Vol. 2 Number 10  November 12, 1998

In This Jet Issue:

All Aboard the Love Jet – A magical way to travel.
Overall Standings and Divisional Races – Everyone’s an honorary Jet!
A Word From The Grand Jet Poobah – Once upon a time...
Chances Are – I wear a silly grin the moment I begin to talk about the Jets.
Free Association – Free beer! Information required first.

All Aboard the Love Jet

The return of the traditional uniforms. The 30th anniversary of that miraculous championship season. The actual winning of games. A Sherman Plunkett-sized FBH Jet Love-in has been begging to happen all year. Then today, the official sign came, oddly enough, in the U. S. Mail. It was a letter from the man I consider the original Jet Fan – the person who has more to do with me being a Jet supporter than anyone else (yes, this is a good thing) – my Uncle Rich. You see, my Dad and Uncle Ken were the Giant fans in the family. When I became football aware, it only seemed fair to "even up the sides", plus Uncle Rich had the sales pitch down. He had season tickets, so he could show me color pictures he had taken at the games. He told me exciting stories about Broadway Joe vs. the Colts and the Heidi Bowl. By the time he bribed me with some Jet yearbooks, I was sold. Plus, who wouldn’t take Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer over Joe Morrisson and Fucker Tedrickson, uh, I mean, Tucker Fredrickson?

  (For the record, No. 2 on the list is Joe Willie Namath and No. 3 is Bob "Shuppy" Shupp who shared my 8th grader excitement about the little green men and gave me a confidante growing up in the midst of Giant land. Honorable mention to Bob "The Jets Can Win with the Point Spread" Donovan.)

  So even if you don’t know Winkin’, Blinkin’ and Nod from Winkel, Blinka and Todd, get ready. Because this week will feature the beginning in a series of articles celebrating the wonder of Jet-ness. But first, let’s recap last week’s results and see how everyone is doing.

Overall Standings

  Week ten was not very good for most of us who didn’t take the home teams. The best effort was a 10-5 record turned in by my sister Dawn Ru-"(Ed) Bell." (Just a note, the infamous "Heidi Bowl" which the Jets lost to the Raiders was played on Dute’s third birthday, November 17, 1968.) At this point "Walt" Michael(s) Joyce and Patty "Ryan" Snider are in first place.

  Last place changed hands as Angelo "Bubby" Forgione nosedived to the bottom following a 2-13 rout at the hands of the oddsmakers. Dave Schwaynard is one game ahead of Ang. Matt "Robinson" Bashaw, Pete "Lammons" Knapp and the AssCommish (AKA Rick "Lyle" Shupp – ah, finally a "Lyle Boy"!) managed only 3 wins each last week.

Divisional Races

  Two second quarter playoff ties were broken last week. In the Mookie Division, Mark "Gastineau" Reid edged "Richard" Todd Meyer 9 wins to 7, and Mike
"Adamle" Forst (you were expecting Lou Piccone, maybe?) had 7 wins to 5 each for Kelly "Green and White" Howell and Jeff "Lageman" Vanek. Congratulations boys!

Mookie Division

 Dutie’s 10 wins are tops so far, but six players have 9.

 Key Divisional Stat: Uncle Rich "Kotite" wants to know if the Nipplehead will go to a non-Brown this season. It’s a bit too early to say since Steve "Tannen" Ruble is only one game behind Uncle Ken "Schroy".

Jackie Division

 Marky "Lyons" Vanek was the only one smart enough to take the home teams last week as he leads Paul "Freeman" Kessler, Jody "Lam" Posey and Dick "Christy" Vanek by one game. (Incidentally, Dick is a personal friend of former Titans QB and current NFL Ref Dean Look.)

 Sadly, last week, Kenny was murdered by Colonel Mustard in the Billiard Room with a candlestick. Those bastards!

 Key Divisional Stats: Can anyone believe that Dick and Mark are only one game out of first?

Little Boy Division

 Another "Take the home teams and win" poster child, Sara Esparzalauskas, had nine wins, one better than Steve "Abdul" Saawade and Super Mikey.

 Key Divisional Stats: At the halfway point, Papa Bob "Howfield" Schwade is the top Schwade, and Ron "Godwin" Hade is the top Shupp.

A Word From The Grand Jet Poobah

For the first installment of the celebration of Jet-ness, we focus on one of the biggest moments in Jet history, the 1968 AFL Championship game. Some historical perspective. The day before this game, The Beatles’ "White Album" reached number one on the US charts. Dick Nixon, who had been defeated Hubert Humphrey almost two months earlier, was awaiting his inauguration. In March of that year, ABC made most horrendous gaffe in television history by cancelling "Batman" after only three seasons. (Adding insult to injury, the last show featured Zsa Zsa Gabor as the villianess "Minerva" instead of a cooler bad guy.) Neil Armstrong’s famous first step was still seven months off. A very tiny Miss Kimba was probably close to taking her first steps in Rochester, NY. Some of you were decked out in bell bottom jeans on a regular basis. So let’s turn the mic over to Uncle Rich for his Jet thoughts and an eyewitness account of the game: November 2, 1998, Brooklyn, NY Dear Roy,   I’m taking this opportunity to accept your invitation in the Week Eight FBH to address the Commish and the AssCommish to discuss an issue I care deeply about. In this case, however, it is not to verbally spar with you, but to support both of you transplanted Gang Green boosters.   It can’t be easy in the land of blue and silver to proudly display the green and white. Until a few years ago, it wasn’t advisable to admit to being a Jet fan here in Gotham. The change in field generalship and a loosening of the purse strings has brought a new found respect for the Tuna Clippers both in the sports pages and on TV. Gone, for the moment at least, are the derisive remarks and snickers by the talking heads. (Not to be confused with David Byrne & Co. – Commish) In this neck of the woods, the Giants are now the favorite whipping boys.   The Jets still have a long way to go before they can be considered a team of the first rank. There has to be consistent double digit winning seasons if they wish to take the mantle from the likes of the Broncos, 49ers and the Packers. For now though, they are an up-and-coming team that have brought the excitement back to those of us who are fortunate to have green blood coursing through their arteries.   If the current Jet team require a role model, they only need to look back 30 years to the 1968 version. Yes – the Super Bowl Jets. They were a powerful, well balanced unit. In the spirit of those past glories, I’m enclosing with this letter, the ticket stub (see picture) of the 1968 AFL Championship game with the dreaded Oakland Raiders. The final score was Jets over the Raiders 27-23. (The crack FBH staff has also produced the box score and several pictures from the game – Commish.) In those days, games between NY and Oakland were more like wars; brutal, take-no-prisoners affairs. The Raiders were led by "The Mad Bomber" Daryle Lamonica and his band of cutthroats. In this contest, Joe Willie and Company prevailed; next stop – Super Bowl number three.   I recently found this ticket stub while going through my desk drawers. It brought back some very warm feelings about that very cold December day. The game was a nail-biter from the opening kickoff. If I recall correctly, it was late in the 4th quarter and Lamonica was throwing missles all over the place and the Raiders were advancing. The Jets recovered a lateral attempt in the backfield and stopped the onslaught.   Hopefully, the ticket stub will serve as a reminder to the Dallas contingent of Jets loyalists, that the heights of the NFL’s Everest were once scaled by the green shirted Gothamites. – Phil. AFL CHAMPIONSHIP December 29, 1968 – Shea Stadium NEW YORK 27, OAKLAND 23  The New York Jets climaxed their finest season in history (11-3) by scoring a 27-23 victory over Oakland in the ninth annual American Football League Championship Game. A title game record crowd of 62,627 sat in the chilly and windy proceedings at Shea Stadium and saw Joe Namath toss three touchdown passes (two to Don Maynard, one to Pete Lammons). In addition, Jim Turner, the league’s leading scorer, booted two field goals to help the Jets annex their first AFL title.  Despite the fact that Namath attempted a record 49 passes, the Jets still mixed their attack and Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer gained 71 and 51 yards, respectively, behind fine blocking from the front line.  Oakland, bidding for its second straight crown, was led by the passing arm of Daryle Lamonica, who passed for 401 yards. Their running attack was blunted by the Jets league leading defense which held Hewritt Dixon & Co. to 44 yards. The Raiders carried the game down to the final minutes before Lamonica’s lateral pass for Charlie Smith rolled free and was recovered by the Jets’ Ralph "AssCommish" Baker.  The victory gave head coach Weeb Ewbank the honor of being the first coach to win titles in both the NFL and AFL. GAME SUMMARY New York…….……. 10  3  7  7 -- 27 Oakland……………. 0  10  3  10 -- 23 NYJ -- Maynard 14 pass from Namath (J. Turner kick) NYJ -- FG J. Turner 33 Oak -- Biletnikoff 29 pass from Lamonica (Blanda kick) NYJ -- FG J. Turner 36 Oak -- FG Blanda 26 Oak -- FG Blanda 9 NYJ -- Lammons 20 pass from Namath (J. Turner kick) Oak -- FG Blanda 20 Oak -- Banazak 5 run (Blanda kick) NYJ -- Maynard 6 pass from Namath (J. Turner kick)

Game summary and statistics courtesy of the 1969 & 1981 Jet Yearbooks.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I think I need "a moment" after that. Well said Uncle Rich. Thanks for sharing that old Jet magic with us. We should also note that Bob and Steve Schwade were also in attendance for this game. That works out to 7% of the FBH community to witness the game first hand.

 The Commish happily adds that the ranks of the Texas-based Jet rooters are growing. In addition to Miss Kimba, who declared her allegiance at the start of the season, I have the feeling that Dick and Steve Vanek are converting as a result of consistent repetition thanks to the satellite dish. Writes Dick: "Hard to believe I have picked the Jets for the fourth week in a row. That’s what watching Roy’s NFL Ticket every week with Roy and Ralph will do to a person." Says Steve V.: "Being a Jet fan is optimism at its most ridiculous."

Chances Are

 Jet fans have got to be pleased with the 6-3 start which has them tied for first place in the AFC East, especially after starting 0-2. Jet fans are also highly supersticious when it comes to discussing the future, especially winning in the future. I mean, how cocky can I get when faced with the fact that the last time the Jets won the Super Bowl, I was in the midst of my first crush (on Terry Capobianco) and was probably getting in trouble in school for eating paste. But, as you know, Ol’ Commishy likes to fill the FBH airwaves with semi-cosmic babble about personal growth, so maybe it’s time I put my money where my mouth is. (Note: This subject is not to be confused with "Personal Growths" which is the AssCommish’s area.) So, let’s pop the hood on the Jetmobile and have a look-see, shall we?

 Season recap: Lost game one to Saint Francis in OT after looking like they outplayed the ‘niners. Looked flat in the game two home opener against the Hravins. No explaination for this one. They have looked in control ever since, save one mind-numbing loss at San Luis. The best news other than the play of the defense, is Vinny "Green Ball" Testaverde and his 6-0 record as a starter. It would be hard to ask for more from him. Fortunately, the losses have come outside the division, and two were outside the conference. That plus the 4-0 divisional record, bode well for tiebreakers.

 Stats: Going into week 9, the Jets had the AFC’s 3rd best offense (behind Denver and Jacksonville) and the 5th best defense. Overall, the green men had the 7th best offense and defense. (Interesting note, the team who ranks 6th overall in both categories? Would you believe The Dallas Cowboys?)

 Remaning Schedule: The rest of the season contains round 2 vs. their AFC East rivals, including the final three games as follows: @Sea Scum, @Mmm Buffalo before ending the season at home versus New England. Other than that, we travel to Nashville and host Carolina and Seattle. Based on what we have seen so far, there isn’t a game in that string that we can’t win, not that I’m predicting a 13-3 finish, mind you. But 11 wins and an AFC East title is possible.

 Analysis: I’ll be the first one to say it – I’ll be disappointed if the Jets don’t make the playoffs. How far we progress will depend on injuries and the play of our post-season opponents. Could the Jets win it all this season? Let’s say this for the moment: Bill Parcells knows how to win the big one. The framework seems to be there. I trust Vinny so far. Mo Lewis is better than sex while golfing. The team has shown the ability to win the close games and to string together victories. Let’s just get our horse into the big race and see how she runs.

Free Association

This is the Commish. GO!

[ Note to Uncle Ken. I have been assuming you have access to the website. If you wish to have a hard copy mailed to you, just let me know.

[ Rutgers, initially ranked dead last among Division I-A college football teams, is now a surprising 5-4 after beating Navy last weekend. And hats off to the Michigan State Spartans who upset the hated Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday.

This Is Ralph, Go!

a  Hats off as well to Patty Snider for recognizing the subtle Mich. State reference in the color scheme last week. When in doubt, I usually go with the tried and true green and white background by default. However, since it was hours after the Spartans big victory that I updated the page, I thought it might be appropriate since many FBHer's have Mich. State ties. Had I known Roy was going to go into Jet spasms this week, I would have held off on the green and white.

This is the Commish. GO!

[ FBH Challenge Results: Looks like Todd Meyer owes Steve Schwade a (non-alcoholic) beer for naming 14 Minnesota Viking QBs without looking it up. Steve writes: "Gary Cuazzo, Bob Lee, Fran Tarkington, Warner Moon, Richie Cunningham, Brad Johnston, Norm Snead, Joe Krapp, Tommy Kramer, Rich Cannon, Bob Berry, Wade Wilson, Steve Dils, Steve Bono, Ron Vander Kellen(?)... that's 15, and I didn't look it up. I LAUGH at your challenge!! Do Not DARE challenge me again! Just because I can't pick games, doesn't mean I don't know football better than my own rectum. I refer you to Bob Shupp and the famous Mike Stromberg incident (#68 back-up to Al Atkinson and - like Joe Klecko - played at Temple)." Todd says: "Well done!" Commish adds that we came up with Norm Van Brocoli in addition…And Steve, who doesn’t know your rectum?

This Is Ralph, Go!

a  Found a great article on the Heidi game, which will see it's 30th anniversary on Tuesday. Too long to print here, but check it out... http://www.nfl.com/news/981109heidi.html

This is the Commish. GO!

[ The NFL has announced that the owners of the Philadelphia Eagles have been fined $50,000 for their team’s failure to show up for the Monday Night Football game versus Dallas in week eight.

[ New Trivia Question: Who was the first player selected by the New York Titans in the AFL entry draft held on November 22, 1959?