The Jets have made a decision that could foreshadow a permanent solution to their quarterback conundrum.Quarterback Mark Sanchez, New York's first-round pick in the 2009 draft, will start the team's Aug. 24 preseason game against the Ravens, it was announced on Sunday.
The goal this summer was to bring Sanchez along slowly -- if he happened to beat out Kellen Clemens for the starting job, so be it.
Clemens started New York's preseason opener, a 23-20 loss to the Rams Friday night, and finished 4-of-4 for 24 yards with a lost fumble in two series.
Sanchez played just one series on Friday. After entering the game with 28 seconds left in the first quarter, he threw a nice 48-yard pass to David Clowney. Sanchez then hit tight end Dustin Keller on a pair of passes for 40 yards, setting up a Thomas Jones touchdown.
Sanchez was the better quarterback on Friday night, though Clemens didn't do anything wrong.
"That kind of goes back to what we said earlier," Clemens said Sunday. "[The rotation is] a predetermined plan. Mark is a very talented player. I am in a competition with a guy who obviously has some pretty serious ability. I don't rank myself all that low, either."
Next Monday night is a good test for Sanchez -- the Ravens shut the Redskins out Thursday, 23-0, holding the Washington offense to just 196 total yards and only 2.9 yards per carry. The Redskins' first-team offense, led by quarterback Jason Campbell, went 0-for-2 on third downs. Campbell did hit on passes of 12, 11 and 15 yards.
"I have my work cut out for me," Sanchez said. "And that's why it wouldn't be right of me or anyone at my position to make this the make-or-break game. It's not that way at all. [Just] be relaxed and poised and play and go through my checks and my reads just like I have and build on that last game."
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I think this was predetermined that he would start this week.It may not be a good thing either if the jets dont get some of their o-line starters back.I think three of them are out with injuries.Going against the ravens D with a makeshift line is bad.We will see how Sanchez handles pressure for sure.
I think the QB from Oregon is a good QB. He got a bad deal with Farve going to the Jets and just given the starting job. Now he has to fight a rookie for the starting job. Not many rookies play well their first season. I think Sanchez should hold the clipboard for a few games to get a feel for what defenses do during the regular season. Pre-season is a guage, it's not a regular season game. However, Sanchez is ready because USC runs a Pro offense. You know, Oregon played USC really well the last 4 or 5 seasons. Just saying. Go Dixon and Stewart.