rookies Archive

The Bengals come to town Sunday night with a chance to dash the Jets’ playoff hopes. Even though they’ll face a staunch secondary including Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph, key members of the Jets’ pass attack remain confident. Both Mark Sanchez and Braylon Edwards made statements indicating that they expect to play hard and play well.

Rookie QB Mark Sanchez didn’t even come close to guaranteeing victory. But his words may be even more meaningful as a result. Sanchez stated that he’s made a natural progression and finally feels fully comfortable with the scheme and his responsibilities. Conversely, he refused to guarantee anything or claim that he’d “arrived.” While may Jets’ fans will gripe about his numbers, this is the type of confidence bordering on swagger that makes a champion. I’d also advise those fans to check out Joe Namath’s 1968 season where he actually threw MORE interceptions (17) than touchdowns (15) in the regular season. Whether or not Sanchez becomes a champion and elite leader, it’s important view him through the correct lens. There’s no doubt that Sanchez is capable of leading the Jets to the playoffs and success thereafter (see: Brad Johnson in Tampa Bay, Trent Dilfer in Baltimore). Sanchez may still need to mature with his decision-making on the field, but clearly he has a handle on his role as a professional:

“Maybe it came too late, but it was time to really make a jump as a rookie and start to not play like a rookie anymore. Have I arrived? Absolutely not. Do I feel totally comfortable and know everything that’s going on and am I trying? Absolutely.”

Braylon Edwards made seemingly more direct statements of confidence. However, he came short of actually guaranteeing victory even though the New York press characterized it as such. More than making a guarantee, Braylon seemed to be describing the tone among his teammates. He didn’t just come out and say the Jets would win. However, it’s clear that he thinks the Jets will be inspired when they take the field on Sunday night:

“We won’t lose this game. We want it too bad. You can just talk to the guys and get a feel. You can listen to (coach Rex Ryan’s) conviction when he talks to us.”

Whether or not the Jets win on Sunday night, it’s far too early to slap a label on Mark Sanchez. If anything, he’s clearly a professional and his desire to learn (and win) is evident. Looking at his last four wins, it becomes obvious that he can game-manage when given the opportunity. In the last four wins with Sanchez as a starter, he’s had attempts numbering in the teens and has only one pick in those games. Sure, Sanchez isn’t blameless for his turnovers and his part in the Jets’ losses. But it’s clear that there’s a point of diminishing return on his pass attempts.