The 1999 AFC Championship Game was a thrilling matchup between the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos, with the winner advancing to Super Bowl XXXIII. The game was played on January 17, 1999, at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado, and it turned out to be an instant classic.
The Jets, led by quarterback Vinny Testaverde, had an impressive season, finishing with a 12-4 record and winning the AFC East division title. They were looking to make their first Super Bowl appearance since 1969. On the other hand, the Broncos, led by quarterback John Elway, were the defending Super Bowl champions and had a 14-2 regular season record. They were seeking to become the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champions since the Dallas Cowboys in 1993.
The game started with a bang, as the Jets' receiver Keyshawn Johnson caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Testaverde on the opening drive. However, the Broncos responded quickly, with Elway leading a 9-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Terrell Davis. The first quarter ended with the score tied at 7-7.
The second quarter belonged to the Broncos, as they scored 10 unanswered points, including a 47-yard field goal by Jason Elam. The Jets struggled to move the ball, and their only score of the quarter came on a 30-yard field goal by John Hall. At halftime, the Broncos led 17-10.
The third quarter saw the Jets make a comeback, as Testaverde led a 7-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Curtis Martin. However, the Broncos responded with a 7-play, 64-yard drive of their own, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Elway to Shannon Sharpe. The quarter ended with the Broncos leading 24-17.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, as the Jets scored 10 unanswered points, including a 25-yard touchdown pass from Testaverde to Johnson. However, the Broncos were able to run out the clock, and the game ended with a final score of 23-20 in favor of the Broncos.
Key Performances
The game featured several outstanding performances, including:
- John Elway: 13/23, 173 yards, 1 TD
- Vinny Testaverde: 18/32, 232 yards, 2 TDs
- Keyshawn Johnson: 6 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
- Terrell Davis: 24 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD
- Curtis Martin: 19 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD
Turning Point
The turning point of the game came in the fourth quarter, when the Jets were driving down the field, trailing 23-17. Testaverde threw a deep pass to Johnson, who was wide open, but the ball was intercepted by the Broncos' safety, Steve Atwater. The interception sealed the win for the Broncos and sent them to their second consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
Legacy
The 1999 AFC Championship Game is remembered as one of the greatest championship games in NFL history. The Broncos' victory marked their second consecutive AFC Championship, and they went on to win Super Bowl XXXIII, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-19. The Jets, on the other hand, had to wait another 20 years to return to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.
Statistical Breakdown
Here is a statistical breakdown of the game:
- Total offense: Broncos 355 yards, Jets 322 yards
- Rushing yards: Broncos 121 yards, Jets 94 yards
- Passing yards: Broncos 234 yards, Jets 228 yards
- Turnovers: Broncos 0, Jets 2
Conclusion
The 1999 AFC Championship Game was an instant classic, with the Broncos emerging victorious 23-20. The game featured outstanding performances from both teams, and it marked the Broncos' second consecutive AFC Championship. The Jets, on the other hand, had to wait another 20 years to return to the AFC Championship Game. The game is still remembered today as one of the greatest championship games in NFL history.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this game. Share your favorite memories or comments about the 1999 AFC Championship Game. What do you think was the turning point of the game? Do you think the Jets will ever return to the AFC Championship Game?
Who was the MVP of the 1999 AFC Championship Game?
+John Elway was the MVP of the 1999 AFC Championship Game.
What was the final score of the 1999 AFC Championship Game?
+The final score of the 1999 AFC Championship Game was Broncos 23, Jets 20.
Who caught the game-winning touchdown pass for the Broncos?
+Shannon Sharpe caught the game-winning touchdown pass for the Broncos.