# 2011 New York Jets season

The 2011 season was the New York Jets' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 52nd overall and their third under head coach Rex Ryan.
Despite sitting at 8–5 in early December, controlling their own destiny to make the postseason, the Jets lost their last three games and finished at 8–8. The team failed to improve upon their 11–5 record from 2010 and failed to reach the playoffs and the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2008, which also had a three-game losing streak to close the season. The Jets' 2011 season, from its lockout-impacted start to the team's losing streak that marked its end was chronicled extensively in Nicholas Dawidoff's 2013 book Collision Low Crossers: A Year Inside the Turbulent World of NFL Football. Beginning in the offseason, Dawidoff embedded himself with the team, primarily with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and assistants Dennis Thurman and Mike Smith. This season began a lengthy postseason drought for the Jets; as of 2024, they have failed to qualify for the playoffs since 2011, with just one winning season in that time.

## Transactions
### Coaching changes

* Strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi tendered his resignation from the team on January 31, 2011. In November 2010, Alosi became embroiled in controversy when he tripped Miami Dolphins' cornerback Nolan Carroll on a punt return that resulted in his suspension from the team. Former Atlanta Falcons' assistant Bill Hughan was hired as the team's new strength and conditioning coach two weeks later on February 14, 2011.
* Mike Bloomgren left his assistant offensive coordinator position with the team in February to become the offensive line coach and run coordinator at Stanford.
* Former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore was hired as an offensive consultant for the team in July 2011.

### Arrivals

* The Jets signed Nick Novak on February 9, 2011, to compete with incumbent kicker Nick Folk.
* The Jets announced the addition of ten undrafted free agents on July 27, 2011; Josh Baker, Collin Franklin, Nick Bellore, Stafford Gatling, Michael Campbell, Dan DePalma, Courtney Smith, Tom Ottaiano, Chris Stewart, and Julian Posey.
* The Jets announced the addition of six undrafted free agents on July 28, 2011; Byron Landor, Davon Morgan, Zane Taylor, Taylor Boggs, Jeff Wills, and Matthias Berning.
* The Jets signed Chris Bryan and undrafted free agents Jeremy McGee and Jake Duron on July 29, 2011.
* The Jets signed Donald Strickland on July 30, 2011.
* The Jets signed Plaxico Burress on July 31, 2011.
* The Jets signed DaJuan Morgan on August 2, 2011.
* The Jets signed Trevor Canfield and Pete Clifford on August 4, 2011.
* The Jets signed Derrick Mason on August 6, 2011.
* The Jets signed Wilson Raynor and Keith Zinger on August 7, 2011.
* The Jets signed David Herron and Eddie Jones on August 9, 2011.
* The Jets signed Cordarol Scales on August 10, 2011.
* The Jets signed Aaron Maybin on August 17, 2011.
* The Jets signed Tracy Wilson and Nevin McCaskill on August 24, 2011.
* The Jets signed Isaiah Trufant on September 1, 2011.
* The Jets claimed Andrew Sendejo, Mardy Gilyard, Kevin O'Connell, and Colin Baxter off waivers on September 4, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Isaiah Trufant from the practice squad on September 10, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Patrick Turner from the practice squad on September 13, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Josh Baker from the practice squad on September 27, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Aaron Maybin on September 28, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Eddie Jones from the practice squad on October 8, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Ellis Lankster on October 11, 2011. Additionally, Martin Tevaseu was promoted from the practice squad.
* The Jets signed Eron Riley off the Broncos' practice squad on October 19, 2011.
* Shawn Nelson was signed to the Jets from Free Agency on October 31, 2011.
* The Jets signed Austin Howard from the Ravens' practice squad on November 25, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Tracy Wilson from the practice squad on November 28, 2011.
* The Jets signed Gerald Alexander following a season-ending knee injury to Jim Leonhard on December 13, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Ricky Sapp from the practice squad on December 29, 2011.

### Departures

* The Jets released veterans Damien Woody, Kris Jenkins and Jason Taylor on February 28, 2011.
* The Jets released Vernon Gholston and Ben Hartsock on March 2, 2011.
* The Jets released Mark Brunell, Kevin O'Connell, Will Billingsley and Marlon Davis on July 29, 2011. Additionally, the Jets officially released retired quarterback Erik Ainge.
* The Jets released Carlos Brown on August 2, 2011.
* The Jets released Jerricho Cotchery on August 4, 2011. Additionally, Tom Ottaiano, Jeff Wills and Jeremy McGee were waived.
* The Jets released Cody Brown and waived Collin Franklin on August 7, 2011.
* The Jets waived DaJuan Morgan, Satfford Gatling and Carlton Powell.
* The Jets waived Taylor Boggs and David Herron on August 12, 2011.
* The Jets waived Cordarol Scales and Richard Taylor on August 17, 2011.
* The Jets waived Wilson Raynor, Brian Toal and Jake Duron on August 23, 2011.
* The Jets waived Brandon Long and Chris Stewart on August 24, 2011.
* The Jets waived Chris Bryan, Nick Novak and Courtney Smith on August 30, 2011.
* To meet the mandatory 53 man roster requirement, the Jets waived Josh Baker, Matthias Berning, Michael Campbell, Trevor Canfield, Pete Clifford, Dan DePalma, Robby Felix, Jarron Gilbert, Chris Jennings, Eddie Jones, Matt Kroul, Dennis Landolt, Byron Landor, Ellis Lankster, Joey LaRocque, Nevin McCaskill, Scotty McKnight, Davon Morgan, Julian Posey, Brashton Satele, Zane Taylor, Patrick Turner, Lorenzo Washington, Drew Willy, Tracy Wilson and Keith Zinger.
* The Jets waived Aaron Maybin, Isaiah Trufant and Martin Tevaseu on September 4, 2011.
* The Jets cut Mardy Gilyard on September 9, 2011.
* The Jets waived Andrew Sendejo on September 13, 2011.
* The Jets released Eddie Jones on October 11, 2011.
* The Jets waived Martin Tevaseu on October 18, 2011.
* The Jets waived Colin Baxter on October 25, 2011.
* The Jets waived Shawn Nelson on November 22, 2011.
* The Jets waived Emanuel Cook on November 28, 2011.
* The Jets waived Eron Riley on December 28, 2011.

### Practice squad
#### Additions

* The Jets signed Josh Baker, Matthias Berning, Trevor Canfield, Jarron Gilbert, Matt Kroul, Julian Posey and Patrick Turner to the practice squad on September 4, 2011.
* The Jets signed Martin Tevaseu and Isaiah Trufant on September 5, 2011.
* The Jets signed Josh Baker and Andrew Sendejo on September 14, 2011.
* The Jets signed Matthias Berning and Scotty McKnight on September 21, 2011.
* The Jets signed Martell Webb, Michael Campbell and Julian Posey on September 27, 2011.
* The Jets signed Eddie Jones on September 28, 2011.
* The Jets signed Dennis Landolt on October 4, 2011.
* The Jets signed Michael Campbell and Tracy Wilson on October 12, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Martin Tevaseu on October 20, 2011.
* The Jets signed Ricky Sapp and Jamarko Simmons and re-signed Matt Kroul and Dennis Landolt on October 31, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Michael Campbell on November 1, 2011.
* The Jets signed Dexter Jackson on November 9, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Jarron Gilbert on November 19, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Eddie Jones on November 21, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Ricky Sapp on November 28, 2011.
* The Jets re-signed Dexter Jackson on November 30, 2011.
* The Jets signed Mark LeGree on December 13, 2011.
* The Jets signed Eron Riley on December 29, 2011.

#### Departures

* The Jets released Josh Baker on September 5, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Isaiah Trufant to the active roster on September 10, 2011.
* The Jets released Matthias Berning on September 13, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Patrick Turner to the active roster on September 14, 2011.
* The Jets released Trevor Canfield and Julian Posey on September 19, 2011.
* Andrew Sendejo and Matthias Berning were released on September 27, 2011. Additionally, Josh Baker was promoted to the active roster.
* The Jets released Martell Webb and Michael Campbell on October 4, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Eddie Jones to the active roster on October 8, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Martin Tevaseu to the active roster on October 12, 2011.
* The Jets released Dennis Landolt on October 18, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Martin Tevaseu to the active roster on October 22, 2011.
* The Jets released Michael Campbell on October 24, 2011.
* The Jets released Matt Kroul on October 25, 2011.
* The Jets released Eddie Jones on October 31, 2011.
* The Jets released Jarron Gilbert on November 9, 2011.
* The Jets released Dexter Jackson on November 19, 2011.
* The Jets released Ricky Sapp on November 21, 2011.
* The Jets released Eddie Jones and promoted Tracy Wilson to the active roster on November 28, 2011.
* The Jets promoted Ricky Sapp to the active roster on December 29, 2011.

### Trades
#### To Jets

The Jets traded an unconditional draft pick to the Green Bay Packers for Caleb Schlauderaff.

#### From Jets

* Dwight Lowery was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for an unconditional draft pick.
* Derrick Mason was traded to the Houston Texans for an unconditional draft pick on October 11, 2011.

### Free Agents

| Position | Player | Free agency tag | Date signed/released | 2011 team | Notes |
| QB | Kellen Clemens | UFA | July 27, 2011 | Washington Redskins | |
| CB | Marquice Cole | ERFA | January 26, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| CB | Drew Coleman | UFA | July 29, 2011 | Jacksonville Jaguars | |
| CB | Antonio Cromartie | UFA | August 1, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| DL | Marcus Dixon | ERFA | January 26, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| WR | Braylon Edwards | UFA | August 4, 2011 | San Francisco 49ers | |
| DL | Shaun Ellis | UFA | August 7, 2011 | New England Patriots | |
| K | Nick Folk | UFA | July 27, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| LB | David Harris | UFA | August 2, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| WR | Santonio Holmes | UFA | July 27, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| OL | Wayne Hunter | UFA | July 26, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| S | James Ihedigbo | UFA | August 19, 2011 | New England Patriots | |
| LB | Lance Laury | UFA | – | – | – |
| S | Brodney Pool | UFA | August 3, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| DL | Trevor Pryce | UFA | – | – | – |
| FB | Tony Richardson | UFA | – | – | – |
| WR | Brad Smith | UFA | July 28, 2011 | Buffalo Bills | |
| S | Eric Smith | UFA | July 30, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| OL | Robert Turner | RFA | July 29, 2011 | New York Jets | |
| P | Steve Weatherford | UFA | July 29, 2011 | New York Giants | |
| RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent, FT: Franchise tag |||||

### 2011 NFL Draft

| Draft order | Draft order | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | Notes |
| RD | PK | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | Notes |
| 1 | 30 (30) | Muhammad Wilkerson | DL | 6 ft 5 in | 305 lbs | Temple | |
| 2 | 29 (61) | Traded to San Diego Chargers for CB Antonio Cromartie. | Traded to San Diego Chargers for CB Antonio Cromartie. | Traded to San Diego Chargers for CB Antonio Cromartie. | Traded to San Diego Chargers for CB Antonio Cromartie. | Traded to San Diego Chargers for CB Antonio Cromartie. | Traded to San Diego Chargers for CB Antonio Cromartie. |
| 3 | 30 (94) | Kenrick Ellis | DT | 6 ft 5 in | 346 lbs | Hampton | |
| 4 | 29 (126) | Bilal Powell | RB | 5 ft 11 in | 207 lbs | Louisville | |
| 5 | 22 (153) | Jeremy Kerley | WR | 5 ft 10 in | 189 lbs | TCU | From Philadelphia Eagles for Draft Picks Rounds 5 and 6 Picks 161 and 194 |
| 5 | 30 (161) | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 6 Pick 194 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 6 Pick 194 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 6 Pick 194 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 6 Pick 194 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 6 Pick 194 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 6 Pick 194 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. |
| 6 | 29 (194) | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 161 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 161 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 161 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 161 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 161 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. | Traded to Philadelphia Eagles along with Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 161 for Draft Pick Round 5 Pick 153 and Round 7 Pick 227. |
| 7 | 5 (208) | Greg McElroy | QB | 6 ft 2 in | 222 lb | Alabama | From Arizona Cardinals for FS Kerry Rhodes. |
| 7 | 24 (227) | Scotty McKnight | WR | 5 ft 11 in | 182 lb | Colorado | From Seattle Seahawks through Philadelphia Eagles |
| 7 | 30 (231) | Traded to Detroit Lions for QB Kevin O'Connell. | Traded to Detroit Lions for QB Kevin O'Connell. | Traded to Detroit Lions for QB Kevin O'Connell. | Traded to Detroit Lions for QB Kevin O'Connell. | Traded to Detroit Lions for QB Kevin O'Connell. | Traded to Detroit Lions for QB Kevin O'Connell. |

## Preseason

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | August 15 | at Houston Texans | L 16–20 | 0–1 | Reliant Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 27–7 | 1–1 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | August 29 | at New York Giants | W 17–3 | 2–1 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | September 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | L 14–24 | 2–2 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | September 11 | Dallas Cowboys | W 27–24 | 1–0 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | September 18 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 32–3 | 2–0 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 25 | at Oakland Raiders | L 24–34 | 2–1 | O.co Coliseum | Recap |
| 4 | October 2 | at Baltimore Ravens | L 17–34 | 2–2 | M&T Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 5 | October 9 | at New England Patriots | L 21–30 | 2–3 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 6 | October 17 | Miami Dolphins | W 24–6 | 3–3 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 7 | October 23 | San Diego Chargers | W 27–21 | 4–3 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 8 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 9 | November 6 | at Buffalo Bills | W 27–11 | 5–3 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | Recap |
| 10 | November 13 | New England Patriots | L 16–37 | 5–4 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 17 | at Denver Broncos | L 13–17 | 5–5 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | Recap |
| 12 | November 27 | Buffalo Bills | W 28–24 | 6–5 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 13 | December 4 | at Washington Redskins | W 34–19 | 7–5 | FedExField | Recap |
| 14 | December 11 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 37–10 | 8–5 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 15 | December 18 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 19–45 | 8–6 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
| 16 | December 24 | New York Giants | L 14–29 | 8–7 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 17 | January 1 | at Miami Dolphins | L 17–19 | 8–8 | Sun Life Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
# Colored throwback Titans jerseys

### Standings
#### Division

AFC East :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(1)}$ New England Patriots | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 10–2 | 513 | 342 | W8 |
| New York Jets | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 6–6 | 394 | 382 | L3 |
| Miami Dolphins | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3–3 | 5–7 | 348 | 330 | W1 |
| Buffalo Bills | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 1–5 | 4–8 | 372 | 434 | L1 |

#### Conference

AFC
viewtalkedit :
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
| Division winners ||||||||||||
| 1 | New England Patriots | East | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 10–2 | .449 | .423 | W8 |
| 2 | Baltimore Ravens | North | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 6–0 | 9–3 | .477 | .484 | W2 |
| 3 | Houston Texans | South | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .453 | .413 | L3 |
| 4 | Denver Broncos | West | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .520 | .445 | L3 |
| Wild cards ||||||||||||
| 5 | Pittsburgh Steelers | North | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .492 | .411 | W2 |
| 6 | Cincinnati Bengals | North | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .492 | .326 | L1 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason ||||||||||||
| 7 | Tennessee Titans | South | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .461 | .396 | W2 |
| 8 | New York Jets | East | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .500 | .395 | L3 |
| 9 | San Diego Chargers | West | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .516 | .430 | W1 |
| 10 | Oakland Raiders | West | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .504 | .438 | L1 |
| 11 | Kansas City Chiefs | West | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .512 | .464 | W1 |
| 12 | Miami Dolphins | East | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .504 | .417 | W1 |
| 13 | Buffalo Bills | East | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .520 | .510 | L1 |
| 14 | Jacksonville Jaguars | South | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .500 | .363 | W1 |
| 15 | Cleveland Browns | North | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 0–6 | 3–9 | .531 | .313 | L6 |
| 16 | Indianapolis Colts | South | 2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 2–4 | 2–10 | .539 | .594 | L1 |
| Tiebreakers ||||||||||||
| 1 2 Baltimore clinched the AFC North title based on a head-to-head sweep over Pittsburgh. 1 2 3 Denver clinched the AFC West title instead of San Diego or Oakland based on record versus common opponents (5–5 to San Diego's and Oakland's 4–6). 1 2 Cincinnati clinched the AFC 6 seed instead of Tennessee based on a head-to-head victory. 1 2 New York Jets finished ahead of San Diego based on head-to-head victory. 1 2 San Diego finished ahead of Oakland in the AFC West based on better conference record (7–5 to 6–6). 1 2 Miami finished in third place in the AFC East based on a head-to-head sweep over Buffalo. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division. ||||||||||||

## Regular season results
### Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| Jets | 0 | 7 | 3 | 17 | 27 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: September 11
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 78,702
* Referee: Alberto Riveron
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
Dez Bryant 3-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey Kick) Cowboys 7–0, Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:33.
Second quarter
Dan Bailey 34-yard field goal Cowboys 10–0, Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 4:47.
Dustin Keller 4-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Cowboys 10–7, Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 2:39.
Third quarter
Miles Austin 36-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey Kick) Cowboys 17–7, Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 4:40.
Nick Folk 34 Yd field goal Cowboys 17–10, Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:04.
Fourth quarter
Felix Jones 1-yard run (Dan Bailey Kick) Cowboys 24–10, Drive: 2 plays, 1 yards, 0:10.
Plaxico Burress 26-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Cowboys 24–17, Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 2:54.
Isaiah Trufant 18 yard return off blocked punt (Nick Folk Kick) TIE 24–24
Nick Folk 50-yard field goal Cowboys 27–24, Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:22.
Top passers
DAL – Tony Romo – 23/36, 342 yards, 2TD, 1INT
NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 26/44, 335 yards, 2TD, 1INT
Top rushers
DAL – Felix Jones – 17 rushes, 44 yards
NYJ – Shonn Greene – 10 rushes, 26 yards
Top receivers
DAL – Jason Witten – 6 receptions, 110 yards
NYJ – LaDainian Tomlinson – 6 receptions, 73 yards
Top tacklers
DAL – DeMarcus Ware – 4 tackles, 2.0 sacks
NYJ – Bart Scott – 8 tackles, 1.0 sack :
On the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the Jets trailed 24-10 heading into the 4th quarter. In the 4th quarter, the Jets scored 17 unanswered points preserving the win for them. With the win, the Jets started their season 1–0.

### Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Jets | 9 | 6 | 14 | 3 | 32 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: September 18
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 66 °F (19 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 78,834
* Referee: Scott Green
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
NYJ Santonio Holmes 17-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 7–0, Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:23.
NYJ Luke McCown sacked in endzone by Muhammad Wilkerson Jets 9–0
JAC Josh Scobee 55-yard field goal Jets 9–3, Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:52.
Second quarter
NYJ Nick Folk 38-yard field goal Jets 12–3, Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:34.
NYJ Nick Folk 45-yard field goal Jets 15–3, Drive: 4 plays, 1 yards, 0:54.
Third quarter
NYJ Dustin Keller 11-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 22–3, Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 5:18.
NYJ Shonn Greene 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick) Jets 29–3, Drive: 2 plays, 1 yards, 0:38.
Fourth quarter
NYJ Nick Folk 23-yard field goal Jets 32–3, Drive: 6 plays, 13 yards, 2:14.
Top passers
JAC – Luke McCown – 6/19, 59 yards, 4INT
NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 17/24, 182 yards, 2TD, 2INT
Top rushers
JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew – 18 rushes, 88 yards
NYJ – Shonn Greene – 16 rushes, 49 yards, 1TD
Top receivers
JAC – Mike Thomas – 3 receptions, 29 yards
NYJ – Dustin Keller – 6 receptions, 101 yards, 1TD
Top tacklers
JAC – Rashean Mathis – 7 tackles, 1INT
NYJ – Mike DeVito – 5 tackles :
With the huge win, the Jets improved to 2–0.

### Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Raiders | 7 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 34 |
at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
* Date: September 25
* Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 61,546
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
Darren McFadden 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski Kick) Raiders 7–0, Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:24.
Mark Sanchez 1-yard run (Nick Folk Kick) TIE 7–7, Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:53.
Second quarter
LaDainian Tomlinson 18-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Jets 14–7, Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 4:11.
Nick Folk 21-yard field goal Jets 17–7, Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:58.
Darren McFadden 70-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski Kick) Jets 17–14, Drive: 3 plays, 85 yards, 1:23.
Sebastian Janikowski 54-yard field goal TIE 17–17, Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 1:44.
Third quarter
Denarius Moore 23-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski Kick) Raiders 24–17, Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 1:47.
Fourth quarter
Michael Bush 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski Kick) Raiders 31–17, Drive: 2 plays, 13 yards, 0:42.
Plaxico Burress 16-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Raiders 31–24, Drive: 10 plays, 93 yards, 3:06.
Sebastian Janikowski 49-yard field goal Raiders 34–24, Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:56.
Top passers
NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 27 for 43, 369 yards, 2TD, 1INT
OAK – Jason Campbell- 18 for 27, 156 yards
Top rushers
NYJ – Shonn Greene- 15 rushes, 59 yards
OAK – Darren McFadden- 19 rushes, 171 yards, 2TD
Top receivers
NYJ – LaDainian Tomlinson- 5 receptions, 116 yards, 1TD
OAK – Kevin Boss- 2 receptions, 36 yards
Top tacklers
NYJ – Antonio Cromartie- 9 tackles
OAK – Rolando McClain- 12 tackles :
With the loss, the Jets fell to 2–1.

### Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Ravens | 17 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
* Date: October 2
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 71,247
* Referee: Mike Carey
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
Jameel McClain 6-yard fumble return (Billy Cundiff Kick) Ravens 7–0
Joe McKnight 107-yard kickoff return (Nick Folk Kick) TIE 7–7
Billy Cundiff 38-yard field goal Ravens 10–7, Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:15.
Ray Rice 3-yard run (Billy Cundiff Kick) Ravens 17–7, Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:31.
Second quarter
Billy Cundiff 38-yard field goal Ravens 20–7, Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:47.
Jarret Johnson 26-yard fumble return (Billy Cundiff Kick) Ravens 27–7
David Harris 35-yard interception return (Nick Folk Kick) Ravens 27–14
Nick Folk 40-yard field goal Ravens 27–17, Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 2:27.
Third quarter
Lardarius Webb 73-yard interception return (Billy Cundiff Kick) Ravens 34–17
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 11/35, 119 yards, 1INT
BAL – Joe Flacco- 10/31, 163 yards, 1INT
Top rushers
NYJ – Shonn Greene- 10 rushes, 23 yards
BAL – Ray Rice- 25 rushes, 66 yards
Top receivers
NYJ – Derek Mason- 2 receptions, 37 yards
BAL – Ray Rice- 2 receptions, 64 yards
Top tacklers
NYJ – Sione Pouha- 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
BAL – Cary Williams- 8 tackles :
Hoping to rebound from their Week 3 road loss to the Raiders, the Jets flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 4 Sunday night battle with the Baltimore Ravens, also head coach Rex Ryan's first return to Baltimore since leaving the Ravens following the 2008 season. Ryan served as the Ravens' defensive line coach, defensive coordinator, and assistant head coach from the 1999 to 2008 seasons, and was part of their 2000 Super Bowl-winning squad. New York trailed early in the first quarter with Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain returning a fumble 6 yards for a touchdown. The Jets would respond with running back Joe McKnight returning a kickoff 107 yards for a touchdown. Baltimore would regain the lead with kicker Billy Cundiff getting a 38-yard field goal, followed by running back Ray Rice getting a 3-yard touchdown run. The Ravens added onto their lead in the second quarter with Cundiff making another 38-yard field goal, followed by linebacker Jarret Johnson returning a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown. New York responded with linebacker David Harris returning an interception 36 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 40-yard field goal from kicker Nick Folk. Baltimore came right back in the third quarter with cornerback Lardarius Webb returning an interception 73 yards for a touchdown. From there, the Ravens' defense prevented any comeback attempt.
With the loss, the Jets fell to 2–2.

### Week 5: at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Patriots | 7 | 3 | 14 | 6 | 30 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: October 9
* Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), sunny and warm
* Game attendance: 68,756
* Referee: Jerome Boger
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
BenJarvus Green-Ellis 3-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski Kick) Patriots 7–0, Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:34.
Second quarter
Stephen Gostkowski 44-yard field goal Patriots 10–0, Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 3:06.
Shonn Greene 3-yard run (Nick Folk Kick) Patriots 10–7, Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 7:54.
Third quarter
Deion Branch 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski Kick) Patriots 17–7, Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:14.
Jeremy Kerley 9-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Patriots 17–14, Drive: 3 plays, 20 yards, 1:43.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis 3-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski Kick) Patriots 24–14, Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:12.
Fourth quarter
Stephen Gostkowski 24-yard field goal Patriots 27–14, Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:17.
Santonio Holmes 21-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Patriots 27–21, Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 5:43.
Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal Patriots 30–21, Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 6:12.
Top passers
NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 16/26, 166 yards, 2TD
NE – Tom Brady- 24/33, 321 yards, 1TD 1INT
Top rushers
NYJ – Shonn Greene- 21 rushes, 83 yards, 1TD
NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis- 27 rushes, 136 yards, 2TD
Top receivers
NYJ – Santonio Holmes- 4 receptions, 60 yards, 1TD
NE – Wes Welker- 5 receptions, 124 yards
Top tacklers
NYJ – David Harris- 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss Eric Smith- 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
NE – Gary Guyton- 9 tackles Patrick Chung- 9 tackles :
With the loss, the Jets fell to 2–3.

### Week 6: vs. Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Jets | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: October 17
* Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 78,912
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Suzy Kolber
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
Dan Carpenter 23-yard field goal Dolphins 3–0, Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 2:46.
Darrelle Revis 100-yard interception return (Nick Folk Kick) Jets 7–3
Second quarter
Dan Carpenter 21-yard field goal Jets 7–6, Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 3:45.
Mark Sanchez 5-yard run (Nick Folk Kick) Jets 14–6, Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:40.
Third quarter
Nick Folk 28-yard field goal Jets 17–6, Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 7:16.
Fourth quarter
Santonio Holmes 38-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Jets 24–6, Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 1:37.
Top passers
MIA – Matt Moore- 16/34, 204, 2INT
NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 14/25, 201 yards, 1TD
Top rushers
MIA – Reggie Bush- 10 rushes, 71 yards
NYJ – Shonn Greene- 21 rushes, 74 yards
Top receivers
MIA – Brandon Marshall- 6 receptions, 106 yards
NYJ – Santonio Holmes- 3 receptions, 63 yards, 1TD
Top tacklers
MIA – Yeremiah Bell- 7 tackles
NYJ – Jim Leonhard- 7 tackles Calvin Pace- 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss :
With the win, the Jets improved to 3–3.

### Week 7: vs San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Jets | 3 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: October 23
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT
* Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 79,088
* Referee: Ron Winter
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
Donald Butler 37-yard fumble return (Nick Novak Kick) Chargers 7–0
Nick Folk 35-yard field goal Chargers 7–3, Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:46.
Second quarter
Antonio Gates 2-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak Kick) Chargers 14–3, Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 6:28.
Plaxico Burress 3-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Chargers 14–10, Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:53.
Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Nick Novak Kick) Chargers 21–10, Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 6:02.
Third quarter
Plaxico Burress 4-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Chargers 21–17, Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:33.
Fourth quarter
Plaxico Burress 3-yard pass From Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk Kick) Jets 24–21, Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:15.
Nick Folk 30-yard field goal Jets 27–21, Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 3:47.
Top passers
SD – Philip Rivers- 16/32, 179, 1TD 2INT
NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 18/33, 172, 3TD 1INT
Top rushers
SD – Mike Tolbert- 11 rushes, 58 yards, 1TD
NYJ – Shonn Greene- 20 rushes, 112 yards
Top receivers
SD – Antonio Gates- 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1TD
NYJ – Dustin Keller- 4 receptions, 53 yards Plaxico Burress- 4 receptions, 25 yards, 3TD
Top tacklers
SD – Donald Butler- 9 tackles, 1TD
NYJ – Eric Smith- 10 tackles :
With the win, the Jets went into their bye week at 4–3.

### Week 9: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 0 | 3 | 17 | 7 | 27 |
| Bills | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: November 6
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 70,133
* Referee: Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYJ –
BUF –
Top rushers
NYJ –
BUF –
Top receivers
NYJ –
BUF –
Top tacklers
NYJ –
BUF – :
With the win, the Jets improved to 5–3.

### Week 10: vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 6 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 37 |
| Jets | 0 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 16 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: November 13
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 79,088
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NE –
NYJ –
Top rushers
NE –
NYJ –
Top receivers
NE –
NYJ –
Top tacklers
NE –
NYJ – :
The Patriots head to MetLife Stadium for a Week 10 Sunday Night game with the Jets. The only time the Jets would lead would be in the 2nd quarter when they led 9–7 but they would get blown out in front of their home crowd 37–16. With the loss, the Jets dropped to 5–4. New York was also swept by New England for the first time since New England's 2007 season.

### Week 11: at Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 0 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 13 |
| Broncos | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 17
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/6:20 p.m. MST
* Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 74,746
* Referee: Bill Leavy
* TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYJ –
DEN –
Top rushers
NYJ –
DEN –
Top receivers
NYJ –
DEN –
Top tacklers
NYJ –
DEN – :
The second primetime game in a row for the Jets yet it was a Thursday Night game. The Jets led 13–10 with a little over a minute remaining when Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow marched his team down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown. With the loss, the Jets fell to 5–5 and needing to win some more games to qualify for the playoffs.

### Week 12: vs. Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
| Jets | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: November 27
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 79,088
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick
NYJ – Mark Sanchez
Top rushers
BUF – C. J. Spiller
NYJ – Shonn Greene
Top receivers
BUF – Brad Smith
NYJ – Dustin Keller
Top tacklers
BUF – Nick Barnett
NYJ – Darrelle Revis :
The Jets would come out on top in a seesaw battle over the Buffalo Bills. This time the Jets scored a game-winning touchdown. With the win, the Jets improved to 6-5 continuing on the road to a playoff berth.

### Week 13: at Washington Redskins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 3 | 3 | 21 | 34 |
| Redskins | 7 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 19 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
* Date: December 4
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 74,121
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYJ –
WAS –
Top rushers
NYJ –
WAS –
Top receivers
NYJ –
WAS –
Top tacklers
NYJ –
WAS – :
The Jets would not lead for much of the game until the very end of the 4th quarter when they blew the game wide open. With the win, the Jets improved to 7–5.

### Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Jets | 7 | 21 | 7 | 2 | 37 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 11
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 37 °F (3 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 79,088
* Referee: Terry McAulay
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
KC –
NYJ –
Top rushers
KC –
NYJ –
Top receivers
KC –
NYJ –
Top tacklers
KC –
NYJ – :
The Jets won easily in a crushing rout, with the final score overstating the closeness of the game as the Chiefs' only touchdown came in garbage time after the game was already decided. The Chiefs offense gained only 4 total yards in the first two quarters. The Chiefs were also plagued with penalties, finishing the game with 11 penalties total. The Jets' final touchdown drive in the third quarter proved to be a particularly humiliating stretch. Starting from their own 10-yard line, the Jets gained 81 penalty yards on 5 penalties committed by the Chiefs, including a rare penalty directly assessed against head coach Todd Haley for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Jets improved to 8–5 and could "control their playoff destiny" at this point in the season, guaranteed to make it to the playoffs by winning the rest of their games.

### Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 0 | 13 | 0 | 6 | 19 |
| Eagles | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 45 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Date: December 18
* Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 69,144
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYJ –
PHI –
Top rushers
NYJ –
PHI –
Top receivers
NYJ –
PHI –
Top tacklers
NYJ –
PHI – :
The Jets would be thoroughly dominated by the Eagles throughout the game. With the loss, the Jets fell to 8–6. The Jets had never beaten the Eagles in franchise history at this point until eventually defeating them in 2023.

### Week 16: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants | 0 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 29 |
| Jets | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 24
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 79,088
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYG –
NYJ –
Top rushers
NYG –
NYJ –
Top receivers
NYG –
NYJ –
Top tacklers
NYG –
NYJ – :
Both the Jets and Giants needed a win in order to stay in the playoff race. The Jets (8–6) hosting the Giants (7–7) would battle each other on Christmas Eve, Saturday afternoon edition. The Jets would lead 7–0 early on but the Giants responded and took over the rest of the game. With the loss for the Jets, they fell to 8–7.

### Week 17: at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| Dolphins | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 19 |
at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
* Date: January 1
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 65,811
* Referee: Jerome Boger
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYJ –
MIA –
Top rushers
NYJ –
MIA –
Top receivers
NYJ –
MIA –
Top tacklers
NYJ –
MIA – :