Mark Sanchez had an opportunity to close the gap for the New York Jets’ starting quarterback job Saturday night but failed to do so.
Rookie Geno Smith is Sanchez’s competition for the quarterback position, but didn’t play because of a sprained ankle. Smith will still have a chance to win the starting spot upon his return.
Sanchez performed fairly OK, finishing with 139 yards, a touchdown and an interception while completing 13 of 23 passes over three quarters.
Since Sanchez played for a long period, it was a chance for him to seal the deal on the starting job. But instead of taking full advantage of Smith’s absence, Sanchez left room for Smith to prove himself in the Jets’ upcoming preseason game against the New York Giants.
“When the protection really held up well for us, Mark did a nice job throwing the football,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said afterward. “When we got in the red zone, it was tough sledding down there.”
“We’re not willing to name a starting quarterback right now,” he added. “Will we name one before the Giant game? I don’t know. Right now, we’re not comfortable making that decision.”
