While Mark Sanchez might not have the media in his corner, he certainly is getting the support from some of his long-time teammates. After rookie Geno Smith was drafted by the New York Jets, Sanchez's spot on the team was put into question. Even anonymous spoke out against the one-time first round draft pick. However, as offseason workouts continue, Sanchez is reportedly winning back the locker room.

Center Nick Mangold is speaking out in support of his quarterback. The Pro Bowler wants Sanchez under center Week 1 and really believes that the Jets' locker room feels the same way.

"I haven't walked around with a pen and paper and taken a poll, but from the feeling I get, the locker room wants to win. Whoever gives us the best chance to do that, we want out there-and at this point, Mark gives us that best chance," Mangold told reporters. 

The veteran lineman has been impressed with what he has seen from Sanchez so far in preparation for 2013. He likes how the quarterback is handling the new offensive system from coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg and is bringing a kind of command to his role on the team. As the competition between he and Smith continues on and likely well through training camp, Mangold thinks Sanchez has the upper hand.

"Mark had a little bit better idea of the ideas and of seeing things, which are things Geno is going to have to work his butt off on," Mangold said.

Mangold indicated that Smith has a long ways to go before he can think about being the starting quarterback. The Jets' coaching staff is aware that their second-round pick might not be ready to play Week 1, but they intend on creating a special package of plays for him to run.

Sanchez is not the only Jets quarterback to fall under media criticism. Smith has had his character put into question after he fired his agents and signed with Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports. Mangold defended the rookie.

"He can be a good player for us. He's a hard worker, and he's asking questions. He's taking the coaching and taking the advice to heart, and I think he's doing some good things. He's not a diva. I don't see the diva. I don't know where that came from," Mangold said.

Mangold knows that New York is likely to fall under the media spotlight for the rest of the season, but he is confident the team can handle things. He plans on staying healthy after spending the offseason getting back into football shape.