When it comes to leading the Green & White to success under center, few understand what it takes better than former Jets QB Mark Sanchez.
Selected No. 5 overall by the Jets in the 2009 NFL Draft, Sanchez started 15 games as a rookie and led the Jets to their first playoff appearance in three seasons. The team reached the AFC Championship Game that year and returned to the conference title game again the following season with Sanchez becoming just second quarterback in NFL history to reach the conference championship in his first two seasons in the league.
As the Jets now turn to newcomer QB Justin Fields to lead their next quest for success, Sanchez sees a lot to be optimistic about.
"His ability to run is unmatched," Sanchez said, specifically calling out Fields' impressive 13-yard scoring run vs. Green Bay. "He's one of the top rushing quarterbacks in this league. Still putting together his resume as a passer, but he looked sharp in the [Green Bay] game."
After leading an efficient 10-play 79-yard touchdown drive during his sole offensive possession against the Packers, No. 7 got his second preseason start vs. the Giants Saturday. The run-oriented offensive identity that HC Aaron Glenn has preached about throughout training camp came to life early, and Fields commanded the offense as the unit put together a field-goal scoring drive entirely on the ground. With RBs Braelon Allen and Breece Hall contributing 21 yards apiece, Fields rounded out the positive yardage with a 5-yard scramble up the middle of the field in Giants' territory.
"I love the run game," Sanchez said. "Those tackles up front, they've got to be solid. Those two young guys [ Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou] -- both first-round draft picks, stud players in college. Now you've got to prove it at this level, but they were drafted high for a reason. So, they're going to have to hold it down on the edge."