Despite getting booed and throwing interceptions left and right in the first team scrimmage, Mark Sanchez has been named the starting quarterback for the Jets' first preseason game against the Detroit Lions. Apparently for head coach Rex Ryan, interceptions equal to an outstanding training camp because so far, the Jets coach likes what he sees out of the veteran over the rookie.
While the quarterback competition between Sanchez and Geno Smith is far from over, it appears the veteran has won the opening round getting nabbed as the starter for Friday's game. While the fans might now be impressed with Sanchez so far this season, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg says he has earned the chance to be on the field first.
"The first thing is, he's earned it," Mornhinweg said. "He's had an outstanding training camp. The second thing is, he's been the starter here and the first game would typically be his, and he's earned it as well. Those things kind of go together. Mark, this is his game, he'll start and go with the 1s and then we certainly would like to get Geno in just a little bit with the 1's and then he'll take the 2s and we'll progress from there."
Normally in preseason games, the starting quarterback might see just one or two series of action before the backups go to work, but in New York's case, both Sanchez and Smith will see plenty of playing time throughout the game. Ryan stressed that both players need plenty of work and this upcoming game is just the first of many.
Sanchez and Smith have spent most of training camp rotating in and out with the first-team offense. While both had shaky first weeks, this second week has gone much better. Reports are that Sanchez has looked strong and accurate during drills over the past two days. Smith threw his first interception of the summer in 11-on-11 drills, but overall has looked confident and poised on the field.
Entering his fifth season with the Jets, Sanchez is already addressing the media like he is a lock as the team's starting quarterback. Sanchez was a star in 2009 and 2010, leading the Jets to postseason trips both years, but in the last two seasons he has looked flat out terrible. He believes all of that will change this season.
"[I]t will turn around," Sanchez recently told Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times. "We'll get back on track, get a couple wins, and once we get in the playoffs this year we'll make a little run. That's all you need to do is make your run, get hot at the right time, stay healthy."
Sanchez certainly is not lacking for confidence. He might be getting the start in the first preseason game, but all it will take is one interception or one butt fumble before the Jets are forced to make a change.
