Monday, September 27, 2010

Is Sanchez the Sanchize?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Mark Sanchez  of the New York Jets looks to throw against the Baltimore Ravens during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

It's no secret that the Jets' string of quarterbacks since their single Super Bowl triumph leave a good deal to be desired.

No hall of famers and nary a pro bowler. Just look at the signal callers from Namath to Favre.

When you think of the AFC East since 1983, you think of legendary quarterbacks. The Dolphins had Marino, the Bills Kelly, the Patriots Brady, and the Colts Manning.

The Jets? O'Brien, Testaverde and Pennington top the list. Not quite Hall of Fame caliber.

Marino and Kelly could not get their respective teams the titles. Brady and Manning have captured that elusive crown. A franchise quarterback is no sure bet of a ring but history shows it sure does boost your odds. 

In year two of the Mark Sanchez era, Jets fans have reason to be optimistic that the Californian may be
'the guy.'

What personifies 'the guy?' Moxie. Clutch. Stability.

In season one, Sanchez had volatile ups and downs. He was the kid who aced his first test, experienced the approval of all his teachers, then crashed and burned come midterms. Everyone knew he had the potential to be the smartest kid in class. It was just a matter of if/when he would achieve it.

So, then came finals. And Sanchez put it all together following one of his worst performances of the season, a three interception mess in a week 15 loss to the Falcons. Ever since, Sanchez has become the star student.

The stats speak for themselves.
- Through week 15 of 2009: 12 TD, 20 INT
- Week 16 on: 11 TDs, 2 INT

That's straight A stuff.

In his past eight starts, he's thrown nearly as many touchdowns as he did in his first 13. The reigns were on Sanchez in week one of the 2010 season. The Jets struggled and scored just nine points. In weeks two and three, a passing attack was existent with Sanchez leading the way. The Jets won both, scoring 28 and 31 points.

Maybe, just maybe, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has figured it out. Ground and Pound pounded to death into the ground is not a winning recipe. The Jets offense has looked at times dynamic, with LT darting through holes and Sanchez utilizing play actions to perfection. Dustin Keller is becoming the matchup nightmare that he was envisioned to be coming out of the draft. Braylon Edwards has been a threat on long balls and in the red zone.

Most importantly, Sanchez is confident and in control of the offense. In year two, he is making wise decisions.

It didn't get points. It didn't get yards or a reception. But perhaps the most telling play of Sanchez's maturation came in the fourth quarter. He hesitated a throw to a receiver in a sea of coverage and instead opted for a checkdown to LT. The pass was underthrown and fell incomplete. But the drive continued.

By not throwing picks, Sanchez has given himself a chance to hit receivers in stride with beautiful darts or perfectly placed lobs, like the two touchdowns he threw to Dustin Keller on the night.

He's also given Jets fans an optimism that they may be about to witness the development of something special. Not another team's 'guy' fake spiking or tearing through their secondary. No, their 'guy.'

Sunday, September 5, 2010

The BCS House

Jan 4, 2010; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore (11) throws a pass in the third quarter of the 2010 Fiesta Bowl against the TCU Horned Frogs at University of Phoenix. Boise State defeated TCU 17-10. Photo via Newscom

In college, one of the basics to learn is how to crash a party. It’s not necessarily about people knowing you but you knowing enough people to finagle your way in. Once you give those one or two magic names and earn the respect of the guy at the door, you’re in. But it’s not always easy.

In college football, you also have to learn how to crash a party. And it’s just as hard, especially when you have the biggest frat on campus, BCS, telling you that you’re not allowed in. BCS only accepts the frat guys and pretty girls. It’s a party for the upper echelon, the Floridas, Alabamas, Ohio States of the world. The little guy has to get used to rejection and feeling slighted.

Every so often though that little guy lucks out and gets in, crashes the party. But that’s what makes it all the more sweeter when he gets his opportunity. Once he gets into the party, it’s all on him. He has to prove himself or it will be his last invite.

In 2007, Boise State was the freshman that got into the party, despite its social stature. And boy did it prove itself. He not only got there but ran the table, stole the beer and got the most attractive girl’s digits. He was the king of that night. Not Oklahoma, the cool Big XII guy that’s used to always getting his way.

Now as time has gone on, Boise State knows the party crashing lifestyle. The Broncos have to work so much harder than the big names to get into the BCS house. However, once they do, people start to realize that they’re just as cool as the powerhouses of the world, the supposed cool kids on the block. Ohio State may be the most jacked guy, with the nicest stadium and rabid following, but there’s something endearing about little Boise, with its blue turf, playing its games in a state from which most people could not name more than one city.

Monday night marks a moment of transition though for Boise- one that could forever impact its standing. Let’s just say it is opening night of hell week. Screw up tonight and your whole year is ruined. A loss to Virginia Tech and that’s it, the national championship talk will be silenced, no matter how good Kellen Moore, Austin Pettis and Chris Petersen are.

This first game sets the tone for the entire season. It’s the first impression. A bad one is a striking blow. BCS takes no prisoners, allows no mistakes if you’re not one of the chosen few with that superior status.

There’s no room for mistakes. A win against Virginia Tech keeps hope alive...for now. A loss in December to Utah State still shatters it. It’s not easy to become more than a party crasher at BCS if you’re the little guy that’s down to earth. It takes years of proving yourself.

That’s why Monday night’s game is so intriguing. It’s not just a good out-of-conference tilt. It’s a defining moment for Boise State’s program. Become one of the guys…until the next party crasher with bravado walks in and gets them kicked out. There’s no such thing as an open party at the BCS house.