Mark Sanchez
The New York Jets soundly defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 37-0 on Sunday night to claim the final playoff spot in the AFC.
The Jets win also marked the end of the season for the Houston Texans who won their final four games to give themselves a shot at making the post-season.
Now the Jets will travel to Cincinnati for a rematch next Saturday in the opener for the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend.
The Bengals are hoping for a better offensive showing next week as they gained only 72 yards in their regular season finale.
Before being taken out of the game, Carson Palmer was just 1-of-11 passing for zero yards and one interception. J.T. O’Sullivan fared little better, completing three passes on eight attempts for 31 yards.
It was a horse of a different color across the field on the Jets sidelines.
While the cold weather limited Mark Sanchez to just 8-of-16 passing and 63 yards, the ground game was red hot.
The team had a combined 277 yards rushing and was led by Brad Smith who carried the ball four times for 92 yards and a score.
Meanwhile, the primary running back Thomas Jones touched the ball 27 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Shonn Green added 13 carries and 62 yards.
Perhaps it was the stingy Jets defense that hampered the Bengals or perhaps it was the injury to Chad Ochocinco’s knee that caused the team to lay a goose egg. Either way, the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs will need to make pick it up next week.
Kickoff for their game is set for 4:30 p.m. next Saturday on NBC. (view full NFL playoff schedule)