The Cleveland Browns clinched a playoff spot with Thursday's 37-20 victory over the New York Jets.
A playoff spot is something the Jets can only dream about at this point.
New York fell to 6-10 with the loss as it continues to play out the string in its 13th consecutive campaign without making the postseason. While losing Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury in the first game was a significant blow, plenty of teams—including the Browns—have fought through quarterback setbacks this year.
And one of those backup quarterbacks in Joe Flacco picked apart the Jets' defense to the tune of 19-of-29 passing for 309 yards, three touchdowns and one interception even though No. 1 wide receiver Amari Cooper was sidelined by a heel injury.
It wasn't a one-man show, as Jerome Ford finished with 64 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards and two touchdowns while David Njoku posted six catches for 134 yards. The game was seemingly never in doubt, and social media did not hold back when evaluating New York head coach Robert Saleh in yet another loss for his team:
Rich Cimini @RichCiminiJust the other day, Saleh was talking about how the <a href="">#Jets</a> have a "championship-caliber defense." They don't. The return of Aaron Rodgers in 2024 will not solve all their ills.
Drew @DrewfromJerseySaleh having no idea what is going on with the offense continues to be a concern that no one running the organization seems to care about. <a href="">#Jets</a>
Big Action Bill @BigActionBillSaleh making adjustments. Switched from crossing his arms to a hands-on-knees posture watching the action unfold.
Jake Ciely @allinkidRobert Saleh when asked why Breece Hall wasn't a bellcow since Week 5 <a href="">
Nick Kostos @TheKostosImagine punting here if you're the Jets, Saleh is beyond lost
Rich Hribar @LordReebsRobert Saleh has been completely unserious for some time, but what is that punt?<br><br>This season has broken this man.
Jake @JakeRepNYRobert Saleh half time speech <a href=""> <a href="">
Play Like A Jet @Playlikeajet1The fact that Woody Johnson officially guaranteed Robert Saleh would be back next yr & <a href="">#Jets</a> response was to get embarrassed by 2 backup QBs in a row incl almost blowing a 20 pt lead at home vs a bottom 5 WAS team with a lame duck HC says a lot about Saleh & none of it's good.
Andrew Golden @andrewgolden_17Saleh kicking a FG down 17 on the road in a lost season is the exact type of move we criticized Bowles for. The fact that it got blocked is fitting.
Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT @jmthriveptSomeone needs to ask Robert Saleh again if he regrets not hitting up Joe Flacco's phone after week 1.
Drew @DrewfromJerseySaleh having no idea what is going on with the offense continues to be a concern that no one running the organization seems to care about. <a href="">#Jets</a>
Mike Golic Jr @mikegolicjrRob Saleh has to be dying his beard, no way the Jets head coach is out here coaching without grey hairs after this season.
It was clear from the start this was going to be a game to forget for the Jets.
Cleveland scored touchdowns on its opening two drives and then got a pick-six from Ronnie Hickman all in the first quarter. Just for good measure, Flacco threw two more touchdowns in the second quarter as the Browns put up 34 points by halftime.
It would have been even worse for the visitors were it not for a pick-six from Jermaine Johnson, which at least canceled out the Browns' defensive score in the first half. However, it didn't cancel out a number of other mistakes from the Jets, including a lost fumble on a kick return, a blocked field goal and untimely penalties.
B/R Gridiron @brgridironSTOP SLEEPING ON THE BROWNS DEFENSE 😤🐶<br><br>Ronnie Hickman Pick-Six! <br><br>(via <a href="">@NFL</a>)<a href="">
New York making up a 17-point halftime deficit with Trevor Siemian under center against one of the best defenses in the NFL just wasn't in the cards. While its defense played much better in the second half, the offense couldn't get anything going and was consistently overmatched.
Fortunately for New York, it has just a road game against the New England Patriots remaining this season until it can turn its attention toward the 2024 campaign.
