Rex Ryan watched the Ravens-Lions game on Monday night hoping Detroit would pull out a win and extend the Jets’ slim playoff chances.
When Ravens kicker Justin Tucker booted a 61-yard field goal to win the game, that hope was dashed.
“I felt like I got kicked in the head,” Ryan said Wednesday.
It is the third straight season Ryan’s Jets will miss the playoffs.
“I know, look, it was going to be a stretch,” Ryan said of the Jets’ playoff chances, “but you’re hanging on hope and so, we all watched it. … That’s your mission every year is to get in the playoffs and then let’s see what happens. Even though our hopes were slim, I much rather have that than be here today in front of you with no chance of making the playoffs.”
Ryan said he believes his team will still play hard in its final two games.
Wide receiver David Nelson said he turned the game on for the final drive.
“It was difficult to watch,” Nelson said. “But at the same time, we put ourselves in the situation. We could have taken care of business and played well these last five games. It’s never a good feeling putting your situation in another team’s hands.”
Wide receiver Santonio Holmes did not watch the game.
“I didn’t find out until meetings [Wednesday] morning that we were eliminated,” he said. “It didn’t bother me.”
TE Kellen Winslow (knee) did not practice. CB Antonio Cromartie (hip), WR Santonio Holmes (foot/hamstring), CB Ellis Lankster (jaw) and DL Sheldon Richardson (wrist/finger) were limited. … TE Jordan Cameron (concussion) and CB Joe Haden (hip) did not practice for the Browns. … In his first mock draft on ESPN.com, Todd McShay has the Jets selecting Clemson WR Sammy Watkins with the 13th pick.