FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets are down, but not out of things to say.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, looking ahead to their rematch against the Miami Dolphins, said Thursday the Jets were a superior team than the Dolphins four weeks ago even though they were embarrassed, 23-3. And he doesn't feel like anything has changed.

The Dolphins (8-7) are one game ahead of the Jets and still have a chance to make the playoffs. The Jets were eliminated before last week's game.

"I felt like we were the better team then," Cromartie said. "Do I feel like we're a better team now? Yeah, we're running the ball better and we're playing the pass a whole lot better. I think the biggest thing for us is to put it all together and win a game on the road."

Cromartie also said he relishes the idea of crushing the Dolphins' playoff hopes.

"This is our last game of the year," he said. "We want to make sure it's their last game, too."

The Jets are closing out their third consecutive season out of the playoffs, a drought that could get coach Rex Ryan fired, but they're trying to create various forms of motivation. They can finish .500, they can win on the road for only the second time and they can wreck a divisional rival's season.

"It's pretty much our Super Bowl," quarterback Geno Smith said.

Smith hit his personal lowpoint in the Dec. 1 matchup against the Dolphins. He was benched at halftime after completing only four of 10 passes for 29 yards and an interception. The Jets were outgained by a mind-boggling margin, 453-177, in what was their third straight defeat.

"We didn't come to play," guard Willie Colon said.