We've already been treated to the entire "Mark Sanchez Experience" in two weeks this season.
Good throws. Bad throws. Great throws. Dreadful throws. Impressive victory. Alarming defeat.
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The New York Jets quarterback delivered a convenient pu pu platter of positives and negatives in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started 4-for-5, including a pretty 45-yard seam hook-up with wide receiver Jeremy Kerley and a perfectly thrown 14-yard slant on his touchdown to wideout Santonio Holmes.
For one drive, it seemed as if Sanchez would build on his impressive Week 1 performance against the Buffalo Bills. But things are never that easy with No. 6. Sanchez went 6-for-22 for 58 yards the rest of the way. That's JaMarcus Russell odious.
Sanchez wasn't sharp, and the jarring helmet-to-helmet hit delivered by linebacker Lawrence Timmons in the second quarter probably didn't help matters. There were other issues beyond Sanchez's control. Tight end/security blanket Dustin Keller was absent and will be out again this Sunday. Holmes had two bad drops, while rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill (zero catches) was completely neutralized by Pittsburgh's press coverage.
But it will always come down to Sanchez for the Jets, who can't afford their quarterback to stumble again this weekend against the Miami Dolphins. The Jets aren't in must-win territory, but it's pretty close with the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans on the horizon.
The last time Sanchez played in Miami was New Year's Day, an ugly loss that kickstarted a month from hell. If he wants to prove that uncertain time of his career is over, he'll do himself a favor to show up on Sunday.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
