2010 New York Jets season
Owner	Woody &Christopher Johnson
General manager	Mike Tannenbaum
Head coach	Rex Ryan
Offensive coordinator	Brian Schottenheimer
Defensive coordinator	Mike Pettine
Home stadium	New Meadowlands Stadium
Results
Record	11–5
Division place	2ndAFC East
Playoffs	WonWild Card Playoffs (atColts) 17–16 WonDivisional Playoffs (atPatriots) 28–21 LostAFC Championship (atSteelers) 19–24
Pro Bowlers	OTD'Brickashaw Ferguson CNick Mangold CBDarrelle Revis
Uniform
← 2009 Jets seasons 2011 →

The2010 season was theNew York Jets' 41st season in theNational Football League (NFL), their 51st overall and their first atNew Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from2009, going 11–5 to reach the playoffs again as theAFC East's second-placed team. The Jets were the subject ofHBO's training camp seriesHard Knocks. The Jets played their first pre-season home game against theNew York Giants to open up MetLife Stadium. Many considered them AFC East favorites; head coach Rex Ryan went so far as to guarantee a Super Bowl victory.^[1][2] The Jets broke a team record with a franchise best 6 consecutive wins on the road with a win against the Lions, followed by a win against the Browns in week 10. In the same victory against the Browns, the Jets became the first team in NFL history to win back-to-back road games in overtime. The Jets were the last NFL team to be undefeated on the road, before suffering a 45–3 loss at theNew England Patriots in Week 13. The Jets met the Patriots again five weeks later in the AFC Divisional Round back in Foxborough where New York upset New England 28–21. The following week, the Jets lost 24–19 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship, ending their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time in42 seasons.

This is the first time the Jets made the postseason in back-to-back seasons since their2001 and2002 seasons. However, as of the 2025 season, this is the most recent season in which the Jets have qualified for the playoffs, as they currently possess the longest active playoff appearance drought in the NFL, as well as any of the four major North American sports leagues.

• WRLarry Taylor, PT. J. Conley, LBJosh Mauga and LBEzra Butler signed future contracts on January 7, 2010.^[3]
• FormerCanadian Football League alumni, cornerbackBo Smith and wide receiverS. J. Green were signed to future contracts on January 8, 2010.^[4][5]
• Long snapperTanner Purdum was signed on February 5, 2010 from free agency.^[6]
• KickerNick Folk and offensive linemanMike Turkovich were signed on February 23, 2010 via free agency.^[7][8]
• SafetyBrodney Pool was signed on March 11, 2010 from free agency.^[9]
• Running backLaDainian Tomlinson signed with the team on March 14, 2010 from free agency.^[10]
• Defensive linemanRodrique Wright was signed on March 16, 2010 from free agency.^[11]
• LinebackerLance Laury was signed on March 19, 2010 from free agency.^[12]
• KickerClint Stitser was signed on April 7, 2010 from free agency to compete with Nick Folk.^[13]
• LinebackerJason Taylor signed with the Jets on April 20, 2010 after theMiami Dolphins, Taylor's former team, failed to commit to the linebacker. Taylor signed a two-year deal.^[14]
• CornerbackDonovan Warren who went undrafted in the2010 NFL draft was immediately signed by the Jets following the draft. He is expected to compete for a spot as a safety.^[15]
• Tight endJeff Cumberland,^[16] guardCharlie Tanner,^[17] and linebackerKevin Basped,^[18] were signed on April 24, 2010 as an undrafted free agents.
• On April 26, 2010, the Jets signedBrian Jackson,^[19]Keith Buckman,Jason Lamb,Broderick Stewart,Matt Stommes andErnest Williams.^[20]
• On May 3, 2010 the Jets signed linebackersBrashton Satele^[21] andCory Reamer.^[22]
• On May 14, 2010 the Jets signed OGMarlon Davis and CRobbie Felix.^[23]
• The Jets signed rookie offensive tackleAaron Kia on May 18, 2010. Kia previously played for theUniversity of Hawaii in 2009 as their starting left tackle.^[24]
• On June 3, 2010, the Jets signed formerOregon Duck, DT/DESimi Toeaina.^[25]
• On June 11, 2010, the Jets signed formerWashington Huskies punter and kicker,Jared Ballman.^[26][27]
• The Jets signedNTMartin Tevaseu, an undrafted free agent fromUNLV, on July 20, 2010.^[28]
• Veteran quarterbackMark Brunell signed a two-year deal with the Jets on July 28, 2010.^[29]
• SafetyEmanuel Cook signed with the team on July 29, 2010.^[30]
• On August 2, 2010, the Jets signed wide receiverVic Hall. Hall previously had a brief tenure with theChicago Bears.^[31]
• On August 8, 2010, the Jets announced that offensive linemanAdam Tadisch had been signed.^[32] Tadisch played collegiately atNorth Dakota State before spending the2010 season with theCleveland Gladiators of theArena Football League.^[32]
• On August 9, 2010, the Jets signed formerStephen F. Austin linebacker Tim Knicky.^[33]
• On August 14, 2010, the Jets signed offensive guardChet Teofilo.^[34]
• On August 19, 2010, the Jets signed linebackerBoris Lee who formerly played forTroy.^[35]
• Veteran wide receiverLaveranues Coles signed with the Jets on July 30, 2010.^[36] The signing marked Coles' third stint with the team.^[36]
• On August 24, 2010, the Jets signed wide receiverBrooks Foster and safetyKeith Fitzhugh.^[37]
• On August 31, 2010, the Jets signed defensive endRicky Foley.^[38]
• On September 5, 2010, the Jets claimed wide receiverPatrick Turner, offensive linemanPatrick Brown andMarcus Dixon off waivers.^[39]
• Defensive linemanTrevor Pryce was signed on September 30, 2010.^[40]

• CornerbackDonald Strickland was released on March 5, 2010 after one season.^[41]
• LinebackerBroderick Stewart was waived on May 3, 2010.^[42]
• CenterMichael Parenton was waived on May 14, 2010.^[43] Parenton had previously spent the 2009 season on the Jets practice squad and was given a future/reserve contract in February.^[44]
• Offensive LinemanKeith Buckman was waived on May 14, 2010.^[45]
• On May 18, 2010, the Jets releasedS. J. Green andMatt Stommes, following the first Organized Team Activities practice of the year.^[46]
• On May 27, 2010, KickerClint Stitser was waived by the team after failing to impress during organized team activities.^[47]
• On June 22, 2010, safetyBrannon Condren, kickerJared Ballman and defensive tackleErnest Williams were cut by the team.^[48]
• The Jets waived defensive tackleSimi Toeaina on July 12, 2010.^[49]
• The team waived linebackerEzra Butler on July 29, 2010.^[30]
• The Jets waived wide receiverBritt Davis on August 1, 2010.^[50]
• On August 8, 2010, the Jets waivedAaron Kia andKevin Basped.^[32]
• On August 14, 2010, the Jets waived offensive linemanMarlon Davis.^[34]
• On August 19, 2010, the Jets waived punterT. J. Conley.^[35]
• On August 24, 2010, the Jets waived receiverVic Hall and offensive tackleAdam Tadisch.^[37]
• On August 29, 2010, the Jets waived defensive linemanRodrique Wright, and wide receiversAundrae Allison,Marcus Henry andLaveranues Coles.^[51]
• On August 31, 2010, the Jets released backup quarterbackKevin O'Connell.^[52]
• On September 4, 2010, the Jets waivedEmanuel Cook,Jason Davis,Keith Fitzhugh,Ricky Foley,Brooks Foster,Josh Mauga,Bo Smith,Ty Steinkuhler,Robby Felix,Dan Gay, Tim Knicky,Jason Lamb,Boris Lee,Cory Reamer,Brashton Satele,Charlie Tanner,Larry Taylor,Chet Teofilo,Martin Tevaseu,Donovan Warren andMike Turkovich.^[53]
• On September 5, 2010, the Jets waivedDavid Clowney andChauncey Washington while releasingTony Richardson.^[39]
• On October 26, 2010, the Jets waived defensive tackleHoward Green in order to promote linebackerJosh Mauga to the active roster.^[54]

• On July 7, 2010,D'Brickashaw Ferguson signed a five-year contract extension with the option of a sixth year being picked up.^[71]
• On July 30, 2010, the team announced that head coachRex Ryan and general managerMike Tannenbaum both received contract extensions through 2014.^[72]
• On August 8, 2010, special teams coordinatorMike Westhoff received a one-year contract extension.^[73] Westhoff will remain with the team through 2011 and barring any setbacks will retire following the 2011 season.^[73]
• On August 24, 2010, centerNick Mangold signed a seven-year, $55 million contract extension with $22.5 million in guarantees.^[74] By signing the extension, Mangold became the highest paid center in theNational Football League at the time.^[74]
• On September 5, 2010, head coach Rex Ryan and owner Woody Johnson visited cornerbackDarrelle Revis at his Florida home.^[75] Revis, who had been disgruntled over a contract dispute with the team, agreed in principle to sign a four-year $46 million contract with $32 million guaranteed.^[75] The team announced the signing on September 6.^[75]

• Antonio Cromartie was traded to the Jets on March 4, 2010 from theSan Diego Chargers for a third round2011 NFL draft pick, that can possibly turn into a second round depending on his performance.^[76]
• Santonio Holmes was traded to the Jets on April 11, 2010 from thePittsburgh Steelers for a fifth round 2010 NFL Draft pick.^[77]

• Kerry Rhodes was traded to theArizona Cardinals on March 6, 2010 for a fourth round2010 NFL draft pick and a seventh round 2011 NFL Draft pick.^[78]
• On April 24, 2010, the Jets tradedLeon Washington and their seventh round pick in the2010 NFL draft to theSeattle Seahawks for Seattle's fifth round pick which the Jets used to select FBJohn Conner.^[79]

Note: Intra-division opponents are inbold text.

In their first game at their new stadium, the Jets began their season for an AFC duel withthe Baltimore Ravens. In the first quarter, the Jets took the early lead with kickerNick Folk hitting a 23-yard field goal. Then he nailed a 28-yard field goal in the second quarter to bring the Jets up 6–0. After that, the Ravens replied and took the lead when RBWillis McGahee completed a 1-yard TD run. The Ravens extended their lead in the third quarter when kickerBilly Cundiff got a 25-yard field goal. The Jets cut the lead in the fourth quarter with Folk making a 48-yard field goal, but it wasn't enough, giving the Jets a loss.

With the close loss, the Jets began at 0–1.

The Jets started slow by accruing no passing yards during the first quarter, but the Patriots went down the field in two long drives taking up most of the time in the first half. In the second quarter, the Patriots took the early lead as quarterbackTom Brady completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverWes Welker, but the Jets replied with quarterbackMark Sanchez completing a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBraylon Edwards. The Patriots scored again with Brady finding wide receiverRandy Moss on a 34-yard touchdown pass. The Jets narrowed the Patriots' lead when kickerNick Folk nailed a 49-yard field goal, followed by him making a 36-yard field goad in the third quarter. The Jets got the lead when Sanchez completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverJerricho Cotchery (with a successful 2-point conversion). The Jets extended their lead in the fourth quarter when Sanchez making a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight endDustin Keller.

With the win, the Jets improved to 1–1.

Coming off their divisional win over the Patriots, the Jets flew toSun Life Stadium for a Week 3 AFC East duel withthe Miami Dolphins on Sunday night. New York delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter as quarterbackMark Sanchez completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight endDustin Keller. The Jets added onto their lead in the second quarter as Sanchez hooked up with Keller again on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins answered as quarterbackChad Henne connected with tight endAnthony Fasano on a 3-yard touchdown pass, followed by kickerDan Carpenter making a 44-yard field goal.

Miami took the lead in the third quarter as Henne found wide receiverBrandon Marshall on an 11-yard touchdown pass, yet New York immediately struck back as Sanchez completed a 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBraylon Edwards. The Dolphins cut into the lead as Carpenter made a 20-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jets responded with kickerNick Folk making a 30-yard field goal. Miami struck back with Carpenter's 50-yard field goal, yet New York stayed persistent as running backLaDainian Tomlinson got a 1-yard touchdown run. Miami tried to get a comeback drive going, but the defense came through to hold onto the victory.

With the win, the Jets improved to 2–1.

Coming off their divisional road win over the Dolphins, the Jets flew toRalph Wilson Stadium for a Week 4 AFC East duel with the throwback-cladBuffalo Bills. New York scored in the first quarter as running backLaDainian Tomlinson got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Jets added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 19-yard field goal from kickerNick Folk, followed by quarterbackMark Sanchez completing a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBraylon Edwards. The Bills closed out the half with quarterbackRyan Fitzpatrick finding tight endDavid Martin on a 4-yard touchdown pass.

New York pulled away in the third quarter as tight endDustin Keller caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver/quarterbackBrad Smith, followed by his 2-yard touchdown reception thrown by Sanchez. Afterwards, Tomlinson's 26-yard touchdown run effectively secured the victory. Buffalo closed out the game in the fourth quarter as Fitzpatrick threw a touchdown pass to wide receiverStevie Johnson.

With the win, the Jets improved to 3–1.

Coming off their dominating divisional road win over the Bills, the Jets went home for a Week 5 interconference duel withthe Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. New York took flight in the first quarter as kickerNick Folk made a 25-yard field goal. The Jets added onto their lead in the second quarter as Folk booted a 53-yard and a 22-yard field goal.

New York continued to build their lead in the third quarter as Folk nailed a 34-yard field goal. The Vikings answered with quarterbackBrett Favre completed a 37-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverRandy Moss, yet the Jets came right back with Folk's 31-yard field goal. After the match was delayed due to adverse weather conditions, Minnesota began to strike back in the fourth quarter as Favre connected with wide receiverPercy Harvin on a 34-yard touchdown pass (with a failed 2-point conversion). Afterwards, New York answer as running backShonn Greene got a 23-yard touchdown run. The Vikings tried to rally as Favre found Harvin again on an 11-yard touchdown pass, yet the Jets put the game away as cornerbackDwight Lowery returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown.

With the win, New York improved to 4–1.

Hoping to increase their winning streak the Jets flew toINVESCO Field at Mile High for an AFC duel with the Broncos. In the 2nd quarter the Jets took the lead as QBMark Sanchez made a 32-yard TD pass to WRBraylon Edwards. But Denver replied with QBTim Tebow scrambling 5 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. This was followed by kickerMatt Prater nailing a 59-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Jets responded with kickerNick Folk hitting a 56-yard field goal. The Jets fell behind when QBKyle Orton made a 17-yard TD pass to WRDemaryius Thomas. But replied in the fourth quarter with RBLaDainian Tomlinson making a 20-yard TD run. The Jets trailed again with Prater making a 48-yard field goal. But pulled back in the lead when Tomlinson got a 2-yard TD run.

With the win, the Jets improve to 5–1.

The Jets’ seventh game was an interconference duel with the Packers. PunterSteve Weatherford made the game's most controversial decision in the first quarter, opting to attempt a fake punt and run for the first down on 4th and 18. Weatherford was stopped a yard short of the first down, giving the Packers ideal field position which eventually led to an early 3–0 Packers lead. "He does it on his own," Ryan said. "(The Packers) were caving that side down. This was something Steve did on his own. I don't think he realized we'd just been sacked. We told him before that it needed to be a manageable situation, not fourth-and-20 or whatever it was.".^[87] In a game where defense ruled, the Packers lead 3–0 at halftime. The Jets challenged a Brad Smith fumble, and lost due to his knee not being down before losing the ball. However, the Jets second challenge went to a jump ball, called an interception after Packers cornerbackTramon Williams ripped the ball out ofJerricho Cotchery's hands while they were both on the ground. The play was controversially upheld, despite the fact that the receiver appeared to be down by contact. With no challenges left,Mark Sanchez threw a ball toDustin Keller that was ripped out of his hands and ruled an interception in the 4th quarter. The replay showed that Keller made the catch and was also down before losing possession, but with no challenges left the Jets were left with nothing. Green Bay took a 6–0 lead after the turnover. The Jets had two more chances to take the lead but had drives halted on 4th and longs. The Packers added on another field goal late to finalize a 9–0 win in theNew Meadowlands Stadium. This marked the first time since 2006 the Jets were shut out and they failed to win 6 games in a row for the first time since1986.

With the loss, the Jets fell to 5–2.

Hoping to rebound from their loss against the Packers, the Jets flew toFord Field for an interconference duel with the Lions. In the first quarter the Jets trailed early as quarterbackMatthew Stafford found tight endBrandon Pettigrew on a 10-yard touchdown pass. The Jets fought back and took the lead withNick Folk hitting a 31-yard field goal, followed by quarterbackMark Sanchez completing a 74-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBraylon Edwards. In the third quarter the Jets fell behind again as Stafford scrambled 1-yard for a touchdown however, the Lions missed the extra point, attempted byNdamukong Suh who replaced the injuredJason Hanson.^[88] The miss proved to be instrumental in New York's victory.^[88]

Stafford followed up with 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverNate Burleson in the fourth quarter. The Jets responded as Sanchez scrambled 1 yard for a touchdown, and then Nick Folk tied the game after making a 36-yard field goal that sent the game into overtime. With New York winning the coin toss, they began to move down field and after Sanchez found receiverSantonio Holmes on a 52-yard pass play, the Jets were in a position to win via field goal. Subsequently, Folk made the 30-yard field goal to lift the Jets over the Lions.

With the win, the Jets improved to 6–2.

Coming off their win over the Lions, the Jets flew toCleveland Browns Stadium for a Week 10 duel withthe Cleveland Browns. New York trailed in the first quarter as Browns kickerPhil Dawson made a 34-yard field goal. The Jets answered with a 27-yard field goal from kickerNick Folk, but Cleveland responded with running backPeyton Hillis getting a 12-yard touchdown run. New York tied the game in the second quarter with quarterbackMark Sanchez finding wide receiverJerricho Cotchery on a 25-yard touchdown pass. The Browns regained the lead with Dawson's 23-yard field goal, yet the Jets took the lead with Sanchez's 1-yard touchdown run. After a scoreless third quarter, New York added onto their lead in the fourth quarter with Folk's 25-yard field goal. However, Cleveland tied the game with quarterbackColt McCoy completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverMohamed Massaquoi. Inovertime, Sanchez found wide receiverSantonio Holmes on the game-ending 37-yard touchdown pass. The Jets became the first team in league history to win back-to-back overtime games on the road.

With the win, New York improved to 7–2.

Hoping to increase their winning streak the Jets played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Texans. In the first quarter the Jets took the lead as kickerNick Folk nailed a 37-yard field goal. The Texans replied in the second quarter with RBArian Foster getting a 2-yard TD run. The Jets got the lead back as QBMark Sanchez threw a 4-yard TD pass to WRSantonio Holmes; followed by Folk making a 30-yard field goal. The Jets' lead extended in the third quarter when Sanchez found Holmes again on a 41-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter Folk made a 30-yard field goal to put the Jets up 23–7. The Texans rallied to take the lead back with kickerNeil Rackers nailing a 38-yard field goal, followed by QBMatt Schaub completing a 43-yard TD pass to TEJoel Dreessen, followed by Foster getting a 1-yard TD run, and then Rackers got a 22-yard field goal. The Jets still managed to score to get the win with Sanchez finding Holmes again on a 6-yard TD pass.

With the win, the Jets improve to 8–2.

Coming off their win over the Texans, the Jets stayed at home for a Week 12Thanksgiving duel withthe Cincinnati Bengals. After a scoreless first quarter, the Jets delivered the game's opening strike in the second quarter with a 27-yard field goal from kickerNick Folk, but the Bengals answered with quarterbackCarson Palmer completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverJordan Shipley.

New York regained the lead with a 53-yard touchdownend-around from wide receiver/quarterbackBrad Smith and a 13-yard touchdown pass fromMark Sanchez toSantonio Holmes. Cincinnati responded in the fourth quarter asAaron Pettrey kicked a 28-yard field goal, but the Jets added Smith's 89-yard kick return for a touchdown, followed by defensive endTrevor Pryce sacking Palmer in the endzone for a safety.

With the win, New York improved to 9–2. Smith (3 carries, 55 yards, TD, 3 kick returns, 122 return yards, TD) and cornerbackDarrelle Revis (4 tackles, 1 sack) were named NFL Network's 2010 Pudding Pie Award winners.

Coming off their win over the Bengals on Thanksgiving, the Jets traveled to Foxborough in Monday Night Football game with the New England Patriots. In the first quarter, the Patriots took the early lead, with a 41-yard field goal from kickerShayne Graham, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from running backBenJarvus Green-Ellis and a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackTom Brady to wide receiverDeion Branch. In the second quarter, the Jets got on the board, with a 39-yard field goal from kickerNick Folk, in what would be the Jets' only score of the game. Later in the second quarter, the Patriots replied, with Brady throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBrandon Tate. The Patriots continued their offensive onslaught in the third quarter, with Brady throwing an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverWes Welker. In the fourth quarter, Brady threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight endAaron Hernandez, followed by a 5-yard touchdown run from Green-Ellis.

With the loss the Jets dropped to 9–3 and second place in the AFC East.

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Patriots the Jets played on home ground for an AFC East rivalry match against the Dolphins. The Jets trailed early with kickerDan Carpenter nailing a 47-yard field goal, followed by QBChad Henne completing a 6-yard TD pass to WRBrandon Marshall. They tried to cut the lead but only came away with kickerNick Folk hitting a 35 and a 42-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Jets fell to 9–4.

With the win, the Jets improved to 10–4.

Coming off their win over the Steelers the Jets played an interconference duel with the Bears. In the first quarter the Jets trailed early as kickerRobbie Gould got a 37-yard field goal, followed byMatt Forte getting a 22-yard TD run. The Jets pulled ahead with RBShonn Greene getting a 3-yard TD run, followed by CBDwight Lowery returning an interception 20 yards for a touchdown, followed by RBLaDainian Tomlinson getting a 3-yard TD run letting the Jets lead 21–10. The lead was narrowed as QBJay Cutler scrambled 2 yards for a touchdown, but was soon extended as kickerNick Folk made a 26-yard field goal. They trailed again with Cutler completing a 40 and a 25-yard TD pass to wide receiversDevin Hester andJohnny Knox respectively, but soon were able to tie the game with QBMark Sanchez throwing a 23-yard TD pass to WRSantonio Holmes. The Bears escaped the tie with Cutler finding Knox again on a 26-yard TD pass. The Jets tried to come back, but only came away with a 34-yard field goal from Folk. When the Jets got the ball back, Sanchez threw a pass intended for Holmes, only to be intercepted by safetyChris Harris with 0:58 to go.

With the loss, the Jets fell to 10–5, but clinched a playoff berth when the Jaguars lost to the Redskins..

The Jets’ sixteenth game was a division rivalry rematch against the Bills at home. The Jets commanded the first half with kickerNick Folk making a 28-yard field goal, followed by CBMarquice Cole returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown, then with QBMark Brunell making a 17-yard TD pass to WRSantonio Holmes. Their offense broke down a bit as Brunell's next pass was intercepted by FSJairus Byrd and returned 37 yards for a touchdown, but continued to score after Brunell found WRBraylon Edwards on a 52-yard TD pass. This was followed by QBKellen Clemens scrambling 10 yards for a touchdown, then with RBJohn Conner getting a 16-yard TD run.

With the win, the Jets finish on an 11–5 record.

Entering the postseason as the AFC's sixth seed, the Jets began their playoff run atLucas Oil Stadium for the AFC Wild Card Round against the third seededIndianapolis Colts in a rematch of the 2009–10AFC Championship Game. After a scoreless first quarter, New York trailed in the second quarter as Colts quarterbackPeyton Manning completed a 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverPierre Garçon.

The Jets tied the game in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running backLaDainian Tomlinson, however Indianapolis immediately came back with a 47-yardAdam Vinatieri field goal. New York took the lead in the fourth quarter with another 1-yard touchdown run from Tomlinson, but the Colts regained the lead with Vinatieri nailing a 32-yard and a 50-yard field goal. However, the Jets prevailed in the end; as time expired,Nick Folk kicked the game-winning 32-yard field goal. This also ended up beingPeyton Manning's last game as a Colt, as he would sit outthe next season due to neck surgeries, and be released by the Colts then subsequently signed with theDenver Broncos.

With the win, New York improved their overall record to 12–5.

Coming off their win over the Colts, the Jets flew toGillette Stadium for the AFC Divisional Round against the top-seededNew England Patriots, in Round 3 of their 2010 series. New York trailed in the first quarter as Patriots kickerShayne Graham made a 34-yard field goal. The Jets took the lead in the second quarter as quarterbackMark Sanchez found running backLaDainian Tomlinson on a 7-yard touchdown pass. After a failed fake-punt attempt by New England, Sanchez connected with wide receiverBraylon Edwards on a 15-yard touchdown pass.

New England began to cut away at their deficit as quarterbackTom Brady completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight endAlge Crumpler (with a successful two-point conversion run from running backSammy Morris). The Jets answered back when Mark Sanchez connected with Santionio Holmes in the corner of the endzone, extending the lead back to 21–11. The Patriots tried to rally as Graham got a 35-yard field goal, yet New York came right back with a 20-yard touchdown run from running backShonn Greene. Afterwards, New England closed out the game as Brady completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDeion Branch.

With the win, the Jets improved to 13–5. The Jets defense set a franchise single-game postseason record by sacking Brady five times.

Coming off their win over the Patriots, the Jets flew toHeinz Field for theAFC Championship Game against the No. 2Pittsburgh Steelers, in a rematch of their Week 15 game.

New York trailed in the first quarter as Steelers running backRashard Mendenhall got a 1-yard touchdown run. Pittsburgh added onto their lead in the second quarter as kickerShaun Suisham got a 20-yard field goal, followed by quarterbackBen Roethlisberger getting a 2-yard touchdown run, along with cornerbackWilliam Gay returning a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown. The Jets closed out the half with a 42-yard field goal from kickerNick Folk.

New York began the third quarter with quarterbackMark Sanchez finding former Pittsburgh wide receiverSantonio Holmes on a 45-yard touchdown pass. Two drives later, the Jets got into red zone in the middle of the 4th quarter, but were held out of the end zone. The Jets tried to rally as Roethlisberger fumbled the snap in the endzone and then got tackled in the endzone byMike DeVito for a safety, followed by Sanchez hooking up with wide receiverJerricho Cotchery on a 4-yard touchdown pass. However, the Steelers held on to preserve the win.

With the loss, New York's season came to an end with an overall record of 13–6.

As of the 2025 season, this is the most recent playoff game played by the Jets.

• New York Jets seasons
• 2010 NFL season by team
• 2010 in sports in New Jersey
• 21st century in East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Meadowlands Sports Complex
• Hard Knocks (documentary series)

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