FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Jets coach Rex Ryan said embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez played “really outstanding in most of the game” on Sunday.

“(Mark) was accurate with the football. Our protection was good,” Ryan said.

He’s right.

Sanchez went 16-for-20 for 190 yards and a touchdown after halftime in the team’s 29-26 overtime loss to the New England Patriots.

But it was his game-ending lost fumble that will ultimately end up overshadowing what was an impressive performance overall.

With the Jets down three and needing a field goal to tie, Sanchez failed to tuck the ball as Jermaine Cunningham grasped at him and Rob Ninkovich drilled him from the blindside.

It was Sanchez’s third OT turnover since his rookie year in 2009 -- two more than any player over that span, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Another case of him trying to make something happen when it isn’t there.

From the “for what it’s worth/optimism” department: In his last three games in New England, Sanchez has thrown for 688 yards with six touchdowns, one interception and a 104.8 rating.