NY Jets happy to end Dolphins' playoff hopes

MIAMI — Before Jets players knew Rex Ryan would be returning as their head coach next season, they had already accomplished another goal: They’d eliminated the Dolphins from the playoffs.

The Dolphins (8-8) looked poised for a playoff berth while needing a victory and either a Ravens loss or Chargers win to make the postseason. But Gang Green stood in the way and would not budge, still annoyed over the beating Miami administered earlier this month in New Jersey.

“We owed them,” Ryan said.

“They came to our house and beat us pretty bad, and we had to return the favor,” Sheldon Richardson said.

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Antonio Cromartie said earlier this week that he hoped to end the Dolphin season in Week 17.

“We did, we accomplished that,” Cromartie said. “They’re sitting at home with us.”

For the Dolphins, it was a tremendous fall after appearing in control just two weeks ago. Losses to the Bills and Jets, both of whom had worse records than Miami heading into the game, ended their season.

“You have to earn your way into the playoffs,” Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said. “Clearly, we didn’t do that.”

The Jets actually finished second in the AFC East, because of tiebreakers.

THE BIG MAN SCORES
Sheldon Richardson continued his quest to become the next Refrigerator Perry by scoring his second touchdown of the season. With the Jets at the 1-yard line with 3:24 left in the first half, Gang Green sent in the rookie defensive lineman at fullback.

Richardson scored with ease. Two weeks ago, he scored his first NFL touchdown rushing against the Panthers.

“I’m used to it,” Richardson said. “I don’t get excited, that’s why I don’t celebrate.”

Later in the game, the Jets actually tried out an even stranger formation in the red zone, with three defensive linemen Richardson, Damon Harrison and Kenrick Ellis all in the game on offense. Richardson got the ball again, but only managed to gain a yard.

The brash defensive lineman had a fantastic year even without his newly found role on offense, and is a top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. As far as Richardson is concerned, he’s already won.

“I am that. I am that even if I don’t win it,” Richardson said. “You can’t tell me anything different.”

IVORY BOWS OUT
Chris Ivory cracked his rib and suffered a hip pointer during the game. He attempted to come back in but could not, so Bilal Powell took most of the work. Powell rushed for 76 yards on 21 attempts.

MOVING AROUND
Kyle Wilson suffered a knee injury that knocked him out of the game. Isaiah Trufant replaced Wilson covering the slot, Jeremy Kerley took over punt returning duties and Antonio Cromartie returned kicks.

NEVER SAW THE FIELD
Offensive linemen Oday Aboushi, William Campbell and Ben Ijalana received the unceremonious distinction of being inactive for all 16 games this year. Aboushi and Campbell were fifth- and sixth-round draft picks, respectively.

THE LAST TIME
Santonio Holmes caught three passes for 41 yards in what was probably his final game as a Jet.