It will be a few days before the New York Jets players return to work and begin preparations for their Monday Night Football date with the undefeated Houston Texans.
But the coaching staff has plenty on its plate, and Rex Ryan will continue to face questions this week about a prospective quarterback change, a question that's been percolating since the spring but threatens to boil over this week.
"I don't think that's the answer. I think Mark's the answer at quarterback," Ryan said Sunday of incumbent Mark Sanchez, adhering to the company line the team has spouted ever since acquiring Tim Tebow in March.
Coaches have lauded Sanchez for his grasp of the playbook, improved leadership skills and so forth this year. But he's completed fewer than 44% of his passes -- a very Tebow-esque figure -- with two TDs and three INTs since the Jets' 48-28 Week 1 victory.
He was 13-for-29 for 103 yards with a pick and a fumble yesterday in a humiliating 34-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
But numbers aside, there may be no better time to roll with a Wildcat-style/option offense given the Jets lack of downfield weapons now that WR Santonio Holmes (toe) is hurt -- Ryan said he's miss a few weeks Monday -- and TE Dustin Keller (hamstring) still unable to get onto the field. And a serious changeup might be the best strategy to disrupt a stellar Houston defense.
Yet it's worth wondering if pulling the plug on Sanchez will effectively end his ability to lead this team into the future despite the Jets' avowed commitment to him just months after they extended his contract by three years.
And whomever the Jets start could end up being a sacrificial lamb to the juggernaut Texans. It will be an interesting seven days for Gang Green.
SBR Top-Rated Sportsbooks
Mark Sanchez vs. Tim Tebow Thoughts
Reply With Quote
