 14, 1985
Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
Game attendance: 74,752
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator) and Irv Cross (sideline reporter)
^[30]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
CHI	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	CHI	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							19	6

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Bears	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week 16 (Sunday, December 22, 1985): vs. Cleveland Browns

^[31]

Week 16: Cleveland Browns at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Browns (8–8)	7	3	0	0	10
Jets (11–5)	10	7	10	10	37

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: December 22, 1985
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game attendance: 59,073
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[32]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
CLE	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	CLE	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							10	37

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game:

Browns	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Standings

AFC East
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Miami Dolphins⁽²⁾	12	4	0	.750	6–2	9–3	428	320	W7
New York Jets⁽⁴⁾	11	5	0	.688	6–2	9–3	393	264	W1
New England Patriots⁽⁵⁾	11	5	0	.688	6–2	8–4	362	290	W1
Indianapolis Colts	5	11	0	.313	1–7	2–10	320	386	W2
Buffalo Bills	2	14	0	.125	1–7	2–12	200	381	L6

Playoffs

Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Time	TV	Result	Record	Game Site	Attendance	Recap
Wild Card	December 28	New England Patriots (5)	4:00 p.m. EST	NBC	L 14–26	0–1	Giants Stadium	70,958

Playoff Game summaries

AFC Wild Card Playoffs (Saturday, December 28, 1985): vs. New England Patriots

^[33]

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (A5) New England Patriots at (A4) New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots (12–5)	3	10	10	3	26
Jets (11–6)	0	7	7	0	14

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: December 28, 1985
Game time: 4:07 p.m. EST
Game weather: Partly Cloudy • 33 °F (1 °C) • Wind NW 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn) to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h; 26 kn)
Game attendance: 70,958
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play), Bob Griese (color commentator) and Ahmad Rashad (sideline reporter)
^[34]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NE	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NE	NYJ
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							26	14

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 3 hours, 0 minutes

Patriots	Game statistics	Jets
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Awards and honors

Ken O'Brien, NFL passing leader (96.2 passer rating)

External links

1985 statistics

References

^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Los Angeles Raiders – September 8, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – September 15, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Green Bay Packers – September 22, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – September 29, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals – October 6, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – October 14, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at New England Patriots – October 20, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets – October 27, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – November 3, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – November 10, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets – November 17, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New England Patriots at New York Jets – November 24, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Detroit Lions – November 28, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – December 8, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; Chicago Bears at New York Jets – December 14, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at New York Jets – December 22, 1985
^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.
^ Pro Football Reference; AFC Wild Card Playoffs – New England Patriots at New York Jets – December 28, 1985

[1] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[2] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Los Angeles Raiders – September 8, 1985

[3] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[4] Pro Football Reference; Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – September 15, 1985

[5] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[6] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Green Bay Packers – September 22, 1985

[7] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[8] Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – September 29, 1985

[9] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[10] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals – October 6, 1985

[11] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[12] Pro Football Reference; Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – October 14, 1985

[13] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[14] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at New England Patriots – October 20, 1985

[15] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[16] Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets – October 27, 1985

[17] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[18] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – November 3, 1985

[19] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[20] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – November 10, 1985

[21] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[22] Pro Football Reference; Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets – November 17, 1985

[23] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[24] Pro Football Reference; New England Patriots at New York Jets – November 24, 1985

[25] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[26] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Detroit Lions – November 28, 1985

[27] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[28] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – December 8, 1985

[29] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[30] Pro Football Reference; Chicago Bears at New York Jets – December 14, 1985

[31] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[32] Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at New York Jets – December 22, 1985

[33] The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Apr-24.

[34] Pro Football Reference; AFC Wild Card Playoffs – New England Patriots at New York Jets – December 28, 1985

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