INDIANAPOLIS -- As today is the AFC championship game and the New York Jets are playing, there has been a ton of pre-game hype about this game. Part of that hype has included the Jets playoff history (which is short) and particularly their performance in championship games.
A couple of those championship games have connections to Miami. The Jets one and only Super Bowl title came in Super Bowl III against the Baltimore Colts. The Colts were coached by Don Shula, who went on to coach the Dolphins and is the winningest coach of all time.
Another game Jets fans and media speak much about is the 1983 AFC title game. Dolphins 14, Jets zippo. In typical New York fashion, this loss has been rationalized and blamed on, of all people, Shula. I'm not making this stuff up.
Google "Jets and tarp and Shula" and you'll get a ton of articles, including this one this week in the Newark Star-Ledger, in which an otherwise respected journalist claims Shula ordered the grounds crew at the Orange Bowl not to place the tarp on the field on a day it was raining in Miami in order to give the Dolphins an advantage.
Aside from how stupid that sounds based on the fact it means it was raining on ground the Dolphins as well as the Jets were using, I actually decided to do what journalists used to do, and go to a source on the topic to find out the truth.
"Tha'ts an insult to my intelligence," Shula told me moments ago when I asked if he ordered the tarp in the Orange Bowl not to be used on the field. "If there was ever a coach that wanted to play a game on a fast track, I was that guy. I've heard of the Jets accusing us of not putting the tarp on the field or some nonsense like that but it's ridiculous.
"I did a radio show where they asked me about that and one of the hosts was obviously a Jets fan and he said I did that. I told him, 'You've got to be stupid to think I would something like that.' I like playing a game in the best possible conditions. It's the truer test for both teams."
Well, that settles that. Shula isn't re-writing history here. He's got no agenda because his reputation has already been written, both good and bad.
And he recognizes that on the bad side of the ledger is that fateful Super Bowl III that, as he says, "was the Joe Namath guarantee game."
That was New York's one and only NFL championship. And it set the stage for Shula coming to Miami.
"That game had a big impact on my career because after we lost, my relationship with the owner was never the same," Shula said. "Carroll Rosenbloom was the owner than and he'd get on the phone and take a lot of heat from his New York buddies for losing the game and then he'd get on the phone and pass the heat on to me.
"I lasted another year in Baltimore after that, but it was never the same between us. It's the main reason I ended up in Miami."
Shula said he'll be watching the both title games today, including the AFC game between the Jets and Colts.
"What the Jets have done is pretty amazing with a rookie quarterback and to come the way they've come," Shula said. "Mike Westhoff is a is friend of mine and I'm happy for him. And I'm happy for Brian Schottenheimer because he's Marty's son and Marty Schottenheimer is a close friend of mine."
So Shula likes some of the folks on the Jets.
But ...
"They're going against one of the best guys to play the game and there's not a lot they can do about that," Shula said. "I would never pick against Peyton Manning. It's unbelievable what he does. Whatever the situation is in the game, you never feel like you're safe if Manning is the other quarterback. He's one of the best of all time and when he's done he'll probably have all the records.
"You can't pick against him."
And Shula doesn't. He's picking the Colts.
[BLOG NOTE: Yup, we'll have a live blog in the comments section during the AFC title game. Go there, discuss the action with fellow Dolfans and others, and enjoy a big afternoon of football.]
what a bunch of gimmick nonsense
Posted by: carlito from golfito | January 24, 2010 at 04:06 PM
That is what Pat White was supposed to be.
Posted by: Robert | January 24, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Why is he starring at the ball play the coverage dam it!
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Gimmick!
Colts D is totally unprepared for passes from ANY formation.
Plus, that's how Fins saw White---but Smith just seems more in command than deer-in-headlights White.
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Lol colts were getting destroyed by fins wildcat. Jets took notes.
Posted by: Bigwillystyle | January 24, 2010 at 04:06 PM
MANDO say we are lucky enough to get WILFORK and say DANSBY, what would the going rate be for the #12 pick???
Posted by: phinfan from birth73 | January 24, 2010 at 04:07 PM
Jet TD = Game Set Match Hell in South Florida
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:07 PM
Caldwell- Norv turner 2.0!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:08 PM
big-time incompletion to avoid sack. curses.
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:08 PM
now if only pat white could've done that this year, will brad smith be a free agent after this year???*lol*
Posted by: superPHIN | January 24, 2010 at 04:08 PM
Ryan just lost three pounds running two yards
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:08 PM
Brad Smith will be a restricted Free Agent wonder what the rice tag is on him.
Posted by: Robert | January 24, 2010 at 04:09 PM
Ryan just lost three pounds running two yards
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:08 PM
funny as hell
Posted by: phinfan from birth73 | January 24, 2010 at 04:09 PM
The No. 12 pick is good enough to get a pick still in the teens PLUS a fifth-rounder.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 24, 2010 at 04:10 PM
Dansby would be an awesome pick especially when you dont know if McClain will not be there.
Posted by: Robert | January 24, 2010 at 04:10 PM
NJ, Should i be going to the ATM before roll call tommarrow???????
Posted by: cuban menace | January 24, 2010 at 04:10 PM
Hell here in the tri state area too
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 24, 2010 at 04:11 PM
Could Sims be gushing anymore? I think I'll turn of the volume!
Posted by: dolfanNM | January 24, 2010 at 04:11 PM
menace , yeah ! jets are going to the super bowl FOLKS!!!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM
It's still early... Manning isn't gonna just fold over
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Sanchez is tough. Gonna be sum great future battles with him and Henne.
Posted by: Bigwillystyle | January 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Jets doing pretty good right now, who's watching?
Posted by: Richard3000 | January 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM
I watched an amazing Colts comeback in the 2007 AFC title game. I'll see another one today in the second half.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM
I have to get this off my chest:
Do any of you really think that if the Dolphins had gotten into the Dance the way the Jets have, that the Fins would have seized the opportunity with the gusto the Jets have shown? Do you think we'd be calling bombs & wildpat bombs & numerous blitzes & etc.?
I don't....and that pains me.
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM
WOW only a fifth as the second pick!!!
Posted by: phinfan from birth73 | January 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Bizzaro world. Up is down, stop is go etc.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 24, 2010 at 04:13 PM
anyone else feeling sick?
Posted by: Hennething | January 24, 2010 at 04:13 PM
This drive I feel is the game
Posted by: MiaFins1 | January 24, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Blame Dan henning... Not henne
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Congrats JETS . Super bowl bound !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 24, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Not "feeling" sick --- "am" sick.
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Thinking the same thing Joe....
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 24, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Forget trading down what can the dolphins get for the "ginn family"???
Posted by: CharlestonPhin | January 24, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Gentlemen... Settle down this game is way early... I have faith in the colts
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:15 PM
Very sick...
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 24, 2010 at 04:15 PM
Does ginn have a sisters that are hot?
Posted by: Gman050 | January 24, 2010 at 04:15 PM
Charleston--
next to nothing AT BEST. Pretend you are a GM---what would YOU give?
I thought so.
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Seer, hate to say it but it appears they are better coached.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Mando im watchin the formula that we need to win games.
Posted by: Bigwillystyle | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
That's bad. My tummy is starting to hurt.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
I cannot believe this
Posted by: carlito from golfito | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Not only is result going wrong....It's not even going to be a close game!!!!
watch Jets attack here
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Gman. FUUUMBLE !!!! It's over, Jets win !!! Jets win !!!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Great D. Ball control. No mistakes.
Posted by: Bigwillystyle | January 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
For real this looks like what the dolphins want to be
Posted by: Richard3000 | January 24, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Repugnant
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 24, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Ohh man it's so over if they get another 1....
Posted by: BlazzinAce | January 24, 2010 at 04:17 PM
I think i know how the jets got their team colors. green because so many people got sick watching them. the white i guess was something that they ate.
Posted by: Hennething | January 24, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Colts look so unprepared, did they not any film?
Posted by: Jpapp21 | January 24, 2010 at 04:17 PM
WOOOW , i'm going to here it tommorrow .
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 24, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Yeah, Bigwilly. The formula is play championship defense and throw two TD passes, including an 80-yarder.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 24, 2010 at 04:18 PM
1st mistake
Posted by: Richard3000 | January 24, 2010 at 04:18 PM
Have to keep them off the board
Posted by: MiaFins1 | January 24, 2010 at 04:18 PM
... but they suck...
Posted by: carlito from golfito | January 24, 2010 at 04:18 PM
I just threw up in my mouth.....
Posted by: cuban menace | January 24, 2010 at 04:18 PM
Good momentum changer
Posted by: Richard3000 | January 24, 2010 at 04:18 PM
Yes way to step it up Colts Defense!
Posted by: carlito from golfito | January 24, 2010 at 04:19 PM
Have to keep them locked in lockeroom after 1/2 time.
Posted by: The Seer | January 24, 2010 at 04:19 PM
That wildcat play was sick though..
Posted by: Richard3000 | January 24, 2010 at 04:19 PM
Maybe Peyton will go 4-5 wide in second half? At this rate they may need to
Posted by: Jpapp21 | January 24, 2010 at 04:19 PM