This day in NY sports history: Sept. 11, 1946

THIS DAY IN

N.Y. SPORTS HISTORY

Saturday, Sept. 12, 1964

Jets win Shea opener

The Jets defeated Denver, 30-6, in their first home game at Shea Stadium in their season-opening game before a then-franchise-record crowd of 45,665. The previous attendance mark was 25,136 on Oct. 15, 1961, when the Titans lost to San Diego, 25-10. Jim Turner kicked three field goals (11, 27, 21). Dick Wood was 9 of 18 for 144 yards and two scores. Unfortunately, the Jets' season went downhill after the opening win. They ended the season 5-8-1, and finished third in the AFL East Division behind the Buffalo Bills (12-2) and Boston Patriots (10-3-1). A big reason for their disappointing season was an offense which ranked seventh of eight teams in the AFL with 278 points (19.9 average). A few seasons later, however, the Jets would win their first, and only Super Bowl, in January, 1969.