New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is holding his annual "Jets West" camp in California where he and Jets pass catchers go through drills, bond, and gain familiarity and rhythm with one another prior to training camp.
The Jets West camp caused controversy this week, however, when news came down that rookie quarterback Geno Smith wouldn't be attending. Smith is competing with Sanchez for the Jets starting quarterback job this year and at times their relationship has seemed frosty.
Sanchez commented on Smith's absence, saying:
"If Geno comes or doesn't come, it is not a big deal. I don't hold it against anybody who's not here. Some guys are getting married, some guys are going on vacation, some guys are doing stuff, so it's totally optional. And it's a big sacrifice -- you got to leave your family, you got to leave what you're doing, wherever you're from. So I totally understand, it's not a big deal."
Sanchez, who suffered through the worst season of his career in 2012, also expressed confidence he will rebound and be the Jets starter this season. "There's no doubt in my mind, I'm the player for this team -- I'm the right player," Sanchez said.
Many blamed a lack of weapons for Sanchez's ineffectiveness last year, and new target, tight end Kellen Winslow, has a bold plan to help the embattled quarterback.
"I averaged around 72 (catches per season)," Winslow said. "My job is to just make plays. When it comes my way, just make the play. I can exceed that. My goal is always to catch 100 balls. Haven't done it yet, but that's my goal. I want to come close."
In 2011, Winslow caught 75 passes for two touchdowns in 16 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his career average per season is 75.2. He is replacing Sanchez's former security blanket, Dustin Keller.
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