Is Mark Sanchez the future of the New York Jets?
A lot of fans around the team would respond with a resounding “No.” But many would say, “Yes.” It is pretty much an even split.
When the Jets traded up to draft the USC quarterback with the 5th overall pick in the 2009 draft, they thought they were drafting the face of the franchise for many years. Although Sanchez played in a mere 16 total collegiate games, he led his team to a 12-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory as a senior in a game in which he was named MVP. Sanchez possessed most – if not all – of the abilities one looks for in an NFL quarterback: accuracy, pocket awareness, poise, footwork, displayed great play-action pass ability, and was able to throw well on the run. In addition, Sanchez possessed exceptional intangibles. He was considered intelligent with natural-born leadership skills, and exhibited sufficient charisma to deal with the difficult New York media as a 22-year old rookie quarterback.
Entering the 2009 season, the Jets had a huge void at quarterback after Brett Favre “retired.” New head coach Rex Ryan made it clear he wanted to win now, and he and Jets’ General Manager Mike Tannenbaum were set on Sanchez as their guy. Thus, New York made Sanchez become the franchise’s first quarterback selected in the first round since Chad Pennington was taken with the 18th overall pick in 2000.
In his first two years, Sanchez led New York to a 20-12 combined record and two straight AFC Championships appearances. He tied Ben Roethlisberger for being one of only two quarterbacks in NFL history to advance to the conference championship during the first two seasons. He performed very well under the bright lights of New York, and during crunch time in the postseason.
That being said, the New York Jets did not put a lot of pressure on Sanchez to perform exceptionally during his first two regular seasons. Ryan implemented a “ground-and-pound” approach to the game that emphasized a run-heavy offense and great defense. Sanchez was told to simply manage the game, that is, to avoid taking major risks with the football by throwing the ball deep in order to avoid interceptions. In 2009, the Jets finished first in the NFL in rushing yards (2756), rushing attempts (607), and defensive points allowed per game (14.8). In 2010, New York finished second in rushing attempts (534) and fourth in yards (2374) while allowing the sixth-least amount of points per game (19.0)
The Jets’ team identity undoubtedly came to fruition, and the planned restraint on Sanchez to minimize risks worked to perfection.
In 2011, the coaching staff and fans expected “The Sanchise” to take his performance to the next level – a quarterback’s third season is typically when he makes that leap.
As a result, the Jets coaching staff decided to open up the passing game more and abandon the run-oriented approach that got New York deep into the playoffs the previous two years.
The plan backfired, and the Jets paid the price.
This past season, New York finished 16th in rushing attempts (443) and 22nd in rushing yards (1692), while permitting the 20th most points per game on defense (22.7).
Furthermore, it was a largely conservative passing offense, as New York seldom took any shots downfield to utilize their star-studded receiving corp of Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress. Sanchez was constantly checking down his passes and the Jets had a difficult time converting on third downs. Many Jets fans wondered why the coaches deserted the running game with an extremely conservative passing game. How was the team able to sustain any type of offense?
Answer: they weren’t. The Jets ended up finishing 8-8 in 2011, which included a three-game losing streak after starting 8-5.
Although Sanchez had his best season statistically in 2011 (26 touchdowns and 3,474 passing yards), he turned the ball over a career-high 26 times (18 INT, eight fumbles lost) and sported a career-low 6.4 yards-per-attempt. His 56.7 completion percentage was the best of his career but ranked behind the likes of lesser-heralded quarterbacks such as Rex Grossman, Colt McCoy and Matt Moore.
Aside from the Jets change in philosophy backfiring, the offensive personnel were noticeably weaker in 2011. New York lost Tony Richardson and right tackle Damien Woody to retirement, as well as Sanchez’s favorite “go-to” receiver in Jericho Cotchery, one of the most underrated wide outs in the league. More significantly, these players were team leaders and well respected in the locker room.
Although Richardson and Cotchery’s replacements performed effectively, Damien Woody’s replacement Wayne Hunter was a nightmare for Sanchez and the Jets. Sanchez was sacked 39 times- 13 more than he had been sacked in any season since entering the NFL. In addition, Hunter’s ineffectiveness seemed to continually make Sanchez anxious in the pocket, and it adversely affected his ability and time to allow his receivers’ routes to develop downfield. This led to safe, underneath passes that went for small yardage gains.
As a result of these numerous issues, Sanchez is not solely to blame for the Jets’ struggles this year. Poor pass protection, questionable play-calling, and an inconsistent defense were also culprits to New York’s first finish under Rex Ryan without a postseason appearance.
Despite inconsistencies, Sanchez has remained a great leader throughout his tenure with the New York Jets. He was named offensive team captain this past summer and has been the classy and charismatic individual that the Jets thought they were getting in the 2009 draft. He has dealt with the criticism from the New York media and football fans everywhere with grace and professionalism, and his competitive nature has driven him to try to improve his performance during each offseason.
Prior to the beginning of last season, Sanchez started “Jets West,” an annual off-season camp located at his home in California. For one week, Sanchez hosts workouts and offers classroom review sessions for some of his teammates. After, he and his teammates enjoy time away from the field, which gives them a chance to further bond.
This type of event exemplifies Sanchez’s leadership qualities, his strive to succeed, and his emphasis on building team chemistry. The quarterback, who will be entering his fourth year in 2012, plans on holding “Jets West” for years to come. Although only 25 years old next season, Sanchez displays plenty of drive to become what Jets fans hope is the first Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the franchise since Joe Namath in 1969.
Although Sanchez acknowledges his natural ability to lead, he remains humble when referring to his capacity to be a leader in his first two seasons.
“I think I was getting there, but you need to at least establish yourself on the team first,” Sanchez says. “The team saw me elevate my play in the playoffs. That helps you establish yourself on this team, and that’s the most important thing.”
For all those cynical Jets fans, there is hope. Drew Brees was benched during the middle of his third season in favor of 41-year old Doug Flutie. Brees has since become a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and continues to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Looking towards the future, it is time for Sanchez to be the reason the Jets win games, rather than the reason they do not lose them. He seems to be trapped in the role of game manager, but has all of the necessary skills and intangibles to someday become the continuously successful face of the franchise and best overall player on the Jets.
“I think he’s the long-term solution,” coach Ryan says. “I don’t think there’s any doubt. He’s won a lot of games for us.
