Mark Sanchez named starting QB for the Jets

Photo by Reed Saxon (A/P) 

In a not-so-surprising move, the New York Jets have decided to step Mark Sanchez's development into high-gear and have named him the starter for the season opener.

The Jets traded up with the Browns and former headcoach Eric Mangini to select the former USC Trojan with the 5^th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Mangini, who has his own quarterback controversy brewing with Brady Quinn and David Anderson going head-to-head, had little use for another starting quarterback and instead gave his former team a nice parting gift in the form of Sanchez

After going into training camp in a battle against former Oregon Duck, Kellen Clemens, Sanchez quickly distanced himself in the competition by exhibiting two qualities that are quintessential for a starting quarterback in the NFL, leadership and poise.

By making smart decisions on the practice field, as well as a couple of strong showings in the Jets’ early preseason match-ups, Sanchez made the decision somewhat easy for head coach Rex Ryan.

Sanchez made a big splash in his first preseason game, leading the Jets to an early score by completing 3 of 4 passes for 88 yards, including a beautiful 48-yard bomb to wideout David Clowney.

In his second preseason game, Sanchez got off to a rough start against a tough Baltimore Ravens' defense. In that game, Sanchez was pursued by a vicious Ravens defense for much of his time at quarterback, which kept him off-balance and caused him to throw an interception. However, Sanchez would bounce back and lead the Jets on an impressive drive, capped off by a 19-yard pass to Leon Washington for the touchdown.

While Pete Carroll may have thought that Sanchez needed that extra year of tutelage at USC, it is becoming clearer by the day that Sanchez exudes the intangibles that coaches want in their starting quarterback.

There may be some growing pains to start the season; but, the way that Mark Sanchez keeps developing, he could have a fine rookie season.