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Jets Hand Chiefs First Shutout Loss in Franchise History

Dec. 2, 1963 - The New York Jets accomplished something yesterday before 18,124 chilled fans at the Polo Grounds that no other team had been able to do in the four-year history of the American Football League. They blanked the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, 17-0. The Chiefs, who were the Dallas Texans for three years, had gone through 52 regular-season games and the 1962 championship contest without being shut out. But the Jets of coach Weeb Ewbank turned in one of the best defensive games of the season in gaining their fifth victory against five losses and a tie. The Jets took the lead in the second quarter after a frustrating first period. In the opening 15 minutes, they did not get into enemy territory until Dee Mackey caught Dick Wood’s pass on the Chief 47 just before the teams changed goals. New York began to roll in the second quarter and took the lead at 5:17 of the period on Wood’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Don Maynard. The Jet flanker beat the defender, Duane Wood, in the corner of the end zone and completed Dick Wood’s 18th touchdown pass of the season.  The Chiefs had their last chance to score with 2:40 remaining in the game. Kansas City drove 79 yards to the Jet 1. Edwin Wilson, who had replaced Len Dawson in the third quarter after Dawson threw an interception, led the march, passing to Fred Arbanas and Frank Jackson for substantial gains. A pass-interference call against Clyde Washington on an aerial intended for Chris Burford put the ball on the 1. On first down, however, Bert Coan cracked into the middle and fumbled. Tony Stricker recovered for the Jets on the 4, and the Chiefs were finished. “We didn’t seem to have any zip,” lamented Kansas City coach Hank Stram afterward. “I thought after the tie in Boston, we were on the way back.”

© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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