Countdown to Camp: 45
As we look ahead to training camp in late July, we're taking a daily retrospective look back at some random people, moments and games from Jets history...
The Current 45
Once an undrafted rookie from a small school who was never expected to make the team, Rontez Miles is now one of the team's longest-tenured players and a core special teamer who also contributes on defense. However, he's just had knee surgery and will likely begin the season on the PUP list. It's possible he could be activated later in the year as he's due back around midseason.
The Greatest
Cornerback Otis Smith has some big moments as a Jet, none more than in 1997 when his two pick-sixes against the Bucs gave the Jets a chance to make the postseason in the final game (which they blew).
Smith played for the Jets in five different seasons, twice intercepting six passes. He scored three touchdowns as a Jet, including this one:
The other 45's
Dick Christy, Tony Stargell, Earlie Thomas...
45 years ago
In 1973, the Jets went 4-10 as Joe Namath was banged up again and Weeb Ewbank coached the team for the last time. We detailed that earlier in our countdown, here.
A bizarre 45-yard touchdown
Here's Vinny Testaverde's 45-yard touchdown pass to...defensive back Marcus Coleman?!?! This came on a Hail Mary at the end of the first half and did prove decisive in a Jets win:
Big 45-yard plays in the playoffs
Here's Jerricho Cotchery's big catch from Brad Smith in the playoffs on a gadget play:
Here's Dustin Keller's touchdown in the win over the Bengals in the 2009 playoffs:
45 on the scoreboard
Many of you will remember the Jets getting hammered 45-3 by New England in 2010. Having been 9-2 at the time, the Jets embarrassed themselves, only to then turn things around and beat the Patriots in the postseason. However, there was an even more crushing 45-3 defeat against Miami in 1986. At the time, the Jets were 10-1 and it sent them off on a five game losing streak that almost saw them miss the playoffs entirely. During that streak they gave up 45 one other time, in a loss to the Steelers.
Let us know if there's any connections to 45 that we missed...