A miserable season hasn’t dampened Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez’s confidence.
Sanchez told reporters today that after talking to head coach Rex Ryan, he’s as confident as ever that they’re going to build a great team together.
“I had a good talk with Rex, and I know we’re destined for great stuff here,” Sanchez said. “I know we can be successful here. So that’s what I’m focused on. I’m excited to come back here and do my very best.”
Sanchez’s comments strongly suggest that Ryan told him he should plan to be the Jets’ starting quarterback in 2013. Although Ryan did briefly bench Sanchez in favor of Greg McElroy this season, Sanchez’s guaranteed salary makes him a near-lock to be on the team for at least one more season.
And although this season was a disaster, Sanchez would like to point out that it wasn’t all bad.
“There are a lot of things to be proud of: Guys going to the Pro Bowl. Shonn Greene rushing for 1,000 yards for the second straight year,” Sanchez said. “But in my opinion, I underachieved and didn’t play the way I’m capable of playing. And unfortunately that led to some losses and things like that so I’ve just got to get better, take some time and get away from the game for a little bit, then come back strong next year.”
If Sanchez is going to stay the starting quarterback, the Jets will need him to come back a lot stronger next year.