AFC Championship: "Mud Bowl"

The AFC Championship Game in January 1983 between the Dolphins and the Jets became known as the Mud Bowl because heavy rain in South Florida – combined with some questionable groundskeeping at the Orange Bowl – had transformed the field into a muddy swamp. Since the Jets were the faster team, this played to Miami’s advantage – and the Jets’ offense went dormant. A major reason was Dolphins linebacker A.J. Duhe, who prior to the game intercepted just two passes in 6 NFL seasons but in this game picked off three. The most important one occurred in the fourth quarter, with the Jets down 7-0. With his jersey, like all other players,’ dirtied by mud, Duhe leapt up and batted a pass attempted by Jets QB Richard Todd. Duhe then bobbled and caught the ball himself, returning it 35 yards for a touchdown. The Dolphins won, 14-0, but lost in the Super Bowl; for Jets fans, the game was among the most frustrating in franchise history. ― NFL 100

Box Score: Football Reference

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