1998 Divisional Playoff vs Steelers
The 1998 Jets won their first division title since the merger and reached the AFC Championship Game.
The 1998 New York Jets season was the 39th season for the team and the 29th in the National Football League (NFL). The team improved on its previous season by three games, finishing 12–4 in their second season under head coach Bill Parcells and their first playoff appearance since 1991, winning their first division title since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970; the 12–4 record was also the best in Jets history.
Quick Facts
- Date
- January 10, 1999
- Final score
- Jets 34, Jaguars 24
Lore & Background
The Jets earned a first-round bye, given to the two division winners with the best records, for the first time. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34–24 in the Divisional round of the playoffs, their first playoff win since 1986 and their first AFC Championship Game appearance in 16 years. Their attempt to reach their first Super Bowl in thirty years was halted by losing in Denver when the 14–2 Broncos scored 23 unanswered points in the second half.
Reader's Guide
In the offseason, the Jets signed New England Patriots running back Curtis Martin to an offer sheet. The Patriots had offered Martin a tender deal that would net them a first-round pick and a third-round pick if a team signed him. Jets coach and general manager Bill Parcells, who had left New England two years prior, offered Martin a very large contract that the Patriots were unwilling to match. The Jets parted ways with veteran quarterback Neil O'Donnell after two seasons and signed Vinny Testaverde to serve as backup to Glenn Foley. Testaverde eventually succeeded Foley as the starter and led the Jets to their division title. On defense, New York added former Miami Dolphins linebacker Bryan Cox. The offseason also saw the first major overhaul of the Jets' uniforms and logos since 1978.
Did You Know?
- Vinny Testaverde threw for 3,256 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions in 421 pass attempts (1.7%).
- Curtis Martin rushed for a franchise record 1,287 yards, breaking the previous mark of 1,249 yards set by Adrian Murrell just two years prior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 1998 Divisional Playoff vs Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New York Jets with a final score of 24 to 17 in a hard-fought defensive battle.
When and where did this playoff matchup take place?
This game was played on January 3, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Which quarterbacks led the offenses for each team?
Vinny Testaverde started at quarterback for the Jets while Kordell Stewart commanded the Steelers attack during this contest.
What round of the playoffs was this specific matchup?
This contest served as an AFC Divisional Round game that ultimately sent Pittsburgh further into the playoffs while ending the Jets' season.
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