Rex Picks Sanchez to Start Against Jaguars

In a not-so-surprising move, Rex Ryan finally announced that Mark Sanchez would start for the New York Jets (5-7) this Sunday in Jacksonville when they face the Jaguars (2-10). There had been a ton of speculation that Greg McElroy would get the nod, especially when reports surfaced that he was the quarterback owner Woody Johnson wanted to start. However, the decision was solely on Ryan, who decided to stick with Sanchez. Why it makes sense: Sanchez has been the starter since he was a rookie and he undoubtedly has the most experience of any quarterback on the roster. Given McElroy is an unknown, Sanchez is also the best quarterback on the roster. If Ryan’s mindset is to live and die with Sanchez, he might as well start his guy. The organization wants to show their commitment to Sanchez. Benching him during the game isn’t the end of his Jets career, but not starting him the rest of the season would definitely send that message. You can’t forget the $8.25 million in guaranteed money the Jets owe Sanchez next season. This benching could have been the kick in the butt Sanchez needed to get down to business. Mark Brunell had been his backup before this so there was never a threat to him being benched. Now that he knows his job is on the line, we will see if he steps up. If Ryan started McElroy and it didn’t go well, that would like cost Ryan his job. Sticking with Sanchez at least is the safer move for him for the rest of the season. Why it doesn’t: Maybe Mark Sanchez just doesn’t have what it takes to be a consistent starter in this league. Is there a point to wasting time the rest of the season and not finding out what you’ve got in McElroy? The kid could be the next big thing or just be a nobody, but we won’t know anything if Sanchez starts. A lot of speculation has been around Sanchez starting because it’s a road game. These guys are professionals and Sanchez is in his fourth season so why is the front office and coaching staff still babying him? He can’t take some boos from angry fans? Maybe if he got his act together and stopped throwing interceptions fans wouldn’t boo. Tebow Factor: As far as the reports, it appears as if Tebow wasn’t even in the discussion to start this week, which would imply he has either been demoted to third-string or he’s still nursing his rib injury. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Jaguars owner called the Jets to request Tebow be active for the game. It’s Tebow’s homecoming and Jacksonville will probably double their attendance. Tebow is probably all but done with the Jets at this point. I’m sure the organization assured him playing time and he definitely has not seen the field very much. He will most likely get cut at the end of the season but only because no team in their right mind would trade for him, except Jacksonville I guess. What the coaches should do: When McElroy came in the game the offense magically started moving the ball. Well, maybe the players got a spark from him or maybe Tony Sparano took it easy on the quarterback.  The Jets used two or more tight ends in 22 of McElroy’s 27 plays (not counting kneel downs). They used heavy protection, misdirection runs, and a moving pocket to keep the defense off-balance, but more importantly, keep McElroy upright and allow for easier throws. I have one question: why wouldn’t they run the offense the same way for Sanchez if he’s struggling? Do you think starting Sanchez is the right move? He will most definitely be on a short leash and needs a few quality starts to earn back the trust of his coaches, teammates and fans. Rodgers That   Follow Dan Rodgers on Twitter: @dhrodgers52 Stats and information courtesy of ESPN.com