New York Jets center Nick Mangold told The New York Post on Wednesday that he believes teammate Mark Sanchez gives his team the best chance to win, which is a feeling he believes others on the Jets roster share. Mangold has developed a close friendship with the three-year starting quarterback and believes he will eventually beat out rookie Geno Smith to retain the starting job.
"I haven't walked around with a pen and paper and taken a poll, but from the feeling I get, the locker room wants to win. Whoever gives us the best chance to do that, we want out there -- and at this point, Mark gives us that best chance," Mangold told The Post.
Veteran wide receiver Santonio Holmes has also been outspoken of his support of Sanchez in the quarterback battle. He has repeatedly mentioned to members of the media that he favors the veteran to start for the Jets this season.
Mangold called Sanchez a "fantastic quarterback" and has shown "some good flashes in the spring" under new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's new scheme. However, Mangold said in a separate interview with "SVP & Russillo" on ESPN Radio that the rookie Smith is "coming along" during the Jets offseason workouts.
"I think he's handled it well, he's had his growing pains, but you keep working through those and try to learn from the mistakes and keep getting better," he said.
The veteran center also added that head coach Rex Ryan, who's job many speculate could be in jeopardy entering the season, is handling the offseason "the way he knows best, and that's to get the guys ready to play" and "make sure we're in a position to succeed."
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