Tennessee eliminates Jets from playoff race
Jets QB Mark Sanchez throws four interceptions, loses a fumble.
NasHVILLE, TENN. — Jake Locker’s 13-yard quarterback keeper around left end with 20 seconds left in the third quarter gave the Tennessee Titans a 14-10 victory over the New York Jets on Monday night.
The loss eliminated the Jets (6-8) from postseaosn play. Quarterback Mark Sanchez had one of the worst games of his career, completing only 13 of 28 for 131 yards and a touchdown. He also threw four interceptions and lost a fumble with the Jets at the Titans’ 25-yard line with 30 seconds left.
Chris Johnson set a franchise record with a 94-yard touchdown run in the first half for the Titans (5-9).
The Jets entered the night needing to win their three remaining games and to receive some help from others to have any hope of reaching the postseason. The Jets host San Diego and travel to Buffalo in their final two games.
The Jets took a 10-7 lead when Mark Sanchez and Jeff Cumberland connected on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 3:19 to go in the third. The Titans responded on their next possession with Locker’s first touchdown run of the season, capping a sevenplay, 64-yard drive.
On Cumberland’s touchdown, the Jets’ tight end caught a third-and-12 pass at about the 5-yard line after getting behind Titans linebacker Tim Shaw, starting in place of injured defensive captain Colin McCarthy. Cumber- appeared untouched on his way to the end zone.
Jets safety Yeremiah Bell chased Johnson most of the way and made an unsuccessful diving attempt to tackle him from behind inside the 15.
The previous record for the longest run in franchise history was 91 yards, a mark shared by Johnson and Sid Blanks. Johnson had a 91-yard run against the Texans in 2009. Blanks also did it against the Jets in 1964.
This marked Johnson’s sixth career touchdown run of at least 80 yards, giving him twice as many as anyone else in NFL history. Barry Sanders, Ahman Green, Hugh McElhenny and O.J. Simpson each had three touchdown runs of at least 80 yards.
Johnson was otherwise held in check, finshing with 122 yards on 21 carries.