Is Sanchez the Sanchize?

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.'