Truth & Rumors > NFL

Sanchez's debut impresses Jets

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It was almost Brett Favre-like - the media circus, that is. With 14 TV cameras and 60 media types watching from a landing above the Jets' indoor practice field in Florham Park, N.J., Mark Sanchez made his NFL debut Friday in a rookie minicamp. The former USC star made all the throws, and said all the right things afterward, but it was something he did Thursday night, away from the spotlight, that made the biggest impression on his coaches. At the team hotel, Sanchez gathered his offensive teammates, ranging in stature from third-round pick Shonn Greene to a handful of non-roster tryout players, and conducted his own study group. Led by Sanchez, they took the Day 1 game plan - 18 plays - and learned it as a unit. Coach Rex Ryan didn't know until after the morning practice. Impressed that the offense ran so many different plays after only one coaches' meeting, he asked coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, "How the heck did you put in that much offense?" Schottenheimer told him about the Sanchez meeting. An hour later, Ryan walked into his news conference, beaming. He wasted no time in relating the anecdote. "That's the kind of guy you want," said Ryan, praising Sanchez's leadership. Three things became clear on Sanchez's first day as a Jet: He's got moxie, a strong enough arm and a coach who isn't afraid to start the season with a rookie quarterback. As he discussed the Sanchez-Kellen Clemens competition, Ryan unwittingly dropped a couple of hints that favor Sanchez. "I assume it's going to work out a certain way, but you have to earn the job," said Ryan, making the tea leaves easy to read.

New York Daily News

Mark Sanchez, AP Mark Sanchez, AP

Comments (73) Add A Comment

May 2, 2009  09:06 AM ET
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Finally, Finally, the Jets have a legitimate QB. Bravo!!

Comment #2 has been removed
May 2, 2009  10:02 AM ET
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just give it time spoiled agua lover... sanchez is a winner

May 2, 2009  10:14 AM ET
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QUOTE(#1):
Originally posted 09:06 AM ET  05.02 by Home Theater Guy

Finally, Finally, the Jets have a legitimate QB. Bravo!!

How is Sanchez legitimate? He has yet to take a snap in a NFL regular season game. Compare first round busts to franchise players where QBs are concerned. Personally, I am rooting for his success. The NFL needs talented young quarterbacks. Time will tell.

May 2, 2009  10:32 AM ET
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You got the right guy Jets fans. This kid has been groomed for this. He will of course have some growing pains, but I think in the long run, he will be terrific for you.

May 2, 2009  10:45 AM ET
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We're on the right track at QB for once. You can't ask for anything more at this stage, the first one. If he works hard and leads like that, I see a bright future for him and the Jets. If he can just not lose the game at QB for the Jets, they have enough talent to make plays and win.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's rookie mini-camp.

Comment #8 has been removed
May 2, 2009  10:54 AM ET
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QUOTE(#8):
Originally posted 10:52 AM ET  05.02 by This Account Has Been Removed

The most successful NFL QB's are the self-motivated.Quarterbacks who needed coaches to motivate them:Ryan LeafMatt LeinartJaMarcus RussellSelf-motivated Quarterbacks:Matt RyanPeyton ManningTom Brady

You forgot Troy Aikman in the self-motivated category.

May 2, 2009  11:00 AM ET
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what ever

May 2, 2009  11:10 AM ET
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QUOTE(#9):
Originally posted 10:54 AM ET  05.02 by CowboyDave

You forgot Troy Aikman in the self-motivated category.

Sorry, seems you meant QBs currently active. My bad.

May 2, 2009  11:18 AM ET
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His biggest test yet looms in the days of November/December when the swirling winds at the Meadowlands take their effect.

May 2, 2009  11:20 AM ET
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QUOTE(#12):
Originally posted 11:18 AM ET  05.02 by jabbawockeez

His biggest test yet looms in the days of November/December when the swirling winds at the Meadowlands take their effect.

What about the new stadium? Meadowlands another year?

May 2, 2009  11:36 AM ET
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QUOTE(#13):
Originally posted 11:20 AM ET  05.02 by CowboyDave

What about the new stadium? Meadowlands another year?

This is the last year in the original Giants Stadium. In 2010 they open the new one, which is right next door to the old one. As far as I know, the winds will be the same. Which means Eli must be on the same alert.

May 2, 2009  11:40 AM ET
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Unless we get a consistent go-to possession type of receiver we're sunk. The AFC East looks to be the most competitive division in the conference this year and NE has already been pegged to win it all.

May 2, 2009  11:53 AM ET
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QUOTE:
Originally posted by

Sounds like Sanchez means business. I like that in a quarterback.And no, fellow Jets fan, it doesn't mean they're going to the Super Bowl and it doesn't mean he's going to be a great NFL quarterback.But it's a step in the right direction.

Well put

May 2, 2009  11:58 AM ET
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QUOTE(#2):
Originally posted 09:26 AM ET  05.02 by LuvDatDurdyWatta

YAY , THE JETS ARE GOING ALL THE WAY NOW!!!NOTGROW UP JET FANS. tHIS IS AN UNPROVEN ROOKIE. AND THE JETS NEED ALOT MORE THAN JUST A QB. ITS NICE TO DREAM THOUGH

A lot more then just a QB? I wouldn't say a lot. They need a WR and could use help on the D line...

May 2, 2009  12:01 PM ET
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I guess we should get used to the media slobbering over Sanchez every day while bashing Stafford for every little error he makes

Typical bias

May 2, 2009  12:02 PM ET
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QUOTE(#17):
Originally posted 11:58 AM ET  05.02 by Organized Chaos

A lot more then just a QB? I wouldn't say a lot. They need a WR and could use help on the D line...

Gholston really worked out for them. What a disaster.

May 2, 2009  12:07 PM ET
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QUOTE(#1):
Originally posted 09:06 AM ET  05.02 by Home Theater Guy

Finally, Finally, the Jets have a legitimate QB. Bravo!!

Did they bring in someone we haven't heard about?

 
May 2, 2009  12:09 PM ET
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QUOTE(#20):
Originally posted 12:07 PM ET  05.02 by F J J

Did they bring in someone we haven't heard about?

Who might that be?

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