Sanchez, Savior?...Not Yet

If you told me six weeks ago that the Jets would have started the season 3 and 0 with wins over the Texans (the sexy preseason Super Bowl pick), the Patriots (with Brady back at the helm), and the Titans (the reigning AFC South Champs) I would have called you crazy- among other things. But three weeks into the season with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback the Jets were just that. The big 3 and 0.

Mark Sanchez had a completion percentage of 59 and had a 2 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio (4 TDs and 2 INTs). Now the numbers weren't out of this world, or Brady-esque by any stretch, but they were solid for a rookie quarterback. He was managing the games and making special plays when it was least expected (Exhibit A: TD run against Tennessee). The defense was exceptional as well. They only let up 33 points- with the first offensive touchdown given up in the second quarter of week 3. But expectations for this team began to shift and shift fast.

Now six weeks in we have seen a reversal of what we saw in the first three weeks, literally. Sanchez now has a 1 to 2 touchdown to interception ratio (5 to 10 respectively) and the defense has looked powerless at times (How about a sack? I'd settle for a little pressure!). Everyone jumped the gun here- myself included. The success was quick, but didn't linger as long as most New York fans would have liked. With that being said, don't jump off the band wagon too soon.

Sanchez has shown the accuracy and arm strength needed to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL and Rex Ryan does know how to coach up on defense (He's only been the mastermind behind the definition of defense in Baltimore). While the Jets have fallen three straight now, they are still 3 and 3. Don't let the exceptional start skew your expectations for this young team. Braylon Edwards has only been in New York for two weeks now and is still get acclimated to his third quarterback of the season. The parts are there, but patience is needed.

Now I'm aware that a major part of this team is gone now. Kris Jenkins is gone for the year and he is arguably the most significant part of this defense, but it's not the defense I'm worried about. Rex will be fine. He has plenty of other toys to tinker with while trying to make up for the loss. The problem I do see is the nurturing of Sanchez.

Schottenheimer is on a hot seat. The only seat hotter than his is Jim Zorn's and Zorn is melting as we speak. If Schotty doesn't get his offense back on track he will find himself on the wrong side of the city that doesn't sleep. The play calling was excellent the first three weeks. Sanchez attempted his fair share of passes, but wasn't asked to take control of the game, put it on his shoulder and sling the ball around like he's number four of last year. The kid's a rookie and he was treated as one for the first three weeks. But when he dipped his head and spun into the endzone against the Titans, all reason went out the window for Mr. Schottenheimer. I don't know if he mistook Sanchez for John Elway or what, but he decided from that point on to put way too much of the offense in his hands.

Luckily Sanchez's worst performance came in week six and not later (Keep your finger's crossed). This should give the Jets a solid two weeks to get ready for the Dolphins at home, considering they have a bye in Oakland this weekend. If Schotty can smarten up and go back to the ways of old, the Jets will be just fine. If he continues to give Sanchez the keys to the Ferrari, we're likely to see another car accident like we saw against Buffalo. But if he just lets him take the Camry out on weekends and slowly lets him work his way into Monday, you'll see the slow and natural maturation of a fine young driver...I mean...quarterback.