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!