With training camp right around the corner, the New York Jets find themselves in the headlines once again. As the offseason news has been surrounding the New England Patriots, the Jets are quietly starting to creep back into the news. As head coach Rex Ryan finishes his run with the Bulls, quarterback Mark Sanchez is preparing to win his starting job back, something he is confident will happen.
"When it's a straight-up competition for the job, let's roll," Sanchez said to ESPN.com. "It really doesn't bother me at all. It really doesn't affect my confidence or anything like that. We're competing for something. All right, I'm going to win. That's just how I am."
After Sanchez became known for turnovers and butt fumbles, the Jets played things safe and selected rookie Geno Smith in the draft. The two are now in a race to win over the job at starting quarterback for 2013. Sanchez is still under contract and on money alone, should be the starting quarterback. He is guaranteed $8.25 million this season in salary. However his 13 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions have all but killed his reputation with the team and fans. Even after being benched last season, Sanchez says he still loves playing in New York and is eager for success with the team.
"I love being here, I love playing here," Sanchez said. "We've tasted success here and we've seen that formula work and we're getting back to that. There was a little adversity last year. Call it a little, call it a lot, call it whatever. It doesn't affect the way I train, the way I work."
Sanchez has tasted success with the Jets. He led the team to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in his first two years. However 2013 looks much different as he fights for his job against a rookie that many think could be the future of the franchise.
Despite the struggles last season, Sanchez is still confident that he is the guy that can go out and make plays for the team and not Smith. While staying very professional in his comments towards the rookie, Sanchez promises that he is the best option to prepare the Jets for a winning team.
"The results haven't been what we wanted, but I haven't changed," Sanchez said. "You don't just switch and say, 'This year, I'm going to do it.' You have to be that guy at all times."