Countdown to Camp: 64
As we look ahead to training camp in late July, we're going to take a daily retrospective look back at some random people, moments and games from Jets history...
The Current 64
Travis Swanson was a smart pick-up because although Spencer Long is expected to be an upgrade over Wesley Johnson at center, Swanson provides them with another option should Long endure more injury issues. Swanson was playing well a few years ago, but has been slowed by concussion issues since that time.
The Greatest
With not much competition, offensive lineman Guy Bingham is the best Jet to have worn the number 64 jersey. A tenth round pick in 1980, Bingham spent most of his nine years with the Jets as a reserve, but racked up 32 starts in total, including nine in 1986 and 11 in 1987.
Here is Bingham in action at left guard:
The other 64's
Trevor Matich, Harry Galbreath, Pete Perreault...
The '64 season
The Jets began the 1964 season at 4-2-1 only to then lose six of their last seven to end up 5-8-1 for the second year in a row.
Quarterback Dick Wood led the team with 17 touchdown passes and Matt Snell contributed 948 rushing yards. Receiver Bake Turner led the team with nine touchdown catches.
Snell was an AFL all-star along with offensive linemen Sherman Plunkett and Winston Hill. Larry Grantham was the team's only all-AFL selection, while safety Dainard Paulson's 12 interceptions earned him an AFL all-star spot.
With the 64th pick
1984 draft pick Kyle Clifton is regarded as one of the best Jets defensive players of all time, having spent his entire 13 year career with the Jets, leading them in tackles several times. Clifton played on a lot of bad teams, but also made the postseason three times.
Big plays for 64
Here's a 64-yard play the Jets gave up to Jason Witten in the season opener in 2011:
The Jets came from behind in this game as Mike DeVito forced a fumble near the goal line to keep it as a seven point game. Joe McKnight's blocked punt would later be returned for the tying touchdown by Isaiah Trufant and then a Darrelle Revis interception and a Nick Folk field goal gave the Jets the win.
Here was a huge play late in the 13-10 Christmas Day win over the Dolphins in 2006, which helped secure a shock wild-card berth. Leon Washington's 64-yard catch and run set up Mike Nugent's game-winner with 14 seconds left.
Let us know if there's any connections to 64 that we missed...