Opinion

Gang Green’s great run

Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan and the rest of the New York Jets will have to wait ’til next season for another shot at Super Bowl glory — but Gang Green can take much pride in what it achieved.

On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts bested the Jets, 30-17, for the AFC championship — ending a postseason run for the Jets as unlikely as anything since Joe Namath’s crew stunned the Colt franchise to win Super Bowl III.

Count on this: No one’s going to take this team for granted next year.

The Jets squeaked into the playoffs, after a disappointing 4-6 start, on the strength of their NFL-leading defense and rushing attack. And with rookie quarterback Sanchez developing by the day, the team had the look of a genuine title contender.

Indeed, it’s not too much to hope that the Jets have found a formula for success for years to come.

None of this, of course, makes Sunday’s loss any less disappointing. But New York sports fans can take heart: Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in 23 days. Play ball!