Esiason Sees Sanchez Making a Quick Rebound
Posted by Eric Allen on October 6, 2011 – 6:29 pmThe question seemed innocent enough, but Boomer Esiason responded with a headlock to make a point. After the current CBS analyst interviewed Rex Ryan this afternoon, I asked the former Jets QB how he thought Mark Sanchez was seeing the field and reading defenses in his third pro season.
“Let me ask you a question. If I had my hand around your neck like this, how would you see the field? You wouldn’t see the field real good, would you? It wouldn’t be good, right? It’s almost impossible to do that when someone’s hanging on your neck,” Esiason said before releasing me with a wise grin.
Even though Sanchez was sacked 11 times and has accounted for nine giveaways during the Jets’ 2-2 start, Esiason is not worried about the 24-year-old passer.
“You can see that he’s tough. You can see that it means something to him. That’s what you want and things will turn around,” Esiason said. “They’ll get confidence in one another again. All it takes is one win in the NFL and if they’re able to beat the New England Patriots next week, we’re standing here and it’s a completely different perception about this football team.
“I’m not worried about the young man,” he added. “I would be worried if Nick Mangold would be out the rest of the year, but the moment Nick Mangold gets back, the better it will be for him.”
After turning it over four times against the Ravens, including three plays that were returned for touchdowns, Sanchez will see a less menacing defensive unit late Sunday afternoon in Foxboro, Mass. Sanchez was 16-for-25 for 194 yards with three scoring strikes in the Jets’ 28-21 AFC Divisional Round win over the Pats in January.
“The New England Patriots are a different kind of defense — they’re not like [the Ravens], they’re not pressure-oriented. They sit back and they’re kind of cumbersome. They’re large and they kind of bait you into mistakes as opposed to forcing you into mistakes like the Ravens do,” Boom said. “I would suspect this week that he’s going to have a really good game. He’ll have a bounceback game like most really good quarterbacks do and I’m not worried about it.”
The Green & White are trying to find their way on offense. Expectations are high and patience isn’t a word many in Jets Nation want to hear. But Esiason thinks an eruption could be only days away for a team that appeared powerless in B-More.
“They came into the season thinking, ‘We have a third-year quarterback, we have Santonio Holmes, who we’re paying $50 million to, and we have Plaxico Burress, who thinks of himself as an all-star, so we have to start using these guys,’ ” Esiason said. “I think they’re still trying to find out how to get in a rhythm — they really haven’t had that situation yet where they’ve had that real top-notch, on-point game. I’m telling you, the defense of the New England Patriots could be a defense that allows them to have that.”
Perhaps it will be time to press the panic button if the Jets offense doesn’t respond this week and Sanchez endures some more brutal shots in New England. But Esiason’s belief in Sanchez has not wavered after an interesting first quarter of the season when you consider three of his top four receivers are new and he lost his center for two-plus games of action.
“This is all a growing process. I have no doubt in my mind that he’s a really, really, really top-notch football player as evidenced by the fact that he has four road victories in the playoffs and nobody else at our position can say that and people don’t realize how hard that is,” Esiason said. “So he’s the New York Jets quarterback and he’s going to get a lot of scrutiny, but it’s just part of that.”
You’ll be able to watch the entire interview — including the headlock — shortly on newyorkjets.com. (Maybe I’ll get some revenge on our good friend Boom on the ice in the coming months.)
Tags: Boomer Esiason, Mark Sanchez, New England Patriots, Plaxico Burress, Rex Ryan, Santonio Holmes
Posted in Eric Allen | 45 Comments »
By IrishJets39 on Oct 6, 2011 | Reply
Let as pray that he does with that line jets have.
By Karan on Oct 6, 2011 | Reply
I’m not worried about Sanchez at all, the kid has brought the Jets to two straight AFC championships and played exceptional in all playoff games. When’s the last time a Jets quarterback did that? The championship games were lost because of offensive playcalling and bad defense plays, in other words, both sides of the ball playing an actual half, but not the full game to get the job done. But yes, Sanchez will make a rebound as long the coaches give him a chance and his offensive coordinator calls the right plays and oh yes, of course if the O-line will protect him like they did the first two seasons the Sanchise started.
By Charliejet on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Did anyone see Chris Collinsworth S.I. segment – “I never bought into the making the Jets a passing team this year – for the last 2 years, they made it to the AFC championship on the running game – a team this year trying to find an identity on the offense”. I smell Schotty in this and Rex of course being the hands off with the O let it go. If there is one thing consistent about Schotty, it is his inconsistency. Rex it seems has woken up this week and wants to get back to that running game. We know it hasn’t been there… lets get back on that horse again. Never, never quit.
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Yeah,That’s what I’m Talking About!
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
A.M. Flight # 51 to Brady is ready for TakeOff, ,,,
By IRA on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
I totally agree with Boomer. Sanchez has showed in the past he rebounds well after a horrible game which wasn’t all his fault. IF the OL gives him time and they can get the running game going the Jets will win this game. So why not?
Jets 34- Pats 30
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
And can we PLEASE find some plays to get Bellore in the Game,,,ALL hands on deck this weekend. Take away a few HUGE stupid penalties and that Int. that Cambell was throwing away in the End Zone last week and the Raiders beat N.E., this team is very beatable,the rich good looking kid that once he gets punched in the face he leaves the party and goes home crying!
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
The problem with Sanchez is, even when he’s good he’s never really THAT good. That is, even in his best games, he has the potential to make very big mistakes, which is a tendency that should be starting to filter out of his system in his 3rd yr no matter how badly the O line is playing. Throwing that pass to Holmes that Webb took 73 yds, for example, and throwing it so badly had nothing to do with the line, the quality of the Ravens’ D, or anything else, it was just a terrible play across the board that shouldn’t be in his repertoire by now. This is why they ran that piece on the NFL site about how while MS started off fast, he’s way behind Stafford and Freeman now. Kurt Warner and Deion Sanders have weighed in similarly on his development.
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Revis has t cover Welker I hope all week they have had him playing in the slot. Put Cromartie on Branch & Ocho who is not really even part of there O Wilson can cover. We are really going to need Eric Smith to step up this week cause Leonard is to small to cover Gradkowski. Of course the keys to the game are to put heat on Brady & for the O line to step up. Hopefully we get Mangold back.
By wayne on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
The offense wasn’t exactly settin’ records when Mangold was in there, so let’s not make him the savior Booms….That being said, This game has the potential to put some serious gas in this teams engine…..That defense over there got some serious problems and GQ usually comes thru when his chestnuts get roasted a bit…it would be a big confidence boaster…..Can Rex get his plodding defense to step it up a notch? Will GQ finally play a whole game? because if he waits till the 2nd half, it will most likely be too late…………………………..BRING THE PASS RUSH………..BEAT UP TOM BUNDCHEN, WIN GAME.
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
This game I would like to see on certain passing situations. Dixon at the nose, Wilkerson & Pace at the ends & Scott & Maybin at the OLB’S. I want Rex to send all 5 of them Bradys head will be spinning!
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
“Waaa,Waaa, losing to the Jets was my worst lose EVER,Waaa,Waaa, I hate Cromartie,Stop saying his name,Waa,Waaa, I wanna speak my mind but I’m not allowed,Waaa,Waaa,,,my wife makes me wear this hair style,,,Waaa,Waaa,, we Bought Shawn Ellis to make him Stop Hitting Me,” America’s Boy Wonder Brady left the 15 minute Media Session 10 minutes early,sorry your coach thinks he’s the Dog Whisperer!
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
The Greatest QB ever will always be remembered by the gimme Tuck Rule and Video tapes and live in the shadows of Manning who did with ALOT LESS in the same era. And the GREATEST Coach will ALWAYS be remembered for getting caught cheating,the destroyed videos will always be questioned and even though he probably had more to do with the Giants Superbowl win than Parcells, he will remain in the shadow. Your SuperBowl wins will never erase that SUPERBOWL LOSE,,,run up the score on us on Monday Night 45-3 and cry when we celebrate a Playoff win on YOUR Field! The Greatest QB in the HISTORY of the league can’t finish a 15 minute Media Session without running off to Daddy,Waaa,Waaa,Make them Stop,,,
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
My QB is GQ,eating a hotdog on the sidelines,,,FOUR ROAD PLAYOFF VICTORIES in his FIRST TWO SEASONS,,,You might remember one of them Brady it was in your Backyard,Oh I’m sorry,,,Your Master Hit you until you Forgot!
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
P.S., Mr. Brady,,,Your Master might of bought Ellis so he wouldn’t hit you anymore, But A.M. Flight # 51 is prepairing for take off and try not to throw an INT. to The HitMan Harris, I know alot of QBs been having that problem lately,,,if you can REMEMBER you had that problem last year!
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
When Brady went out for the year Cassel came in,was a Superstar & went to the Playoffs. Cassel goes to KC & bombs. Manning out for the year Colts don’t win a game! Put Brady in Indy right now he probably looks like Curtis Painter! Pats put that rookie in during the PreSeason he looked GREAT ! It’s not Brady it’s the system,Brady is just a good little boy at following orders,good little boy Brady,,,Good Little Boy, now storm off the Podium before the Media makes you cry!
By wayne on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
TAKE THE KEYBOARD FROM THAT MAN.
By Rich on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
It’s not Sanchez’s fault Tannenbaum is obsessed with RBs and drafted McKnight and Powell instead of much-needed offensive lineman. They lost Woodhead last year because of their depth and still drafted Powell this year. It doesn’t help that Ducasse has been another bust. THE OL will improve with the return of Mangold this week, but they’re not going to have a consistent running game with Slauson and Hunter.
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Can’t stop me wayne, I’m on Fire today,bout to run through a wall
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Wayne, “GQ usually comes thru when his chestnuts get roasted a bit” now that is funny
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Tom 64, How could Mark be behind Stafford I am not buying it the guy has been in the league for 2 years & he can not stay healthy. Cause a guy has 4 good games that does not make him ahead of a guy who has 4 road playoff wins. When Stafford can play 1 full season & win 1 playoff game ANYWHERE we can talk about him being better than Mark. Also as of right now based off of this years numbers Stafford has the better D (who can actually rush the passer), the better O line, a better running game & the best WR in the NFL in Megatron. With all that said he has 212 more yards than Mark this year, 4 more TD’S, 2 less picks but he has been sacked 6 less times. Mark has been sacked 11 times Stafford on 5. 5 sacks in 4 games now that is protection.
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Mark sacked 4 times vs the Boys, almost got his head taken off by Matt Roth on a missed block by Wayne Hunter vs the Jags, sacked 4 times & got his nose broke vs the Raiders & even thou he was sacked only 2 times vs the Ravens he was hit 10 times & under pressure/running for his life 15 plus times. It does not take a rocket scientist to see the O line has not passed the smell test. How many times a year do Brady or Rodgers get sacked 4 times a game or hit 10 times a game. Mabye once probably not at all a year. Mark in 3 games sacked 4 times twice, nose borke & hit 10 plus times.
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Freeman sat for 7 games his first year & got to watch & learn will Mark was thrown into the fire. Last year Freeman had a better year than Mark in 1 more game he had 160 more yards than Mark. (Mark could have easily beat that if he played in that blowout game to the Bills), Mark had 5 less TD’S 25 to 20 (but the Jet backups combined for 3 TDS vs the Bills) so i think he easily could have had 23. Mark had 7 more picks & 2 less lost fumbles. So the numbers are closer than you think. This year Mark has 36 more yards, 2 more TDS & 1 more pick but he has been sacked 11 times where Freeman has only been sacked 6 Mark has been sacked twice as much as Freeman & Stafford.
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Looking at Marks numbers I just saw he was sacked 26 times his first year & 27 times his second year. He has already been sacked 11 times he is on a pace to be sacked 44 times. That is 18 & 17 more times than the prior 2 years. The point is Brady probably gets sacked 18 times a year.
By jetsfan80 on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
@Jet Fan Since ’64. When since ’64 have you seen a quarterback lead his team in the playoffs like MS. I have been reading posts the last few weeks that just make me sick. When we brought Vinny in, people said he was “washed up”. When Chad was in there, people said his arm wasn’t strong enough and our offense wasn’t a vertical threat. Now we have a quarterback with a strong arm and unbelievable competitive spirit and leadership characteristics. The media has criticized our Jets enough. Let’s be positive, support our team and let the season play out. Stafford can’t stay healthy enough to lead his team to the playoffs and Freeman hasn’t even played in as many playoff games as MS has won. In my eyes MS is a winner and I support our QB and team!
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
I don’t entirely agree with the NFL piece, Spicer, I was just drawing attention to it because it’s shocking that anyone of any authority at all would ever make a claim like that. There are obviously intangibles that stats don’t show, like the way Sanchez has performed in big games. Another intangible is the kind of talent the Jets have across the board vs. DET and TB. What I’m watching is how Stafford and Freeman do when it comes to winning games they should win and not single-handedly losing them, which are MS’s 2 biggest problems. And that’s why I was more interested in Warner and Sanders’ more thoughtful analyses. And how those 2 QBs are starting to throw more accurately than ours. uncle joe, I love ya but you’re way off base on Brady.
By Frank on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
There you go again Spicer…last year Freeman finished #6 with 25 TD’s and 6 Int’s while Sanchez finished #27 with 17 Td’s and 13 Ints A HUGE DIFFERENCE! Stop the nonsense and ** numbers. Also for the record Sanchez unofficially had the most dropped Int’s in the league or his number would have been even worse.
For the record Flacco finished #7 and, Ryan #11 also Bradford and Fitzpatrick all finished better than SANCHISE-NOT.
He was awful even when the O-Line was great the last 2 years enough of the Sanchez apologists. This team has won INSPITE of him put him on an inferior team and he would be even worse. He does not elevate the players around him something all good QB’s do!
By uncle joe on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Yeah Spicer,Finish Him!
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Frank, Mark ran for 3 tds last year & his rookie year he had 17 passing TDS last year & 3 rushing 17 + 3 is 20 for like the 100th time already. Your stupid rankings do not take into account rushing TD’S which count in real life which is what we are talking about not fantasy rankings that dont count all of the stats. Freeman had 25 TDS & Mark had 20 but Mark played 1 less game & in the 1 game he did not play we blew out the Bills & Mark “freaking” Brunell had 3 TDS. So you are telling Mark could not have had 3 vs them PLEASE!
By Tom Spicer on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Frank, Also you seem to have a problem working a computer. If you would like let me know I will give you my number & you can call me & I can walk you thru looking up stats on the computer. This way when you post your numbers they wont constantly be WRONG!
By jetsfan80 on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Boooo! Will the real Jets fans please stand up!
By Clarke W. Griswald on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
I absolutely love it when people say “don’t bring up stupid stats” and then go on to bring up a ridiculuosly stupid stat. “Sanchez had the most dropped int” what about dropped passes? If you can add an “almost pick” to the stat sheet, then you can add dropped passes and touchdowns and all other absurdly impossible to determine “stats”.
P.S. Fire Schottenheimer yesterday.
By Clarke W. Griswald on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
I like Sanchez alot, but i’m sometimes critical of him myself.The interception where he was targeting Holmes, was a poor throw, but let me just tell you, I hate that wide reciever screen pass and Shotty tries it every single week, to no avail. Maybe it’s a good play that can work for some teams, but i’m gonna go out on a limb and say it does not work for the Jets.
P.S. Fire shotty
By MiIKE on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Randy. Where does Sanchez fit in for total wins by NFL QB since his rookie year.? He must be right up there with the elite QB’s.
By Randy Lange on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
MiIKE, according to Stats Inc. Mark Sanchez’s 25 victories, including playoffs, is tied for sixth among all NFL quarterbacks from 2009 to present. The top six: 1. Drew Brees, 30; 2. Aaron Rodgers, 29; 3. Tom Brady, 27; t-4. Peyton Manning, 26; t-4. Joe Flacco, 26; t-6. Philip Rivers, 25; t-6. Mark Sanchez, 25.
By Danny on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
64 Tom is always ripping Sanchez meanwhile since he’s been a fan this kid has won more playoff games then any other Jets QB. He Hasn’t blown many games for our team. He has won a lot of games in the 4th Quarter but u seem to forget that. Give the kid a break cause if Tom Brady was on that field for us last week I doubt he even makes it thru the game the way mark was getting hit. Cmonnnn Mannnnnnnn. The kid is a leader and got guts. His O coordinater is horrible and rite now so is his O line. He didn’t let Run DMC torch us 2 weeks ago. The kid is getting killed out there so when he does get time he’s shell shocked. I think Boomer has way more credentials then being a fan since 64
By BigC on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
Sanchez & Shotty are a bad combination. Shotty can’t call plays when he has to & Sanchez can’t stay consistent. Always on the edge of disaster with him throwing the ball. Tired of hearing how he’s still developing. Bottom line Jets won’t win with Sanchez. Jets got to the AFC Championship strictly by running the ball & solid D.
Fire Schottenheimer.
By Hunter on Oct 7, 2011 | Reply
This is probably the most talented Jet team we have had. Problem is the QB! Sanchez I hate to say it will not get us to the promise land! To win you need to score, and be a threat to score! Sanchez cannot rely on the defense time and time again to bail him out. Even the defense gets roughed up every now and then. The key is to keep the other team’s defense on the field as long as possible, not ours! This road trip was a huge test to see what we had as a team, the result is failure! The jets will go 0-3 on this trip with no answer,but that we will get better that is so old, stale and tired I just can’t stand it. It’s time for Sanchez to start playing some QB and make some miracles happen! Stop relying on the defense to win games!
By Row on Oct 8, 2011 | Reply
Look, we watch the games, there are no excuses, and right now Sanchez is doing poorly at his job of QB. The first two years we had the luxury of a top 5 rushing offense consistently, and Braylon, who’s singlehandedly outplayed any Jet WR in history. If you take a look at our WR’s stats, you will see how he’s progressing at QB. Mason is not slow, could have had 1000 yards last year and hasn’t seen the ball. Don’t blame him, numbers don’t lie. Cotch underachieved the last 2 years. Holmes caught a few slants he took to the house, but overall hasn’t flourished either. With the loss of B. Smith, there’s little X-factor. Even with the Mcknight return, the offense was basically inept. How many 3 and outs so far? How many rushing TD’s? I think I remember TJ’s last year he had something close to 20.. I just wanna see Powell. Ground and pound or watch the season blunder. Go Jets – this is a winable game..
By no one listens to Blinka on Oct 8, 2011 | Reply
Uncle Joe,
I really think they’re still cheating. Too many have gone elsewhere and failed if the system is so good. I’m not sure how and this sounds like jealously, but I think Brady sometimes knows what’s coming.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Oct 8, 2011 | Reply
I have to chime in on that screen pass, Clarke, because it’s one of the riskiest plays in football even when thrown by the best QBs, as the announcers point out every time Sanchez throws it. For us, it’s either resulted in a few yds when we’ve needed more, like those 3rd down passes over the middle that always seem to get less than we need, or in disaster. Those passes are also like an admission on Schotty’s part that he can’t figure out how to teach MS to throw downfield which, given the WRs we’ve had since we got Edwards, is ridiculous. Fire Schotty indeed! If we have to lose tomorrow, I hope we score 3 pts and Schotty is gone the next day. Rex either has some master plan here that only he is privy to or he’s simply on another planet.
By Jimmer on Oct 8, 2011 | Reply
This game is gonna be one sided. Which way, I don’t know.
By lin the girl on Oct 8, 2011 | Reply
ok boys!
pretty brady is good but does not respond well to getting sacked. so jets defense: you know what to do! and offense: MS can’t win all by himself!
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Oct 8, 2011 | Reply
Danny, read just the 3 or 4 posts nearest to yours on this story alone, you’ll see that I’m far from the biggest Sanchez basher on this site. My view has consistently been that if he doesn’t look better this yr ALL season, not just in the big games, he should be challenged for the starting job next yr by McElroy and maybe somebody else as well. (I can’t say I’d object if we got Palmer.) This seems to me pretty reasonable ’cause if you don’t feel great about MS by next yr, how do you decide whether or not to re-up him the next yr? And if you don’t feel good enough about him to re-up by yr 5, the experiment should be declared over and a new QB should be found. Boomer was just another experiment that didn’t pan out, so don’t tell me about him.
By Tom Spicer on Oct 9, 2011 | Reply
Hunter & Big C, I disagree if you look at the numbers Marks play has gotten better each year in the playoffs & ultimately in the game we lost to end our season the last 2 years it was the D that blew that game. We are up by 11 with 2 minutes 2 go in the half & the D blows the lead & gives up 30 points to the Colts. Last year Pitt rushes for 180 yards on us & we are down 24 to 0 & Mark brings us back to down 7 with a first 7 goal on the 2 but we dont punch it in. Check the numbers he played well in both of those games.