Mark Sanchez had to play spectator on Sunday and perhaps he felt a touch of fear that if his replacement lit up the Buccaneers a quarterback controversy would ensue, at least in the eyes of the media and fans in New York. Instead, Kellen Clemens, the Jets’ backup QB, managed the game well but did nothing spectacular as New York’s defense and offensive line dominated Tampa Bay in a 26-3 victory in Florida.

Clemens finished with 111 yards on 12-for-23 passing and had no touchdowns or interceptions. He did a lot of handing off as Thomas Jones ran for 99 yards and two TDs on 24 carries, leading the Jets to an easy cover of the 3.5-point spread.

The win was New York’s third straight and moves the Jets to 7-6, placing them in a four-way tie for the final AFC wild-card spot. Jacksonville, Miami and Baltimore are also 7-6, with Jacksonville holding the tiebreaker based on conference record.

Sanchez will be back in action next Sunday when the Jets host the Atlanta Falcons (6-7). After that game, they close with the unbeaten Colts (13-0) and the AFC North-leading Bengals (9-4). Few teams have a tougher finish than the Jets, so Gang Green faithful shouldn’t hold their frozen breath waiting for the playoffs, but if Sanchez really is a franchise QB, this is when talent is supposed to rise to the fore.