Around the League will examine one key player under pressure on each team heading into the 2012 season. First up: The New York Jets
Under Pressure: Mark Sanchez
Sanchez is the obvious choice in New York. I tried to write this post about Shonn Greene because Sanchez felt too easy, too obvious. But it felt dishonest when you consider everything Sanchez must do to avoid a quarterback controversy this season:
- Never have a bad first quarter at home.
- Keep the Jets above .500 at all times. Even 1-1 won't be good enough to avoid serious Tim Tebow talk.
- Never lose two games in a row.
- Don't allow Tebow to make game-winning plays.
- Don't allow Tebow to have any good games throwing the ball as a backup.
- Consistently play at a higher level than ever before. Or else there will be change.
Keep in mind that Sanchez has to elevate his play in a brand new offense under Tony Sparano that stresses the running game. New York's No. 2 receiver is a rookie and their number three receiver is probably Jeremy Kerley. New York faces a very tough opening slate to start the season.
I tried to make a mental case for Shonn Greene. After all, he's also a vaguely disappointing fourth-year player that needs to step it up. But choosing him would be silly.
There isn't a player under more pressure in the NFL than Mark Sanchez.
