(Originally published by the Daily News on September 22, 1970. This story was written by Larry Fox.)
CLEVELAND, Sept. 21 - Blunders, a record number of penalties, shocking lapses by the secondary and key plays on offense and defense by the Browns sent the Jets down to a 31-21 defeat in their season opener tonight.
A record Cleveland Stadium crowd of 85,703 and a national television audience watching the NFL's first permanent excursion into prime time witnessed the Jet debacle that took just about three hours to complete.
Despite their faults, the Jets had a chance to save at least a tie or even win it when sub linebacker Billy Andrews intercepted a Joe Namath pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown with 35 seconds to go.