We can’t have it both ways: either Mark Sanchez had a great college career (only 16 games?) or he didn’t (losing the Oregon game his sophomore year in place of Booty) and losing the OSU game last year.??? Having only 16 games in a college career isn’t much to go on, but the scouts and GM’s saw what a lot of Sanchez have seen in him since his high school days. A severe competitor, who knows the game of football, and a natural-born leader on the field. Which is it?

Secondly, the NFL hardly drafts great quarterbacks. This might seem to be a hypocritical statement from me considering the fact that I just praised the acumen of GM’s in the above paragraph. . . but stay with me here.

Several teams have QUALITY QB’s who were either undrafted (Kurt Warner/Cardinals, Romo/Cowboys, and Delhomme/Panthers) or were drafted late in the rounds (Brady/Patriots- the best NFL QB before being injured last year; 199th pick in 2000 and his replacement Cassell/Chiefs; 230th pick 2005).

What is the measurement for success in this regard? Is it a Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco rookie season? Or is it a Joe Montana 1 1/2 year grooming before taking off type of success we’re all willing to be patient with. (btw: Joe Montana 3rd round/ 82nd overall pick 1979).

And look at all the total busts who’ve been thrust into the NFL limelight. Harrington, Akili Smith, and the gawd-awful Ryan Leaf!!!

I’ll go on record saying that Sanchez WILL NOT turn out like Leaf, Smith or even Harrington (who’s still in the NFL for some reason).

Give him time, he’ll be alright. He’ll make some mistakes, but I guarantee you, they’ll be on the field and definitely not off the field. Guaranteed.

. . . that Mexican mouthpiece in his first NFL game.

I’d just love it! Brown and proud!

Fight On!

I think I understand PC’s perspective, and don’t believe at all that it was self-serving. PC did insinuate that Mark may not be drafted high as the scouts lacked sufficient game experienced. But, Mark’s winning attitude overrode this concern.

The big issue that may have swayed Mark was the new collective bargaining agreement with rookie salary caps that is likely to come next spring. With confidence in his ability, and perhaps the financial window of a lifetime partially closing in a new CBA, Mark absolutely made the right decision. Very smart move, Mark!

The consensus was that Mark made the right financial decision, but whether or not he will have a successful NFL career remains to be seen. The bottom line is Mark has “set for life” money right now, so if that is success then he has it. I don’t know if he has what it takes to be a great QB. The Jets are a team on the rise, so he should have a good shot to prove himself.

A lot of people think Carroll was wrong to have said what he said at Mark’s press conference. I thought he showed his frustration for what Mark was doing. He may have lost his composure, but I still don’t think it was the big deal everyone is making it out to be. Pete and his program helped Mark become a millionaire. A couple years from now the only people who will be talking about this are over at BN.