The 2009 season, which started so promisingly for the New York Jets, is effectively over.

The Jets' lopsided loss Sunday at New England, 31-14, in which rookie QB Mark Sanchez had five turnovers -- four interceptions (three by Leigh Bodden, one of which was returned for a touchdown) and a fumble -- all but officially put an end to N.Y.'s playoff hopes.

After starting out 3-0, including a 16-9 win over the Patriots at the Meadowlands in Week Two, the Jets have lost 6 of their last 7 games.

Sanchez, who had 4 TD passes and only 2 interceptions in N.Y.'s first three games, had thrown 14 INTs and just 6 TDs in the Jets' seven-game tailspin.

But coach Rex Ryan said Sunday he's going to stick with Sanchez as his starter.

"I don't think he's going to get any better sitting on the sideline," Ryan said. "Without question, he made a lot of mistakes. But he's got to learn from them. And the only way to do it -- you know you can visualize it, watch tape, and carry a clipboard, but unless you get on the field, you aren't going to get any better. That's my opinion."

After a horrible start Sunday -- N.Y. fell behind 24-0 -- the Jets had a chance to make a game of it when, trailing 24-14, they gained possession at their own 48 in the first minute of the fourth quarter.

But Sanchez threw an interception on the first play.

"That was a crucial play that totally changed the tide back to New England's favor," Ryan said.

While the Jets' next three games are against Carolina, Buffalo, and Tampa Bay, their last three are against the Falcons, Colts, and Bengals. And they do have to go on the road to play the Bills and Bucs.

New York now is 4-6, leaving them three games behind the Patriots in the AFC East, and is only 1-4 against division opponents.