Meet the new Mark Sanchez. Same as the old Mark Sanchez.
The New York Jets veteran quarterback, embroiled in a quarterback battle with rookie Geno Smith, started the preseason Friday night by throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown on the Jets' first offensive series.
According to Yahoo!Sports, the Jets were trying to run a screen pass, and Sanchez's intended receiver got tangled at the line of scrimmage and couldn't release. Pressure came from Sanchez's right side, and he got rid of the ball by throwing it to Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah. Ansah plucked the ball from the air and ran it in for a 14-yard touchdown.
Smith was unable to take immediate advantage after spraining an ankle early in the third quarter and leaving the game.
Ironically, the New York Daily News predicted as much, albeit somewhat facetiously, but not until the regular season opener.
"Mark Sanchez starts in the Jets' preseason opener Friday night in Detroit, based on seniority and not because he's been the camper of the year in Cortland, and he may even get the opportunity to start - and throw a pick six to Darrelle Revis - in the season opener if Geno Smith is not ready to play," the Daily News said.
Sanchez, however, rebounded from his gaffe Friday night, completing 10-of-13 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. But the interception is sure to bring up references to Sanchez's 52 turnovers the past two seasons.
The Daily News reiterated the popular belief that the only reason Sanchez got the starting nod Friday night was due to the $8.25 million he will receive for the 2013 season.
The report also mention the fact that the Jets' lack of talent around the quarterback position could be another deterrent for the coaching staff to insert Smith, the second-round draft pick from West Virginia, right away.
The newspaper argued that under the circumstances, inserting Smith early in the season could hurt his development.
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