2012 New York Jets season

Transactions

Coaching changes

• The contracts of wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, outside linebackers coach Jeff Weeks and assistant head coach/offensive line coach Bill Callahan expired after the conclusion of the 2011 season and subsequently they were not retained. Ellard and Callahan, when offered contract extensions prior to the expiration of their contracts, refused to re-sign.
• Mike Smith was promoted from his position as a defensive intern to the outside linebackers coach, replacing Jeff Weeks. Smith later left the team to become the linebackers coach and co-coordinator at West Virginia. He returned to the Jets two weeks later after discovering his responsibilities with West Virginia were not the same as the team had first indicated.
• Tony Sparano was hired as the new offensive coordinator, replacing Brian Schottenheimer on January 11, 2012.
• Sanjay Lal was hired as the new wide receivers coach on January 13, 2012.
• Dave DeGuglielmo was hired as the new offensive line coach on January 24, 2012.
• On February 13, the team named Karl Dunbar as the new defensive line coach. In addition strength and conditioning coaching assistants Justus Galac and Paul Ricci were hired.
• Defensive line coach Mark Carrier left the team to accept the position as the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive backs coach.

Arrivals

• The Jets signed Michael Campbell, Dedrick Epps, Dexter Jackson, Dennis Landolt, Julian Posey, and Eron Riley to reserve/future contracts on January 2, 2012.
• The Jets signed Matt Kroul and John Griffin to reserve/future contracts on January 3, 2012.
• The Jets signed Royce Adams and Travis Baltz to reserve/future contracts on January 6, 2012.
• The Jets signed Eddie Jones to a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2012.
• The Jets signed Matthias Berning to a reserve/future contract on January 12, 2012.
• The Jets signed DaMarcus Ganaway to a reserve/future contract on January 17, 2012.
• The Jets signed Trevor Canfield to a reserve/future contract on January 21, 2012.
• The Jets signed Kris O'Dowd on March 13, 2012.
• The Jets signed Chaz Schilens and Drew Stanton on March 16, 2012.
• The Jets signed LaRon Landry on March 19, 2012.
• The Jets re-signed Scotty McKnight on March 26, 2012.
• The Jets signed Hayden Smith on April 3, 2012.
• The Jets signed DeAngelo Smith and Jay Richardson on April 16, 2012.
• The Jets re-signed DaMarcus Ganaway and signed undrafted free agents John Cullen, Marcus Dowtin, Donnie Fletcher, Damon Harrison, G. J. Kinne, Brian Linthicum, D'Anton Lynn, Ryan Steed, Donovan Robinson, and Brett Roy on April 29, 2012.
• The Jets signed Josh Brown on May 1, 2012.
• The Jets signed Derek Chard on May 2, 2012.
• The Jets signed Royce Pollard on May 5, 2012.
• The Jets signed Matt Simms and Fred Koloto on May 6, 2012.
• The Jets signed Yeremiah Bell and Terrence Campbell on May 18, 2012.
• The Jets signed Fui Vakapuna on May 22, 2012.
• The Jets signed Stephon Heyer and Ray Willis on May 29, 2012.
• The Jets signed Tarren Lloyd on May 31, 2012.
• The Jets signed Raymond Webber on June 19, 2012.
• The Jets signed Matt Hardison on June 22, 2012.
• The Jets signed Paul Cornick on July 12, 2012.
• The Jets signed Devon Torrence on August 1, 2012.
• The Jets signed Wes Kemp, Chris Forcier and Marcus Lott on August 2, 2012.
• The Jets signed Damario Ambrose on August 3, 2012.
• The Jets signed Joseph Collins and Stanley Arukwe on August 7, 2012.
• The Jets claimed Jeremy Stewart off waivers on August 8, 2012.
• The Jets signed LeQuan Lewis on August 15, 2012.
• The Jets claimed Spencer Lanning off waivers on August 28, 2012.
• The Jets claimed Isaako Aaitui, Clyde Gates, and Konrad Reuland off waivers and signed Paul Cornick, Marcus Dowtin, Donnie Fletcher, Royce Pollard, Ricky Sapp, Hayden Smith, and Jordan White to the practice squad on September 1, 2012.
• The Jets signed Antonio Allen to the practice squad on September 2, 2012.
• The Jets signed Marcus Dixon and Robert Malone on September 4, 2012.
• The Jets signed LeQuan Lewis to the practice squad on September 5, 2012.
• The Jets re-signed Ricky Sapp to the practice squad on September 11, 2012.
• The Jets signed Stanley Arukwe to the practice squad on September 12, 2012.

• The Jets signed Dedrick Epps off the Chicago Bears' practice squad on September 14, 2012.
• The Jets re-signed Royce Pollard to the practice squad on September 17, 2012.
• The Jets promoted Donnie Fletcher to the active roster on September 22, 2012.
• The Jets signed Patrick Turner and Bryan Thomas on September 24, 2012.
• The Jets signed Jonathan Grimes to the active roster and Donnie Fletcher to the practice squad on September 25, 2012.
• The Jets signed Dennis Landolt to the practice squad on September 27, 2012.
• The Jets signed Darrin Walls to the practice squad on September 28, 2012.
• The Jets signed Aaron Berry on October 1, 2012.
• The Jets signed Lex Hilliard to the active roster and Jordan White to the practice squad on October 2, 2012.
• The Jets signed Jason Hill on October 3, 2012.
• The Jets signed Daniel Muir on October 10, 2012.
• The Jets promoted Antonio Allen from the practice squad on October 12, 2012.
• The Jets signed Matt Hardison to the practice squad on October 16, 2012.
• The Jets promoted Marcus Dowtin from the practice squad and signed Donnie Fletcher to the practice squad on October 17, 2012.
• The Jets signed John Griffin and D. J. Bryant to the practice squad on November 5, 2012.
• The Jets signed Hayworth Hicks and re-signed Jason Hill on November 6, 2012.
• The Jets signed Kahlil Bell on November 13, 2012.
• The Jets promoted Jordan White, Darrin Walls, and Donnie Fletcher to the active roster from the practice squad on November 22, 2012.
• The Jets signed Mardy Gilyard to the active roster and Dennis Landolt and Eddie McGee to the practice squad on November 28, 2012.
• The Jets signed Jacquies Smith to the practice squad on December 3, 2012.
• The Jets signed Tevita Finau to the practice squad on December 5, 2012.
• The Jets promoted Antonio Allen to the active roster and re-signed Donnie Fletcher to the practice squad on December 6, 2012.
• The Jets signed Titus Ryan and JoJo Dickson to the practice squad on December 10, 2012.
• The Jets claimed Braylon Edwards off waivers on December 11, 2012.

Departures

• The Jets released Gerald Alexander and Michael Campbell on March 14, 2012.
• The Jets waived DaMarcus Ganaway on April 3, 2012.
• The Jets waived Taylor Boggs on April 12, 2012.
• The Jets waived Logan Payne on May 1, 2012.
• The Jets waived Ropati Pitoitua on May 2, 2012.
• The Jets waived Trevor Canfield on May 3, 2012.
• The Jets waived Kris O'Dowd on May 6, 2012.
• The Jets waived DeAngelo Smith and Eddie Jones on May 22, 2012.
• The Jets waived John Cullen on May 31, 2012.
• The Jets waived Donovan Robinson on June 18, 2012.
• The Jets waived Matthias Berning on June 19, 2012.
• The Jets waived G. J. Kinne and Ray Willis on June 28, 2012.
• The Jets waived Brian Linthicum on July 3, 2012.
• The Jets placed Royce Adams on the injured reserve list on July 31, 2012.
• The Jets waived Tracy Wilson and Fui Vakapuna on August 1, 2012.
• The Jets waived Scotty McKnight and DaMarcus Ganaway on August 6, 2012.
• The Jets waived Chris Forcier on August 7, 2012.
• The Jets waived John Griffin on August 8, 2012.
• The Jets waived Travis Baltz on August 12, 2012.
• The Jets waived Devon Torrence on August 14, 2012.
• The Jets released Stephon Heyer on August 20, 2012.
• The Jets waived Dexter Jackson, Raymond Webber, LeQuan Lewis, Terrence Campbell, Marcus Lott, Derek Chard and, Matt Hardison on August 25, 2012.
• The Jets released Josh Brown, waived/injured Josh Baker, and waived Damario Ambrose, Stanley Arukwe, Wes Kemp, and Jeremy Stewart on August 27, 2012.
• The Jets waived Ryan Steed on August 29, 2012.
• The Jets waived Terrance Ganaway, Royce Pollard, Jordan White, Hayden Smith, Paul Cornick, Ricky Sapp, Donnie Fletcher, Matt Simms, Joseph Collins, Eron Riley, Robert Griffin, Fred Koloto, Matt Kroul, Tarren Lloyd, Jay Richardson, Martin Tevaseu, Marcus Dowtin, Brett Roy, LeQuan Lewis, D'Anton Lynn, Julian Posey, and Spencer Lanning on August 31, 2012.
• The Jets waived Antonio Allen, Marcus Dixon, and Dedrick Epps on September 1, 2012.
• The Jets released Isaako Aaitui and T. J. Conley on September 4, 2012.
• The Jets released Ricky Sapp from the practice squad on September 5, 2012.
• The Jets waived Patrick Turner and released LeQuan Lewis from the practice squad on September 11, 2012.
• The Jets released Royce Pollard from the practice squad on September 12, 2012.
• The Jets released Stanley Arukwe from the practice squad on September 17, 2012.
• The Jets released Bryan Thomas on September 22, 2012.
• The Jets released Marcus Dixon and waived Dennis Landolt and Donnie Fletcher on September 24, 2012.
• The Jets released Paul Cornick from the practice squad on September 27, 2012.
• The Jets released Jordan White from the practice squad on September 29, 2012.
• The Jets waived/injured Dedrick Epps on October 1, 2012.
• The Jets waived Patrick Turner from the active roster and released Donnie Fletcher from the practice squad on October 2, 2012.
• The Jets released John Connor on October 17, 2012.
• The Jets waived Jonathan Grimes and Daniel Muir from the active roster and released Dennis Landolt from the practice squad on October 30, 2012.
• The Jets waived Antonio Allen on November 6, 2012.
• The Jets released Aaron Maybin on November 13, 2012.
• The Jets waived Jason Hill and Marcus Dowtin on November 20, 2012.
• The Jets waived Hayworth Hicks on November 27, 2012.
• The Jets waived Donnie Fletcher from the active roster and released D. J. Bryant from the practice squad on December 4, 2012.
• The Jets released Matt Hardison and Eddie McGee from the practice squad on December 10, 2012.
• The Jets waived Kahlil Bell on December 10, 2012.
• The Jets waived Mardy Gilyard on December 24, 2012.

Trades

To Jets

• The Denver Broncos traded Tim Tebow and a 2012 seventh round pick for the Jets 2012 fourth and sixth round draft picks on March 21, 2012.
• The Carolina Panthers traded Jeff Otah for an undisclosed draft pick on July 23, 2012. The trade was voided on July 31 after Otah failed to pass a physical with the team.
• The St. Louis Rams traded Jason Smith for the Jets' offensive tackle Wayne Hunter on August 27, 2012.

From Jets

• Drew Stanton was traded to the Indianapolis Colts along with a 2012 7th round draft pick on March 23, 2012, in exchange for a 2012 6th-round draft pick.

2012 draft class

Main article: 2012 NFL draft

NOTES:

• The Jets were awarded four compensatory selections after losing free agents Braylon Edwards, Drew Coleman, Steve Weatherford, Shaun Ellis, and Brad Smith.

Free agents

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Standings

Division

Conference

Staff

• Chairman/CEO – Woody Johnson

• President – Neil Glat

• Executive vice president/general manager – Mike Tannenbaum

• Assistant general manager – Scott Cohen

• Senior personnel executive – Terry Bradway

• Assistant director of player personnel – JoJo Wooden

• Director of pro personnel – Brendan Phophett

• Director of college scouting – Jeff Bauer

• Assistant director of college scouting – Michael Davis

• Head coach – Rex Ryan

• Assistant head coach/linebackers – Bob Sutton

• Offensive coordinator – Tony Sparano

• Quarterbacks – Matt Cavanaugh

• Running backs – Anthony Lynn

• Wide receivers – Sanjay Lal

• Assistant tight ends/offensive quality control – Lance Taylor

• Offensive line – Dave DeGuglielmo

• Assistant offensive line/tight ends – Mike Devlin

• Seasonal intern – Tony Sparano Jr

• Defensive coordinator – Mike Pettine

• Defensive line – Karl Dunbar

• Assistant defensive line – Anthony Weaver

• Outside linebackers – Jeff Weeks

• Outside linebackers – Mike Smith

• Defensive backs/secondary – Dennis Thurman

• Assistant defensive backs – Jim O'Neil

• Defensive quality control – Brian Smith

• Quality control – Mark DeLeone

• Special teams coordinator – Mike Westhoff

• Assistant special teams – Ben Kotwica

• Head strength and conditioning – Bill Hughan

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Justus Galac

• Assistant strength and conditioning/strength assistant – Paul Ricci

• Strength and conditioning intern – Pierre Ngo

• Training camp strength and conditioning intern – Jamey Mroz

Rosters

Opening training camp roster

Week 1 roster

Final roster

Regular season results

Week 1: vs. Buffalo Bills

First quarter

• Jeremy Kerley 12-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 7–0, Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 3:49. Second quarter
• Stephen Hill 33-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 14–0, Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:31.
• Jeremy Kerley 68-yard punt return Jets 21–0
• C. J. Spiller 56-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 21–7, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:34.
• Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, Jets 24–7, Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 7:09.
• Nick Folk 39-yard field goal, Jets 27–7, Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 1:24. Third quarter
• Antonio Cromartie 40-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), Jets 34–7
• Stephen Hill 33-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 41–7, Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 2:10.
• Scott Chandler 5-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 41–14, Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:12. Fourth quarter
• Donald Jones 6-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 41–21, Drive: 13 plays, 96 yards, 6:14.
• Stevie Johnson 29-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 41–28, Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 0:54.
• Shonn Greene 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), Jets 48–28, Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 4:41. Top passers
• BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 18/32, 195 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
• NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 19/27, 266 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT Top rushers
• BUF – C. J. Spiller – 14 rushes, 169 yards, 1 TD
• NYJ – Shonn Greene – 27 rushes, 94 yards, 1 TD Top receivers
• BUF – Stevie Johnson – 4 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD
• NYJ – Stephen Hill – 5 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD Top tacklers
• BUF – Nick Barnett – 5 tackles, 4 assists
• NYJ – LaRon Landry – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble

The Jets erupted to a 21–0 lead in the second quarter following two Mark Sanchez touchdown throws and a Jeremy Kerley punt return score. Following Antonio Cromartie's interception return score and Sanchez' third touchdown (to Stephen Hill), Ryan Fitzpatrick, despite three interceptions, erupted to three consecutive touchdowns, but the Jets put the game away in a fourth quarter drive ending in a one-yard Shonn Greene touchdown run.

Tim Tebow, acquired from the Broncos amid heavy publicity about his presence with the Jets and the team's plans on how to utilize him, rushed five times for just eleven yards.

With their 6th straight win over the Bills, the Jets began their season 1–0.

Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ –
• PIT – Top rushers
• NYJ –
• PIT – Top receivers
• NYJ –
• PIT – Top tacklers
• NYJ –
• PIT –

The Jets traveled to Heinz Field for a rematch of the 2010 AFC Championship game against the Steelers. The Jets limited the Steelers to just 68 rushing yards but Ben Roethlisberger tossed for 275 yards and two touchdowns. With the loss, the Jets fell to 1–1.

Week 3: at Miami Dolphins

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ –
• MIA – Top rushers
• NYJ –
• MIA – Top receivers
• NYJ –
• MIA – Top tacklers
• NYJ –
• MIA – With the win, the Jets improved to 2–1. However, they lost star cornerback Darrelle Revis for the season as he suffered a torn ACL during the game.

Week 4: vs. San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• SF –
• NYJ – Top rushers
• SF –
• NYJ – Top receivers
• SF –
• NYJ – Top tacklers
• SF –
• NYJ – After their Week 3 road win over their division rival Dolphins, the Jets headed home to face their first NFC Opponent of the season, the 49ers. However, the Jets struggled in this game being shut out at home 34–0 by the 49ers. This was the first time since 2010 that the team has been shut out at home since the Packers shut them out 9–0 that year. With the huge shutout loss, the Jets fell to 2–2.

Week 5: vs. Houston Texans

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• HOU –
• NYJ – Top rushers
• HOU –
• NYJ – Top receivers
• HOU –
• NYJ – Top tacklers
• HOU –
• NYJ –

The Jets stayed home for a game against the red-hot undefeated 4–0 Texans. This game would mark the first time ever that the Jets have lost to the Texans, and as a result New York dropped to 2–3 on the season.

Week 6: vs. Indianapolis Colts

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• IND –
• NYJ – Top rushers
• IND –
• NYJ – Top receivers
• IND –
• NYJ – Top tacklers
• IND –
• NYJ –

The Jets faced Colts rookie sensation Andrew Luck; they sacked him four times and intercepted him twice. Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight combined to rush for 232 yards and three Greene touchdowns. Mark Sanchez threw for just 82 yards but had two touchdowns, while Tim Tebow had one throw for 23 yards but was limited to seven rushing yards.

The huge win was the Jets' first win over the Colts without Peyton Manning since 1997. They improved to 3–3 and a four-way tie in the AFC East.

Week 7: at New England Patriots

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ –
• NE – Top rushers
• NYJ –
• NE – Top receivers
• NYJ –
• NE – Top tacklers
• NYJ –
• NE –

This game would determine who would be atop the AFC East. The Jets erased a 23–13 gap in the fourth quarter. After a Dustin Keller touchdown catch Devin McCourty fumbled the kickoff. Following back-to-back Nick Folk field goals, Tom Brady whipped the Patriots to the game-tying field goal in the final 1:37. In overtime Stephen Gostkowski booted a 48-yard field goal; the Jets got the ball back but Sanchez was strip-sacked by Rob Ninkovich and Jermaine Cunningham, ending the game in a 29–26 Jets loss, allowing the Patriots to take 1st Place and dropping the Jets to 3–4.

Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• MIA –
• NYJ – Top rushers
• MIA –
• NYJ – Top receivers
• MIA –
• NYJ – Top tacklers
• MIA –
• NYJ –

Despite losing rookie sensation Ryan Tannehill for the game after a first-quarter sack, the Dolphins raced to a 30–9 win, their fourth road win in the rivalry in their last five trips to New Jersey. The Dolphins scored on a blocked goalline punt, then added touchdowns by Daniel Thomas and a short toss from Matt Moore to Anthony Fasano. Sanchez managed a late touchdown to Chaz Schilens but the two-point throw to Dustin Keller failed.

Week 10: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ –
• SEA – Top rushers
• NYJ –
• SEA – Top receivers
• NYJ –
• SEA – Top tacklers
• NYJ –
• SEA –

The surging Seahawks under former Jets coach Pete Carroll limited the Jets to 185 total yards of offense and forced two fumbles. Golden Tate caught a touchdown from Russell Wilson then took a reverse and threw to Sidney Rice for a fourth-quarter score. The Jets only score came when Wilson was strip-sacked and Muhammad Wilkerson ran in a 21-yard touchdown.

It was the Jets' second straight loss to the Seahawks, and they fell to 3–6 and 0–2 against the NFC West.

Week 11: at St. Louis Rams

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ –
• STL – Top rushers
• NYJ –
• STL – Top receivers
• NYJ –
• STL – Top tacklers
• NYJ –
• STL –

The Jets posted their sixth win in their last seven meetings against Jeff Fisher. They picked off Sam Bradford once and forced two Rams fumbles. The two teams combined for just 570 yards of offense. The Jets improved to 4–6 while the Rams fell to 3–6–1.

Week 12: vs. New England Patriots ([[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving Day game]])

Main article: Butt fumble

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• NE – Wes Welker 3-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:54. ''Patriots 7–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 66 yards, 6:01.'''''
• NE – Shane Vereen 83-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:43. ''Patriots 14–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 83 yards, 0:13.'''''
• NE – Steve Gregory 32-yard fumble return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:00. Patriots 21–0.
• NE – Julian Edelman 22-yard fumble return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:51. Patriots 28–0.
• NE – Julian Edelman 56-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:08. ''Patriots 35–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:53.'''''
• NYJ – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 0:07. ''Patriots 35–3. '''Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 3:06.''''' Third quarter
• NYJ – Stevan Ridley penalty in end zone, 6:52. Patriots 35–5.
• NYJ – Bilal Powell 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 4:41. ''Patriots 35–12. '''Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 2:06.''''' Fourth quarter
• NE – Tom Brady 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:02. ''Patriots 42–12. '''Drive: 17 plays, 86 yards, 7:39.'''''
• NE – Stevan Ridley 9-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:07. ''Patriots 49–12. '''Drive: 2 plays, 37 yards, 0:38.'''''
• NYJ – Dustin Keller 1-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick), 2:21. ''Patriots 49–19. '''Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 1:40.''''' Top passers
• NE – Tom Brady – 18/27, 323 yards, 3 TD
• NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 26/36, 301 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• NE – Stevan Ridley – 21 rushes, 97 yards, TD
• NYJ – Shonn Greene – 14 rushes, 71 yards Top receivers
• NE – Shane Vereen – 2 receptions, 91 yards, TD
• NYJ – Jeremy Kerley – 7 receptions, 86 yards

The Jets were thoroughly dominated by the Patriots; they scored five touchdowns in the second quarter, three of them in a span of 52 seconds of game clock. The first came on an 83-yard pass to Shane Vereen after the Patriots recovered a Shonn Greene fumble. On the Jets' ensuing drive, Mark Sanchez fumbled after running into lineman Brandon Moore, and Steve Gregory ran back a 32-yard score. The play later became known as the "butt fumble".{{cite web|first=Perlman|last=William|date=November 22, 2012|title=The Butt Fumble|work=USA Today Sports|url=http://www.espn.com/newyork/photos/gallery/_/id/11727560/jets-10-most-embarrassing-moments |access-date=October 28, 2014}} The third touchdown came on the ensuing kickoff, Devin McCourty forced Joe McKnight to fumble, which Julian Edelman recovered and returned for a third touchdown (he later caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady).

With the huge loss, the Jets fell to 4–7, and were swept by Bill Belichick's Patriots for the sixth time.

This was the last time the Jets would appear on Sunday Night Football until 2023. They would be flexed out of Sunday Night Football twice before 2023.

Week 13: vs. Arizona Cardinals

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• ARI – Jay Feely 48-yard field goal, 0:03. ''Cardinals 3–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 2:31.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• NYJ – Jeff Cumberland 1-yard pass from Greg McElroy (Nick Folk kick), 14:55. ''Jets 7–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:53.'''''
• ARI – Jay Feely 35-yard field goal, 10:39. ''Jets 7–6. '''Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:03.''''' Top passers
• ARI – Rian Lindley – 10/31, 72 yards, INT
• NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 10/21, 97 yards, 3 INT Top rushers
• ARI – Rashad Johnson – 1 rush, 40 yards
• NYJ – Shonn Greene – 24 rushes, 104 yards Top receivers
• ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 1 reception, 23 yards
• NYJ – Stephen Hill – 5 receptions, 40 yards Mark Sanchez was benched in the fourth quarter and Greg McElroy threw the winning touchdown. The switch escalated brewing controversy over Sanchez's declining play.

Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ –
• JAC – Top rushers
• NYJ –
• JAC – Top receivers
• NYJ –
• JAC – Top tacklers
• NYJ –
• JAC –

The Jets improved to 6–7 and stayed alive in the playoff race after twice intercepting Chad Henne, who'd replaced faltering sophomore Blaine Gabbert four weeks earlier. The Jets had 166 rushing yards and two scores, limiting Mark Sanchez to just nineteen throws for 111 yards.

Week 15: at Tennessee Titans

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ –
• TEN – Top rushers
• NYJ –
• TEN – Top receivers
• NYJ –
• TEN – Top tacklers
• NYJ –
• TEN – Chris Johnson ran in a 94-yard touchdown while following a Jeff Cumberland touchdown catch for the Jets Jake Locker ran in a 13-yard score. Mark Sanchez threw four interceptions yet a short Titans punt gave the Jets the ball inside the Titans 25 in the final minute. The Jets blew the snap and the Titans fell on the ball, ending the game.

With the loss, the Jets not only fell to 6–8, but got mathematically eliminated from postseason contention for the second straight season.

Tim Tebow entered the game for the first time since Week 10 and made what turned out to be his final plays with the Jets, missing on his only pass while rushing three times for fifteen yards.

Week 16: vs. San Diego Chargers

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• SD –
• NYJ – Top rushers
• SD –
• NYJ – Top receivers
• SD –
• NYJ – Top tacklers
• SD –
• NYJ – Due to a decrease in popularity for the game, it was flexed out of Sunday Night Football on NBC and rescheduled to 1:00 PM on CBS. Following the loss to the Titans Rex Ryan announced that Greg McElroy would start for the Jets against the Chargers. Following a 63-yard Micheal Spurlock punt return touchdown McElroy led back to back scoring drives ending in 1-yard Shonn Greene touchdowns. The Chargers took over the game in the third quarter with two Philip Rivers touchdowns and a Nick Novak field goal while McElroy was intercepted once and strip-sacked once.

With the loss, the Jets fell to 6–9, their first losing season since 2007.

Week 17: at Buffalo Bills

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter Top passers

• NYJ – Mark Sanchez
• BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick Top rushers
• NYJ – Shonn Greene
• BUF – C. J. Spiller Top receivers
• NYJ – Jeremy Kerley
• BUF – Stevie Johnson Top tacklers
• NYJ – Bart Scott
• BUF – Nick Barnett

The Jets' plan to start Greg McElroy was changed due to a concussion he'd suffered. As a result, Mark Sanchez started and managed 205 passing yards but was intercepted by Bryan Scott in the first quarter for the Bills' first touchdown of the game. The Jets led 9–7 in the second quarter before the Bills scored three unanswered touchdowns, including one from ex-Jet Brad Smith. Tim Tebow suited up for the game but was never used. It was the first win for the Bills in the rivalry since 2009.

Statistics

Regular season statistical leaders

Statistical league rankings

• Total Offense (YPG): 308.9 (29th)
• Passing (YPG): 194 (32nd)
• Rushing (YPG): 115.2 (12th)
• Total Defense (YPG): 336.0 (10th)
• Passing (YPG): 198 (32nd)
• Rushing (YPG): 137.7 (29th)

Stats correct through week 14.

References

1. Hanzus, Dan. (2012-09-04). "Jets' wild circus hits New York Post's front page".
2. (2012-12-08). "The New York Jets Circus of 2012".
3. William, Perlman. (November 22, 2012). "The Butt Fumble". USA Today Sports.
4. "NFL Team Total Offense Statistics – 2012". ESPN.
5. "NFL Team Total Defense Statistics – 2012". ESPN.
6. Vrentas, Jenny. (January 10, 2012). "Jets begin to make changes to coaching staff". The Star-Ledger.
7. (January 20, 2012). "Mike Smith officially joins WVU football staff". The Charleston Gazette.
8. Mehta, Manish. (February 2, 2012). "Sources: Mike Smith returns to Jets as outside linebackers coach". New York Daily News.
9. Cimini, Rich. (January 11, 2012). "Jets hire Tony Sparano to staff". ESPN New York.
10. Lange, Randy. (January 13, 2012). "Sanjay Lal Added to Coaching Staff as WRs Coach". New York Jets.
11. Jets Media Relations Department. (January 24, 2012). "DeGuglielmo Named Jets' O-Line Coach". New York Jets.
12. Jets Media Relations Department. (February 13, 2012). "Jets Unveil Their 2012 Coaching Staff". New York Jets.
13. Kay, Joe. (February 13, 2012). "Bengals hire ex-Bear Mark Carrier as assistant coach". Chicago Sun-Times.
14. Jets Media Relations Department. (January 2, 2012). "Six Signed to Reserve/Future Contracts". New York Jets.
15. Jets Media Relations Department. (January 3, 2012). "Kroul, Griffin Sign Reserve/Future Deals". New York Jets.
16. Jets Media Relations Department. (January 6, 2012). "WR Adams, P Baltz Are Signed". New York Jets.
17. Jets Media Relations Department. (January 9, 2012). "LB Jones Signs Reserve/Future Contract". New York Jets.
18. (January 12, 2012). "Jets sign LB Berning". CBS Sports.
19. Jets Media Relations Department. (January 17, 2012). "Jets Sign WR Ganaway". New York Jets.
20. Jets Media Relations Department. (January 21, 2012). "G Canfield Returns to the Roster". New York Jets.
21. Mehta, Manish. (March 13, 2012). "NY Jets owner Woody Johnson says Gang Green 'passed' on Peyton Manning in favor of keeping Mark Sanchez". New York Daily News.
22. Mehta, Manish. (March 16, 2012). "Jets sign free agent quarterback Drew Stanton and wide receiver Chaz Schilens". New York Daily News.
23. Cimini, Rich. (March 19, 2012). "Source: LaRon Landry to Jets". ESPN New York.
24. Vrentas, Jenny. (March 27, 2012). "Jets re-sign WR Scotty McKnight". The Star-Ledger.
25. Cimini, Rich. (April 3, 2012). "Rugby star Hayden Smith joins Jets". ESPN New York.
26. Jets Media Relations Department. (April 16, 2012). "DE Richardson, S Smith Join Jets Roster". New York Jets.
27. Jets Media Relations Department. (April 30, 2012). "10 Undrafted FAs, 23 Tryouts Announced". New York Jets.
28. Star-Ledger Staff. (May 1, 2012). "Jets sign free agent kicker Josh Brown to compete with Nick Folk". The Star-Ledger.
29. Mehta, Manish. (May 2, 2012). "Jets waive DL Ropati Pitoitua; Announce signings of PK Josh Brown and long snapper Derek Chard". New York Daily News.
30. Vrentas, Jenny. (May 5, 2012). "Rex Ryan said Jets would have considered Stephen Hill with No. 16 pick". The Star-Ledger.
31. Vrentas, Jenny. (May 6, 2012). "Jets sign QB Matt Simms, son of Phil Simms". The Star-Ledger.
32. Vrentas, Jenny. (May 18, 2012). "Jets sign safety Yeremiah Bell". The Star-Ledger.
33. Martin, Kimberley A.. (May 18, 2012). "Jets sign UDFA Campbell". Newsday.
34. Vrentas, Jenny. (May 23, 2012). "Jets to sign free-agent fullback Fui Vakapuna". The Star-Ledger.
35. Vrentas, Jenny. (May 29, 2012). "Jets to sign free-agent tackles Stephon Heyer, Ray Willis". The Star-Ledger.
36. Vrentas, Jenny. (May 31, 2012). "Jets sign third-round pick Demario Davis to four-year deal". The Star-Ledger.
37. Jets Media Relations Department. (June 19, 2012). "WR Webber Signed, LB Berning Waived". New York Jets.
38. Jets Media Relations Department. (June 22, 2012). "May Tryout DT Matt Hardison Signs". New York Jets.
39. Jets Media Relations Department. (July 12, 2012). "Jets Sign Tackle Paul Cornick". New York Jets.
40. Vrentas, Jenny. (August 1, 2012). "Rex Ryan frustrated by depleted receiving corps". The Star-Ledger.
41. (August 2, 2012). "NFL Transactions Report – New York Jets: August 2012". National Football League.
42. "Transactions". New York Jets.
43. Jets Media Relations Department. (August 15, 2012). "CB LeQuan Lewis Joins Secondary". New York Jets.
44. Cimini, Rich. (August 28, 2012). "Jets claim punter on waivers". ESPN New York.
45. Jets Media Relations Department. (September 1, 2012). "Jets Announce Roster, Practice Squad Moves". New York Jets.
46. Jets Staff. (September 2, 2012). "Antonio Allen Signed to Practice Squad". New York Jets.
47. Orr, Conor. (September 4, 2012). "Jets release punter T.J. Conley, add former Chargers P Robert Malone, re-sign DT Marcus Dixon". The Star-Ledger.
48. Jets Media Relations Department. (September 5, 2012). "Dixon Returns, Malone Signs On to Punt". New York Jets.
49. Jets Media Relations Department. (September 11, 2012). "WR Turner Waived, LB Sapp Back on P-Squad". New York Jets.
50. (September 12, 2012). "Transactions". New York Jets.
51. Clayton, John. (September 14, 2012). "Darrelle Revis sidelined for Week 2". ESPN New York.
52. The Sports Xchange. (September 17, 2012). "Jets sign WR Pollard to practice squad, release WR Arukwe". Yahoo! Sports.
53. Orr, Conor. (September 22, 2012). "Jets release veteran OLB Bryan Thomas". The Star-Ledger.
54. Orr, Conor. (September 24, 2012). "Bryan Thomas, re-signed by Jets, said he was upset after being cut". The Star-Ledger.
55. Jets Media Relations Department. (September 25, 2012). "RB Grimes Signed from HOU Practice Squad". New York Jets.
56. Orr, Conor. (September 27, 2012). "Jets won't ask Kyle Wilson to be Darrelle Revis". The Star-Ledger.
57. Jets Media Relations Department. (September 28, 2012). "CB Walls Signed to P-Squad; White Released". The Star-Ledger.
58. Copeland, Kareem. (October 1, 2012). "Aaron Berry signs two-year deal with New York Jets". National Football League.
59. Orr, Conor. (October 2, 2012). "Jets sign free agent RB/FB Lex Hilliard". The Star-Ledger.
60. Orr, Conor. (October 3, 2012). "Santonio Holmes placed on injured reserve, ending season for Jets' leading receiver". The Star-Ledger.
61. Orr, Conor. (October 10, 2012). "Jets sign former Colts, Packers DT Daniel Muir in wake of D-line injuries". The Star-Ledger.
62. McManus, Jane. (October 12, 2012). "Darrelle Revis placed on IR". ESPN New York.
63. Lange, Randy. (October 16, 2012). "A Franchise Milestone for the Run Defense". New York Jets.
64. Vorkunov, Mike. (October 17, 2012). "Jets reach injury settlement with John Conner". The Star-Ledger.
65. Jets Media Relations Department. (November 5, 2012). "LB Bryant, RB Griffin Join Practice Squad". New York Jets.
66. Orr, Conor. (November 6, 2012). "Jets sign WR Jason Hill, waive rookie safety Antonio Allen". The Star-Ledger.
67. Cimini, Rich. (November 13, 2012). "Jets release Aaron Maybin". ESPN New York.
68. Florio, Mike. (November 22, 2012). "Jets promote three from practice squad". ProFootballTalk.
69. Lange, Randy. (November 28, 2012). "WR Mardy Gilyard Signed to Active Roster". New York Jets.
70. "Transactions". New York Jets.
71. Jets Media Relations Department. (December 5, 2012). "DT Finau Signed to Practice Squad". New York Jets.
72. Jets Media Relations Department. (December 6, 2012). "Allen Signed to Active Roster, Fletcher to P-Squad". New York Jets.
73. Cimini, Rich. (December 10, 2012). "Jets need a WR, Braylon is available". ESPN New York.
74. Orr, Conor. (December 11, 2012). "Jets claim WR Braylon Edwards off waivers from Seattle". The Star-Ledger.
75. Vrentas, Jenny. (March 14, 2012). "Free-agent receiver Chaz Schilens to visit Jets". The Star-Ledger.
76. Jets Media Relations Department. (April 3, 2012). "WR DaMarcus Ganaway Waived". New York Jets.
77. Jets Media Relations Department. (April 12, 2012). "C Taylor Boggs Waived". New York Jets.
78. PFW Staff. (May 1, 2012). "Jets waive WR Payne". Pro Football Weekly.
79. Jets Media Relations Department. (May 3, 2012). "G Trevor Canfield Is Waived". New York Jets.
80. Jets Media Relations Department. (May 22, 2012). "LB Eddie Jones, S DeAngelo Smith Waived". New York Jets.
81. Jets Media Relations Department. (June 18, 2012). "Undrafted Rookie LB Robinson Waived". New York Jets.
82. Vrentas, Jenny. (June 28, 2012). "Jets waive G.J. Kinne and Ray Willis". The Star-Ledger.
83. Jets Media Relations Department. (July 3, 2012). "TE Brian Linthicum Waived". New York Jets.
84. Vrentas, Jenny. (August 2, 2012). "NFL Transactions Report – New York Jets: July 2012". National Football League.
85. Jets Media Relations Department. (August 6, 2012). "WRs S.McKnight, D.Ganaway Waived". New York Jets.
86. Vrentas, Jenny. (August 12, 2012). "Jets defense stops Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow in two-minute drill". The Star-Ledger.
87. Jets Media Relations Department. (August 14, 2012). "Jets Waive CB Devon Torrence". New York Jets.
88. PFW Staff. (August 20, 2012). "Jets release OT Heyer". Pro Football Weekly.
89. Jets Media Relations Department. (August 25, 2012). "Seven Players Waived, Roster at 80". New York Jets.
90. Vrentas, Jenny. (August 27, 2012). "Jets waive/injured Josh Baker, trim roster to 74". The Star-Ledger.
91. Vrentas, Jenny. (August 29, 2012). "Newly traded tackle Jason Smith 'turning a new page' with Jets". The Star-Ledger.
92. Lange, Randy. (August 31, 2012). "Final 7 Cuts Announced, Roster's Now at 53". New York Jets.
93. Jets Media Relations Department. (October 1, 2012). "CB Berry Signed; TE Epps Waived/Injured". New York Jets.
94. Orr, Conor. (October 30, 2012). "Jets waive RB Jonathan Grimes and DT Daniel Muir". The Star-Ledger.
95. Cimini, Rich. (November 20, 2012). "Jets cut WR Jason Hill". ESPN New York.
96. Jets Media Relations Department. (November 27, 2012). "Guard Hayworth Hicks Waived". New York Jets.
97. Orr, Conor. (December 11, 2012). "Jets waive RB Kahlil Bell, Braylon Edwards considered for open roster spot". The Star-Ledger.
98. Jets Media Relations Department. (December 24, 2012). "WR Mardy Gilyard Waived". New York Jets.
99. Cimini, Rich. (March 21, 2012). "Tim Tebow traded to Jets". ESPN New York.
100. Vrentas, Jenny. (July 23, 2012). "Jets trade for offensive tackle Jeff Otah". The Star-Ledger.
101. Vrentas, Jenny. (July 31, 2012). "Jets parting ways with injured Jeff Otah a week after trade". The Star-Ledger.
102. (August 27, 2012). "Jets deal for RT Jason Smith". ESPN New York.
103. Vrentas, Jenny. (March 23, 2012). "Jets trade QB Drew Stanton to the Colts". The Star-Ledger.
104. Vrentas, Jenny. (March 26, 2012). "Jets receive four compensatory picks for 2012 draft". The Star-Ledger.
105. Vrentas, Jenny. (March 27, 2012). "Jets have 10 picks in 2012 NFL Draft". The Star-Ledger.
106. Hanzus, Dan. (November 20, 2012). "Plaxico Burress signs contract with Pittsburgh Steelers". National Football League.
107. (March 19, 2012). "Patriots sign free agent Trevor Scott; Sign free agent Marquice Cole". New England Patriots.
108. Vrentas, Jenny. (March 14, 2012). "Jets re-sign kicker Nick Folk". The Star-Ledger.
109. "Ellis Lankster". Rotoworld.
110. Wilson, Ryan. (August 4, 2012). "Broncos, S Jim Leonhard agree to terms on 1-year deal". CBS Sports.
111. Mehta, Manish. (February 24, 2012). "Source: NY Jets to give linebacker Aaron Maybin an original round tender". New York Daily News.
112. Wagoner, Nick. (March 26, 2012). "Rams Sign Smith, Three More". St. Louis Rams.
113. Bair, Scott. (July 29, 2012). "Chargers Notes: Former LCC, Aztecs QB O'Connell signed as emergency fill-in". North County Times.
114. (March 15, 2012). "Dan Connor, Brodney Pool sign". ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth.
115. Cimini, Rich. (March 12, 2012). "Jets keep DT Sione Pouha". ESPN New York.
116. (March 13, 2012). "Jets re-sign veteran OLB Bryan Thomas to 1-year deal after he missed most of last season". The Washington Post.
117. (June 18, 2012). "LaDainian Tomlinson retires". ESPN.
118. Vrentas, Jenny. (February 7, 2012). "Jets re-sign receiver Patrick Turner to one-year deal". The Star-Ledger.
119. PFW Staff. (March 31, 2012). "Rams sign versatile OL Turner". Pro Football Weekly.
120. Vrentas, Jenny. (March 16, 2012). "Former Jets OLB Jamaal Westerman agrees to one-year deal with Dolphins". The Star-Ledger.