On Sunday we reported that the Jets, despite their public support for quarterback Mark Sanchez, have privately begun to realize that Sanchez may not be the long-term answer. But, as we explained, the Jets will continue to publicly support Sanchez, unless and until they decide to make a change.
And so it’s no surprise that coach Rex Ryan has dismissed the report that the organization privately is considering its alternatives at quarterback.
“It’s just not true,” Ryan said of the report on Monday, via Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. “I’ve said repeatedly, this is my guy.”
Rex repeatedly will continue to say “this is my guy” unless and until the franchise decides that Sanchez isn’t its guy. Whether that happens in the 2012 offseason, the 2013 offseason, or not at all, the fact remains that the Jets privately are assessing whether the quarterback of the present is also the quarterback of the future.
It’s not unusual for NFL coaches to say whatever they have to say, regardless of how true it truly is. Until the Jets decide to dump Sanchez (if the Jets make that decision), the Jets need to fully and completely support him. At some point, however, if the team decides that it’s out of carrots and sticks, things will change.
Given the manner in which the Jets jettisoned Chad Pennington for Brett Favre, nothing can be ruled out. Especially if Peyton Manning ends up being released by the Colts and becomes intrigued by the prospect of a Manning family takeover of New York/New Jersey.
Until then, look for Rex to say it’s not even a consideration — as he already has done.