Jets Extend Sanchez, Out of Running for Peyton

Sorry Jets fans, there will only be one Manning in New York next season.

The Jets and Mark Sanchez have come to terms on a new extension, making his current contract worth almost $60M over five years.  This extension is a vote of confidence in Sanchez, as the past season has seen fans and players alike question his leadership and playing abilities.  Although many Jet fans may not agree with this move as Sanchez has been less than stellar since drafting him in the 2009 NFL draft, it was something that needed to be done.

Sanchez needs competition going into camp this year, that is certain.  He has been handed the job since his rookie year and may feel a sense of security that should never be felt in the NFL.  Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury, and ultimately lost his job to Tom Brady due to that injury.  Not to say that will happen, but it could.  Bringing in a veteran QB to compete with the Sanchize will push him to work harder, and could also serve as a mentor for him.  If Donovan McNabb cannot find a starting job somewhere, why not bring him in on a one-year deal?  McNabb was an excellent quarterback in his prime and could teach Sanchez a thing or two about quarterbacking in the NFL.

This extension certainly rules Peyton Manning out of the equation, as the Jets would be foolish to pay a backup quarterback such a large amount of money.  Sanchez seems to be their guy, and are sticking with him through thick and thin, for good reason.  Obviously it’s very tough playing in New York; look how fast Linsanity has died down after such a hot start to his career.  Preaching patience here is the key.  Rex Ryan needs to back off of his Super Bowl guarantees (He’s 0-3 in that department) and let his young quarterback mature with as little pressure on him as possible.  He’s been to 2 AFC Championship games in 3 years and is about to be run out of town.  That wouldn’t happen in any other city besides New York.  I’d like to compare Sanchez to Eli Manning next.

Obviously there’s no comparison here.  Eli is light years ahead of Sanchez, mostly in part because of his experience in the league.  But if we compare their first three years, Sanchez actually comes out on top.  Eli’s QB rating was lower, had less wins as a starter, and was winless in the playoffs (0-2) in his first three years.  Sanchez had more wins, a slightly higher QB rating, and 4 playoff wins under his belt, all on the road, mind you.  Sanchez certainly benefited from having a top-5 defense in his first two years, a luxury Eli Manning did not have.  Sanchez is asked to be more of a game manager, while Eli is asked to go out and win the game for the Giants week in and week out.

Watching Sanchez struggle reminds me of watching Eli struggle in his first few years, and we all know how Eli panned out.  Growing pains are a part of the process, and Sanchez will hopefully, for the sake of Jet fans everywhere, mature into the quarterback everybody thought he was coming out of USC.