Jets Players rip QB Mark Sanchez

Published: 11^th Jan 12 10:49 am

by Michael Terrill
Follow on Twitter @MichaelTerrill

RANT It!

The Star-Ledger-US PRESSWIRE

According to the New York Daily News, anonymous Jets players said that quarterback Mark Sanchez is probably not the right guy for the job and they would prefer someone like Peyton Manning if the Indianapolis Colts were willing to part ways with him.

“We have to bring in another quarterback that will make him work at practice,” said an anonymous source. “He’s lazy and content because he knows he’s not going to be benched.”

When players were asked about the possibly of acquiring Manning they did not shy away from the possibility.

“Come on. That’s a no-brainer,” said a Jets source. “If you have a chance to get a healthy 36-year-old Peyton Manning and you don’t do it, then you’re stupid. If I could get a healthy 36-year-old Peyton Manning, then, hell yeah, I would trade Sanchez.”

After leading the Jets to two AFC Championship games in his first two seasons, Sanchez fell apart down the stretch this year as New York was trying to make a run to get into the playoffs. Against the New York Giants on Christmas Eve, he only completed 50.8% of his passes as he threw one touchdown and two interceptions for a passer rating of 54.2. The Jets had a chance to drive down the field and win the game but while under pressure, Sanchez ran backwards into his own end zone for a safety.

The Jets still had a realistic shot at making the playoffs the following week but in a game Sanchez needed to have he threw three interceptions in a three-point loss to the Miami Dolphins. I think that right there was the final straw for many players in the Jets locker room.

The newspaper asked another player if he felt confident Sanchez could lead them to the postseason or possibly all the way next season.

“How can we when he’s not improving at all?” said the player. “He thinks he is, but he’s not. He has shown us what he’s capable of.”

The Jets are parting ways with most of their offensive staff, rightfully so, as the offense has been terrible for three seasons. New York ranked 21^st in passing yards and 22^nd in rushing but the numbers might be giving them too much credit. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, offensive line coach Bill Callahan and receivers coach Henry Ellard have already left the team.

It is unfortunate the way the Jets players are going about this. The locker room already proved to have plenty of problems but this one seems to take the cake. Splitting right down the middle is the last thing a team needs as they prepare themselves for a productive offseason.

I personally don’t agree with how the players are going about this. If they have something to say they should not be going about it anonymously to a newspaper. They should call a team meeting and discuss how they feel openly with their teammates.