Mark Sanchez has enough people criticizing his every move. As the New York Jets quarterback competes for his job against the newly drafted rookie, Geno Smith, all of the media will be watching his every move and questioning his decision. The last thing Sanchez needs is for one of in his own teammates to lash out against him. Queue the anonymous teammate.
CBSSports.com reports that an unnamed Jets teammate spoke out against Sanchez as the starting quarterback for the team.
"Everyone on the team like Mark personally but there's a general feeling among some of the players that maybe it's time to give someone else a chance."
The unnamed teammate said he estimated around 80 to 90 percent of the roster agrees that Sanchez might not be the best option to bring the team into success. No one will go one record with their beliefs. Things are going well in the Jets lockerroom.
The Jets coaching staff have spoken optimistically about the open quarterback competition, agreeing that both Sanchez and Smith are decent options at the position. The teammates have a point about Sanchez. Over the past two seasons he accumulated 52 turnovers. Both he and Smith have struggled during OTAs so far. Sanchez threw three interceptions while recorded one of his own.
There is one person in Sanchez's corner, quarterback Joe Namath. The former Jets player believes New York will be a better team and that starts with Sanchez being a better quarterback.
"I know that Sanchez is going to play better. He went through some major distractions last year. No matter how much you say, 'It doesn't bother me, that's not a focus-breaker,' bull. I promise you you'll see a different guy this year," Namath said.
New York certainly hopes those statements are true. If not, Smith will be the likely starter come Week 1. The Jets drafted Smith in the second round with the intention of putting pressure on Sanchez. Now, Smith is emerging a potential starting quarterback for the team. Namath did not support drafting Smith, noting he cannot figure out why the Jets decided to pick up another quarterback. He did praise Smith as a "sensational athlete."
"No, I don't think they needed a quarterback. They needed the other positions filled. Possibly offensive line."
While Namath has zero say in the happenings of the New York Jets, his support for Sanchez could help boost the quarterback's confidence. the competition will continue throughout most of the offseason, so the idea that more teammates will speak up in their beliefs on the matter will likely happen.
