FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — As bad as the New York Jets looked in losing four consecutive games to fall to 1-4, history suggests the task ahead — turning the season around and reaching the playoffs — is not impossible.

After all, it was just three seasons ago that the Denver Broncos started 1-4 before winning the AFC West. Alas, the Broncos did that after making two moves the Jets seem unlikely to copy:

1. Bench the starting quarterback.

2. Replace him with Tim Tebow.

New York coach Rex Ryan is more likely to kiss New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s rings than the Jets are to bring back Tebow, whose career likely ended when the Jets acquired him from the Broncos in March 2012 and promptly turned him into the world’s most-publicized and least-used decoy.

Ryan also made it clear he is not eager to permanently bench quarterback Geno Smith and replace him with Michael Vick. Ryan did yank Smith in favor of Vick at halftime Sunday in New York’s 31-0 loss to the San Diego Chargers, but he named Smith the starter for this week during his postgame press conference. Smith went 4-for-12 for 27 yards and an interception against the Chargers.

“I like both our quarterbacks,” Ryan said Wednesday, four days before the Jets host a Broncos team that is directed by future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and looks a whole lot different than the bunch that overcame a slow start in 2011.

“But again, I do believe that Geno will find a way to get it done, and I’m confident with Geno.”

Ryan has little alternative. Vick was even worse than Smith in relief — 8-for-19 for 47 yards, including 2-for-11 for 13 yards on his first five series — and he acknowledged Wednesday that he took his scout-team duties for granted during practice last week.

With the coach’s job on the line — Ryan told ESPN Radio in New York City on Tuesday that he understands he would be fired if the season ended today — Ryan has to pick his poison: the immature, scattershot 24-year-old or the declining, injury-prone 34-year-old who seems to be coasting as a backup.

For one more week, at least, Ryan is going with Smith, who has completed just 52.5 percent of his passes while throwing three touchdowns and five interceptions. Smith is averaging 4.69 yards per pass attempt during the Jets’ four-game losing streak.

As he has since being drafted by the Jets last year, Smith talked a good game Wednesday.

“I can only speak for myself, and I definitely have to play better,” Smith said. “I haven’t played as well as I think I can up to date. But luckily, we have games in front of us and (are) going to go about this thing the right way.”

Can Smith back up his words? His job isn’t the only one at stake this weekend.