Once Super Bowl contenders, Jets have turned into one of sports' biggest circuses

FILE - This Nov. 11, 2012 file photo shows New York Jets' Tim Tebow on the field before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawksin Seattle. Rex Ryan acknowledged Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 that he had higher expectations for the seldom-used Tebow in the Jets' wildcat-style offense. And, so did the NFL's most popular and maligned backup quarterback. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) (The Associated Press)

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is brought down by Tennessee Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (95) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 14-10. (AP Photo/Joe Howell) (The Associated Press)

From nearly Super to just plain stupefying.

That is what the New York Jets have become in a span of two NFL seasons.

From a botched trade for Tim Tebow before the season to a botched snap by Mark Sanchez that ended the season, Rex Ryan's bunch became a dysfunctional mess with no clear solution in sight.

The Jets are considered by many a laughingstock, one big circus which ranks up there with the Bronx Zoo Yankees, the Isiah Thomas Knicks and the late Al Davis' Raiders. At least those Yankees won a few World Series titles, and the Raiders took home three Super Bowl trophies despite all the madness.

Woody Johnson's flawed franchise could be headed for a total teardown before things get any better.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL