MIAMI (AP) - Say this for the New York Jets: They went down fighting.
Receiver and captain Santonio Holmes was benched following a squabble in the huddle late in the fourth quarter, and the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday when they lost to the Miami Dolphins 19-17.
Mark Sanchez threw three interceptions, the last coming with the Jets threatening to take a late lead. New York gave up six third-down conversions during the Dolphins' 21-play, 94-yard drive for their only touchdown.
Holmes was held without a catch for the first time in his 88-game career. He went to the sideline after arguing with teammates, and running back LaDainian Tomlinson said they were unhappy about Holmes' effort, demeanor and body language.
"It's tough for guys to follow a captain that kind of behaves in that manner," Tomlinson said. "You've got to lead by example, and you've got to play your tail off until the last play."
So goes the soap opera under coach Rex Ryan, who had guaranteed a Super Bowl title. Instead the Jets (8-8) finished the season with three consecutive defeats, a big step backward for a team that reached the AFC championship game each of the past two years.
"I'm always going to chase the Super Bowl," Ryan said. "I know I get criticized for it beyond belief, but if you don't, then you're probably a loser, OK? I'm not a loser."
NFL active sacks leader Jason Taylor, playing his final game, harried Sanchez into an interception and was carried off the field after the game. It was a rare moment of celebration for the Dolphins (6-10), who completed their third consecutive losing season, their longest such stretch since the 1960s. They fired coach Tony Sparano on Dec. 12 and have begun the search for a successor.
"Obviously we wanted more Ws," quarterback Matt Moore said. "But there are a lot of positive things as well. It's hard not to feel good after a win, especially against the Jets."
Another small consolation: Miami tied the NFL record for most wins after a 0-7 start.
When asked if the effort in the finale was sufficient, cornerback Antonio Cromartie said: "Uh, maybe on one side of the ball."
On offense, there were issues. Following Holmes' spat with teammates, he was replaced by Patrick Turner.
"It was a coach's call," Holmes said. "Patrick came in and tapped me on the shoulder and told me to come out."
Ryan said he thought Holmes took himself out of the game.
"I looked out there and was wondering why he wasn't out there," the coach said.
Said Tomlinson: "Whenever you don't win, the problems you're having start to creep in and peek their heads out."
After Turner caught a 10-yard touchdown pass, Miami recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.
Sanchez's final misfire came moments earlier, at the Miami 10 with 3 minutes left and the Jets trailing 16-10. Reserve linebacker Marvin Mitchell stepped in front of intended receiver Shonn Greene and rumbled 55 yards to set up a field goal.
"I've got to play better for us to win," Sanchez said. "I can't throw it to them three times."
Taylor, who said Wednesday he would retire at the end of his 15th NFL season, played tailback in the Dolphins' victory formation as Moore twice took a knee to run out the clock.
"I'm the luckiest man in the world," Taylor said. "For the last 15 years I've been able to play a kid's game and get paid to do it."
The stands were perhaps half full, reflecting the disenchantment of Dolphins fans. Owner Stephen Ross drew jeers when he honored Taylor during a pregame ceremony, and a small plane overhead tugged a banner that called for the firing of general manager Jeff Ireland.
"This whole season was a lesson for us," cornerback Sean Smith said. "On paper, we were a very good team, but you have to prove it every Sunday."
Notes: Miami WR Davone Bess left the game in the fourth quarter with a right knee injury. LB Karlos Dansby departed in the first quarter with a groin injury. G Richie Incognito left in the third period with a neck injury. ... Jets LB David Harris was ruled out in the fourth quarter with a calf injury. ... Taylor's brother-in-law, former Dolphins LB Zach Thomas, was an honorary co-captain. ... Moore had a passer rating of 98.0 over the final nine games. ... Greene rushed for 55 yards to finish at 1,054.
