Looking back at better Jets times in Buffalo as likely Highmark Stadium finale approaches

ORCHARD PARK — The Jets played the first game in what was then known as Rich Stadium on Sept. 30, 1973, against the Bills.

It was a 9-7 Jets loss. Al Woodall connected with Jerome Barkum on a 34-yard touchdown pass, but that was all the scoring the Jets would do that day.

Since then, the Jets have played there 49 times and are 20-29 all-time in the stadium. They will play there Sunday for a 50th time in what is now known as Highmark Stadium.

It is likely the final game ever in the stadium, unless some whacky things happen and the Bills end up with a home playoff game.

This one is a meaningless game for the 3-13 Jets. For the Bills, they could wind up with the 5, 6 or 7 seed in the playoffs depending on this result and other games. But they are not expected to play star quarterback Josh Allen, who is dealing with a foot injury, since their playoff spot is already secure.

While this one is a snoozer, there have been plenty of memorable matchups at this stadium through the years.

The Jets have had some bad moments (Cary Blanchard, Ryan Fitzpatrick), but for this Sunday, let’s look back at some of the big wins they’ve had there.

Sept. 10, 1978 : Jets 21, Bills 20

I don’t know much about this game, but looking through the scores over the years, this one jumped out to me. Richard Todd hit Barkum with a 3-yard touchdown pass with 59 seconds left. It was Todd’s third touchdown of the game.

Dec. 6, 1992: Jets 24, Bills 17

The Jets shocked the Bills, who were 17-point favorites, in this game that came a week after Dennis Byrd was paralyzed. The Jets took the lead with 1:41 left in the game when Brian Washington intercepted Jim Kelly and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. It was the first time they had beaten the Bills since 1987.

Jim Sweeney #53, Center for the New York Jets prepares to snap the football as Quarterback Boomer Esiason #1 calls the play on the line of scrimmage during the American Football Conference East game against the Buffalo Bills on 4th September 1994 at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York. — Jim Sweeney for the New York Jets prepares to snap the football as Quarterback Boomer Esiason calls the play on the line of scrimmage during the American Football Conference East game against the Buffalo Bills on September 4, 1994 at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York. Getty Images

Sept. 4, 1994: Jets 23, Bills 3

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The Jets stunned the four-time defending AFC champions in this one. It was Pete Carroll’s first game as Jets coach, and a young cornerback named Aaron Glenn made his NFL debut.

Dec. 19, 1998: Jets 17, Bills 10

Wide receiver Dedric Ward #89 of the New York Jets in action during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, New York. The Jets defeated the Bills 17-10. — Wide receiver Dedric Ward of the New York Jets in action during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, New York. Getty Images

The Jets won the AFC East in this game, highlighted by Dedric Ward’s 71-yard touchdown reception from Vinny Testaverde.

Sept. 8, 2002: Jets 37, Bills 31 (OT)

Chad Morton returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime, in this back-and-forth season opener.