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By Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 25, 2000
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Now that the New York Jets have outdone even themselves, the question is: Just what is this team capable of?
Any kind of comeback is within reach after the Jets surged from a 30-7 deficit after three quarters to beat Miami 40-37 in overtime early Tuesday. It was the fourth late rally to victory for the Jets (6-1), who stand alone atop the AFC East.
"This team is just mentally tough and strong," Vinny Testaverde said after throwing for 236 yards and four scores in a 30-point, 20-first-down fourth quarter.
Testaverde has a 129.6 rating in the fourth quarter this season.
After a tumultuous off-season in which they lost two coaches (Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick) and traded receiver Keyshawn Johnson, the Jets have rallied to win at Green Bay and Tampa Bay and at home -- both on Monday night -- against New England and Miami.
"We were being humiliated," safety Victor Green said, "and we knew that was not our team. To get 30 points like that on a great defense, it was a special moment. We've had some special moments this season."
But plenty of people tuned out before the end. ABC's telecast drew a 12.1 national rating and 21 share, down from 14.9/25 from the same week last year. The rating dropped starting in the third quarter and continued to slump each half hour until after midnight.