The 1979 season was another 8–8 campaign that was marred by a quarterback controversy. Starter Richard Todd was demoted and new starter Matt Robinson was named for the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. But days before the game, Robinson injured his throwing-hand thumb during horseplay with Joe Klecko and tried to hide the injury, but was forced to reveal it the night before the game. The thumb was treated and the Jets took a 22–19 lead in the final quarter. Robinson had the tape on his injured thumb removed thinking the game was over, but Brian Sipe led a game-tying Browns drive, and in overtime Robinson, unable to grip the ball, threw a sloppy pass for Wesley Walker that was intercepted and turned into a Browns game-winning field goal. Michaels never used Robinson again even after Richard Todd got injured.