Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past few seasons, the New York Jets have had Mark Sanchez running their offense. Everybody knows Sanchez has struggled under center the last two seasons. Heading into this year, Sanchez was competing with Geno Smith for the job. Smith has taken the starting job, for the moment, as Sanchez recovers from his shoulder injury. According to the medical reports, Sanchez should be ready to go under center by week three of the season. After today, Sanchez feels that once his shoulder is ready, he might not be given the opportunity.
According to a report made earlier today, a person close to the embattled former first-round pick said that Sanchez “believes the organization wants to see him placed on (injured reserve) and be done with him,” according to USA Today Sports. The source informed USA Today that the USC product is worried that the “organization has turned its back on (him) and is prepared to move on. It is ready to start fresh with Geno.” Sanchez struggled mightily last season, throwing 13 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. He completed just 54.3 percent of his passes and fumbled the ball 14 times.
There is no denying the fact that Sanchez has really underperformed the last two years. And by no means am I not denying the fact that Sanchez has sucked the last two years. Part of it really is Sanchez’ fault, because he hasn’t been able to really find a handle on the ball and hang on to it, like a good quarterback should. So, Sanchez does deserve some of the blame here, but not all of it.
The Jets’ organization deserves some of the credit for his play and here’s why. In his first two seasons in the NFL, Sanchez was well protected by his line, and he had weapons to work with at receiver and running back. The talent level around Sanchez has been downgraded the last few years, and Sanchez’ play has become affected by it. You give a guy the right scheme, and the right talent around him, then he will succeed. Sanchez had it in his first two years, and the team took it away from him, causing his career to go into its current tailspin. It’s obvious the Jets want Sanchez out, but, to be honest, I’m not happy with the way they have done it.
Now if Sanchez had played this bad his first two years, then yes, the Jets should have cut him outright. The way the Jets have handled their quarterback is just disgusting. I’m sorry, but the Jets gave Sanchez the shaft the last two years, and the organization is partly to blame.
So, Sanchez is right to feel the way he does about the organization. The only problem with how Sanchez is handling this is making it public knowledge while he still playing for the team. I understand where he’s coming from, but Mark, at least wait until you’re off the Jets before revealing this. That’s all.
What do you think?
