The Jets (8-8) came into the game needing a win along with losses by Tennessee, Cincinnati, and one of the AFC West contenders. Instead, they finished the season with three consecutive defeats.
Ryan said he didn’t regret his guarantee.
“I’m always going to chase the Super Bowl,’’ Ryan said. “I know I get criticized for it beyond belief, but if you don’t, then you’re probably a loser, OK? I’m not a loser.’’
Soap opera fodder for the offseason came out of the Jets’ final drive, when receiver and captain Santonio Holmes was benched. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson said teammates were unhappy with Holmes’s effort, demeanor, and body language. Holmes was held without a catch for the first time in his 88-game career.
Each interception by Sanchez led to a Miami field goal. Sanchez’s final misfire came at the Miami 10 with three minutes left and the Jets trailing, 16-10. Reserve linebacker Marvin Mitchell stepped in front of intended receiver Shonn Greene and rumbled 55 yards.
The Jets scored with 1:15 to go on Sanchez’s 10-yard pass to Patrick Turner, but Brandon Marshall recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal it for Miami (6-10).
Titans 23, Texans 22
Needing a win and help to stay alive in the AFC wild-card chase, Tennessee took care of its part, but didn’t get the other results needed to make the playoffs. The Titans’ Matt Hasselbeck threw two touchdown passes, and Houston botched a 2-point conversion in the final seconds.
Tennessee (9-7) finished with its first winning record since 2008.
Replacing injured quarterback T.J. Yates, Jake Delhomme drove Houston (10-6) for a touchdown with 14 seconds left. With the Texans entrenched as the No. 3 seed in the AFC and nothing to lose but more players to injury, coach Gary Kubiak called for a 2-point conversion to win the game in regulation. But tight end Joel Dreessen was flagged for illegal motion, and then backup center Thomas Austin flipped the snap over Delhomme’s head.
Kubiak said Yates suffered a bruised left shoulder but could’ve returned if necessary.
Chargers 38, Raiders 26
