FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- For the second time in Rex Ryan's four seasons, the New York Jets are 4-6. That's not a good thing, but they don't mind looking back to 2009, the year they defied the odds -- and their own coach -- to make the playoffs.

In Mark Sanchez's rookie year, the Jets miraculously made the playoffs after being 4-6. They hope to do the same this year. Jeff Curry-US Presswire

They were the first postseason team in history to overcome two three-game losing streaks, becoming the poster team for improbable comebacks. Things were so bleak after a December loss that Ryan infamously pronounced them eliminated from playoff contention. The math said otherwise; so did the team's heart.

So here they are again, trying to turn 4-6 into something special.

"It gives you more confidence, knowing it's been done before," tight end Dustin Keller said.

Publicly, Ryan hasn't made a big deal out of the parallel, but he doesn't deny it could be a source of motivation.

"We got better as the season went on, and I think that's clearly what we have to do now," he said. "If the players can draw from it, that's great."

There are some weird similarities between then and now.

In 2009, the Jets lost a key defensive player (Kris Jenkins) and a key offensive player (Leon Washington) to season-ending injuries in back-to-back weeks early in the year.

This season, they lost cornerback Darrelle Revis and wide receiver Santonio Holmes in back-to-back weeks.

In 2009, the Jets fell to the Miami Dolphins before the bye week because of a pitiful performance on special teams.

This season, same deal.

In 2009, Ryan got so verklempt from the losing that he broke down in tears in a late-season team meeting.