SANCHEZ SHOULD START FOR THE JETS

Although it was only his first pre-season game, Mark Sanchez looked impressive to say the least in his first ever pro game with the New York Jets.

His first pass went for 50+ yards in route to leading the Jets to a scoring drive that resulted in a touchdown. Behind what is one of the better offenses in the NFL, and a ground game that consists of a two-headed monster as good as any in the league, it makes sense for Sanchez to be the starting QB when the Jets open their season in Houston against the Texans. Not to mention he will have the support of a defense that will play well enough to keep the Jets in games in the fourth quarter. Jets fans should not expect the Ravens defense in Rex Ryan's first year, nor should they expect a dominating defense until around mid-season when everybody fully understands how the defense works, and how best to execute their job.

Sanchez's situation closely resembles that of Ben Rothlesberger when he was a rookie for the Steelers back 2004. Remember that the veteran Tommy Maddox went down early with a season-ending injury that forced Big Ben into the starting job early in the season. Rothlesberger benefited from having an above-average line with a stellar running game, Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley, and a defense that was good, not great. The end result, they finished the regular season 15-1 and since Big Ben has won two Super Bowls and is now the unquestioned franchise QB of the Steelers.

One can argue that Sanchez is the franchise QB but that is only because they are paying him like one. He has not earned the title franchise QB yet, so I say send him out there and let him earn it. With the strong running game and their defense, Rex Ryan will simply ask Sanchez to manage the game, not to turn the ball over, and make a play when a play is needed to made.

There is a reason that Kellen Clemens is in his fourth year and has not been the outright starter. There is also a reason that the Jets traded up to get and made Sanchez their highest paid QB ever. For his to be a star and bring a Super Bowl to a franchise that has not seen one in 40 years. The time is now and Sanchez should start for the Jets.