Sanchez Gets Third Pepsi Rookie Nomination
Published: Tue, September 29, 2009 - 11:26am ET
By Eric Allen
Allen is the senior managing editor of newyorkjets.com. He is in his ninth season with the Jets.
File Under: Jerricho Cotchery, Rex Ryan, Kris Jenkins, Mark Sanchez, Pepsi Rookie of the Week
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09/29 — Another week, another Jets win and another Pepsi Rookie of the Week nomination for quarterback Mark Sanchez. Looking to extend his Pepsi title reign to three weeks, Sanchez had a hand in all three Jets touchdowns on Sunday as New York’s AFC representative downed the Tennessee Titans, 24-17.
Coming out of the gate hot, Sanchez directed a no-huddle attack on the Jets’ first drive and completed five of six for 50 yards. Then facing a third-and-10, he turned to his feet and made a sprint for the end zone. Titans S Michael Griffin was there to meet Sanchez at the goal line, but the rookie tucked his head and won a colossal collision when he extended the ball over the plane.
“That was a big-time hit at the goal line," Sanchez said. "You have two guys going at it at the goal line, one guy is going to win and our side did. That was a pretty big momentum swing and that was a big-time touchdown. I was excited. I probably haven’t had a rushing touchdown since high school.”
The 14-yard TD run was the longest scoring run by a Jets quarterback since 1980, but the Green & White would like to avoid too many of those crashes where No. 6 is involved.
“We've got to be smart there. When you're going for that goal line, it's tough to take the competitor out of that situation,” said head coach Rex Ryan. “Mark does need to realize that he's got to take care of his body through the long haul and he's got to take care of the football as well, so those are things that he's going to have to learn.”
The Jets are off to the fourth 3-0 start in franchise history and Sanchez is the first rookie quarterback to start and win his team’s first three games of a season in the past 40 years. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 171 yards on Sunday, connecting on scoring tosses to TE Ben Hartsock in the first quarter and Jerricho Cotchery in third stanza.
“I’ve been telling everybody the whole time that he doesn’t play like a rookie,” said NT Kris Jenkins. “I mean, he does some things like a young guy, but he looks more like a second- or third-year guy who’s starting to polish himself. I’m just really glad about the way the team’s stepping up because he’s at probably the most important position on the field. For him to be doing that with the veterans on the offensive line and the veterans that he is in the huddle with — that says a lot about him.”
Through three contests, Sanchez has completed 49 of 83 (59 percent) for 606 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s fumbled four times, but fortunately the Jets have recovered three of those loose balls. The 22-year-old signalcaller has tossed at least one TD in each of his first three pro games and Sunday marked his first contest with multiple TDs.
“I like the way he bounces back. He doesn’t let one play get him down,” said top Jets wideout Jerricho Cotchery. “He learns from his mistakes. He is only going to get better. I told him it’s a long season and sometimes there are games like this where you have to fight through things to get a victory. It was a great job the way we had to fight through it and pull out a victory. He is going to learn from this. That’s great. He approaches it the way he needs to approach it, as a leader. The sky is the limit for him.”
Sanchez's Pepsi Rookie of the Week competition this week are Lions QB Matthew Stafford, Vikings WR/KR Percy Harvin, Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno and Colts RB Donald Brown. You can vote for Sanchez here.
Clowney’s Community Commitment Continues
Just months after announcing the creation of “The David Clowney Foundation”, the speedy Jets wide receiver will host a bowling fundraiser at Jersey Lanes in Linden, N.J., on Monday, Oct. 19.
“I’m hoping I can get a lot of guys to show up and bowl with some fans who have donated money and helped me raise money for my foundation,” Clowney said.
Back in June, Clowney hosted his first football camp for high school players in Palm Beach County, Fla., as more than 200 youngsters were mentored by 15 NFL players, including D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Marques Murrell.
“The kids had a great time. They learned a lot and had the opportunity to see a lot of guys who come from the same area they come from, just to have the inspiration to make it," Clowney said. "If we did it, they can do it.”
Clowney’s mission is to help disadvantaged inner-city youth. You can click here below to learn more about his program and first bowling fundraiser.
David Clowney Foundation Bowling Event - Fan Invitation
David Clowney Foundation Bowling Event - Sponsorship Brochure
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (55)scjoe Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 12:32pm ET"Early on, I didn't think Mark would get another nomination this week, but I will say this, regardless of his stats this week, he did as much as anyone else out there to win this game, and that is the bottom line.To get the nomination again it tells me there are a lot of people out there who recognize what he is doing. What's scary, he will get better and better."
Ira Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 12:57pm ET"J-Co said it right. When i saw Sanchez play real bad in Balt then bounce back and threw for a TD i knew this kid was afighter. Sunday's game was a perfect example. He had his ups and downs but he seems to have that gift of coming up with the big play when he has to even if things aren't going that well. This kid is a winner."
BriGuyinFL Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 1:14pm ET"I would like to take the time to post a comment and well wishes to Chad Pennington. You are one of my favorite players of all time and I wish you a speedy recovery. I would like to see you coach one day in this league, maybe as our beloved Jets quarterbacks coach : ) Get well Chad!!! Stuckey, you gotta go all out for your QB over the middle. No more alligator arms!!!! That picks on you."
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 1:19pm ET"No matter what happens this year -- and I think Jets in the playoffs has a GREAT chance of happening -- how can anyone gripe about our QB situation? On the one hand you have Chad down with his inevitable next (last?) injury, Mangini ruining the QBs he has including probably Ratty, all these has-beens playing badly (and Favre won't look so great in week 12, either)...and then you have MS --and EA!"
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 1:39pm ET"BryGuyinFL, I think Chad would be a great QB coach for someone, but I'm not sure it's for the Jets. I look forward to Schotty running the O more like the way Rex and company run the D, not going backwards to the dink-and-dump, go-for-the-FG-at-all-cost Jets O. I loved Chad early but he became the poster boy for that O, especially after he kept getting hurt. The new O poster boy is MS, head down!"
Frankie Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 1:40pm ET"who cares about pennington.. he did nothing for us!!!! thats why we got rid of him.. the smartest thing mangini did!! lets go Mark!!!! "
Shep Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 1:42pm ET"@briguy...what's Chad going to do? Teach someone how to throw a five yard dump pass? j/k He's a great guy and he's bright, just no arm and injury prone. You're right about Stuck though, that was on him. He's got to have softer hands and go up and get that ball. That was big, and could have been huge. Bring in the CLOWN, we need his speed and hands. Just show respect and be a team player!!"
ddh Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 1:44pm ET"hes got my vote, as he showed something more than just stats this week, he showed heart, from start to finish. EA I do believe hes had two int, not one."
Randy Lange Said:
"ddh, you are correct about Sanchez's INTs."
Ira Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 1:51pm ET"BriGuyinFl, I thought that on the INT the ball sailed on Sanchez. It was not Stuckey's fault. A lot of Sanchez's passes were a little off target for most of the day. But he came up big when he had to."
russelld Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 2:16pm ET" Best of luck Chad, and thanks for poring your heart and soul into the Jets team while you were here !"
AOKP Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 2:18pm ET"hey randy will we see david clowney, more involved in the offense, can he be like wes welker or is he more of a go route kinda guy on the man to man coverage? and also, when do you think shonn greene is going to get some playing time? if not y?"
Randy Lange Said:
"AOKP, Rex Ryan addressed both David Clowney and Shonn Greene in his Monday news conference. Clowney has to bounce back from being deactivated for Tennessee, although he had a good week of practice knowing he wouldn't play. Greene needs to get an opportunity to carry the ball behind Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, who right now are getting all the RB carries."
Ira Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 2:41pm ET"Shep, First of all i hope for the best for Chad. And if he wants to coach at any level he will be a fantastic coach. The guy is a winner and the ultimate pro."
Ray Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 2:41pm ET"I agree with BriGuyinFL, Chad would make a very good coach. You guys think because he ran a dink and dunk offense he's not smart enough to teach a different philosophy? Besides he would be a QB coach not an OC. Chad is probably one of the best out there at breaking down film. He'll make an excellent coach if he chooses to go that route."
BriGuyinFL Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 2:44pm ET"OUCH!! you guys are cutting kinda deep, J/K.Its all good and I would not change a thing now with Sanchize on our side.We are all Jets fans first(not counting the Farve fans that came over last year)but we also have those players that mean something to us.Al Toon, Wayne Chrebet.I wanted to see Penny do well so when we were eliminated last year I rooted for the fish. Did I just say that!!!!"
scjoe Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 3:32pm ET"I just want to give my 2 cents on CP. I was always a Chad fan, regardless of how strong his arm is, or was. I think Joe Montana clearly demonstrated that you don't need a cannon arm to be a winner. As for the injury's? That is pro football. Everyone out there is at risk every week.With that being said, why are there so many, so down on CP? It wasn't entirely CP why the Jets didn't win."
dougmc Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 3:38pm ET"Sanchez gets better every week...running game is ready to emerge...#3 defense is scary and we get Pace back next week.Win this game and we are for real. Total Access Wooden predicted Jets would pick early in draft and picked against us this week too...Now everyone will surely jump on the bandwagon.Didn't they see the Pats getting old and losing D personnel would have them faltering?JetsJetsJets!!!"
ddh Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 3:40pm ET"of all the low lifes that have come and gone in sports, Chad Pennington has been nothing less than a shining example of what we should expect and demand, from all athletes. Besides I've had reconstructive surgery on my shoulder its no picnic, best wishes to you!!!"
scjoe Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 3:43pm ET"Leberfeld had an interesting article on JC about K. Rhodes. Actually something I was thinking about myself. His tackles,or lack of, has me, not worried, but wondering. I thought for sure he would be a force in Rex's defense, but "so far" he has been very,very, quiet. I never expected the next Reed, but I did expect a little more."
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 5:18pm ET"Re Chad coaching, Ray, I'd rather have an HC who played in a certain style and has coached in it (i.e. Rex) than one who has to change his spots. Maybe after 5-6 years QB coaching Chad could be an aggressive HC but right now the idea of him anywhere near the Jets gives me chills. He had all the heart and soul you'd want but never the great arm and scjoe, the game's changed for QBs since Montana."
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 5:22pm ET"The other thing about Chad and injuries, scjoe, is I've often heard it said by football people that one player or another has or doesn't have "an NFL body." I've heard it said this year, for instance, that Sanchez has one and Stafford doesn't. If there was ever a Jet QB without an NFL body, it was Chad. Namath suffered horrible injuries but often played well despite them...but then, he was Joe..."
Frankie Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 5:32pm ET"Ok.. before everyone thinks i am just a chad basher.. i just never liked him from the day we drafted him.. his heart and mind is in the right place.. just not his ability. i finally feel confident in our quarterback for ONCE and couldn't be happier that day we made the move for this guy. Mark has the ability, the heart, and the charisma and leadership skills we need!!! Jet FAN FOREVER!! "
cliff Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 5:36pm ET"Actually, Sanchez is listed as having 1 fumble and 1 interception. I just got done watching the game again and saw 1 interception only. You'll have to point out where the second was. Chad needs to retire. JETS Need Clowney, Strickland and Lito bad this week. I badly want a win but don't expect one."
Mike Jet Vet Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 7:40pm ET"Rex isn't stupid by a long shot Rex made an example of Clowney last week for a reason. I believe that reason 2B he'll be fired up enough & chomping at the bit to prove himself after the slap down Rex gave him ..Sanchez to Clowney for 3 scores.. I agree Chad was all class all the time what he needed most with his limited mobility was a great O-line ours came to late for him ..God Bless My man "
Row Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 8:09pm ET"As far as Chad goes, he is done. I appreciate everything he did and didn't do for this franchise, but the game will go on. Chad will be remembered, especially as a Jet. I still am trying to figure out how he found out how to win with the Dolphins, lol. Someone needs to be on the field that makes plays. I'd like to see a BS series, he sure earned it with the ST's play. TJ is our RB, period. "
Doug Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 8:29pm ET"Remember the old adage, if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything ! Chad deserves that as much as any Jet I can think of ! Shame on some of you !!! I hope your family & fellow workers give you more respect than you give Chad ! Wish you well Chad ! You were special !"
Ira Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 8:32pm ET"scjoe, Just checkout who knocked down Collins on the last palay of the game last week. Kerrry did and he was in on a lot of pass coverages. He also slowed down CJ early 4th QT so VG could catch him from behind to save a 80 yd TD run. By the end of the year Kerry will get his #'s in the stat column.Don't worry."
supercooljetfan Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 10:45pm ET"too bad for chad always getting hurt even though he aint got a strong arm you know he tries hard and loves playin the game my only beef with him was almost getting coles and chrebet killed out there with his over the middle floaters...as for sanchez ill probably vote for him again"
supercooljetfan Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 10:49pm ET"why didnt they list sanchez's rushing td ??that could take a lot of votes away from him of people that dont know much about the jets...conspiracy????"
Gregg from CA Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 11:28pm ET"Frankie: I was a good boy and read all the way to the bottom before exploding, so I'll temper my response based on your "clarification". What did Chad give the JETS? Everything he had - that simple. When you start spouting "we" and "us" talking about the team, you sound like the Raiders fans I have to tolerate day in and out. No player owes YOU (or me) anything but his best - Chad did that. Shush!"
Fish Hunters Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 2:34am ET"Yeah, all the best to Chad. He's a great person. I know he's gotten hundreds of texts when the news came out! Thanks for being a stand-up guy for the Jets Chad. Hope you can rebound again!"
Ray Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 2:53am ET"'64 Tom, you didn't read what I wrote. I said Chad would make an excellent QB coach, never did I imply he would make a good HC at this point in time. I also think that would take several years. But I don't understand the thought of him anywhere near the Jets gives you chills comment. Like Ryan he's a football guy. His dad was also a good coach."
Ray Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 3:19am ET"I am watching the replay of the game on NFL Network. That is the greatest, cuts out all the idle time and shows great replays. Best way to watch a game if you can't see it live! Also got a great look at the VG play in the 4th. He was double teamed on that play so there was no way he could have made that play at the line of scrimmage, so to stay with it and get him 30 yds downfield was great."
Ray Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 3:31am ET"Also had a nice replay of Lendale White's TD run. It was Leonhard who missed the tackle at the four not VG. Leonhard tried to knock him off his feet instead of wrapping him up, then you can see VG dive over him and grabbing White's jersey as he goes into the end zone. And here's a shout out to Sione Pouha for a great KJ impersonation to force the interception Collins threw late in the 4th."
Ira Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 6:56am ET"Cimini has an article today about the Jets having trouble running the ball and how they are splitting carries with Leon and TJ. The real problem right now is teams are loaded up at the line and daring Sanchez to beat them. Almost every run vs Tenn they had more defenders than blockers and also got into the backfield and filled the running lanes. Right now it doesn't matter who the RB is."
Ira Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 7:00am ET"Until they get teams to play the Jets straight up the jets are going to continue to have trouble running the ball. 5 or 6 playrs can't block 7-8 players. Its simple math. They must come out almost every game with a quick and smart throwing attack to loosen up the D and then teams will back off and the Jets will be able to run. Keller is doubled almost every play. Stuck and Clown must get more reps"
uncle joe Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 7:01am ET"Hey Randy,in your next interviews can you please ask who ever how they feel about being SIX AND A HALF POINT UNDERDOGS,HOW DARE THEY DISRESPECT US.THE NEWYORKSAURUS REX WILL DESTROY THAT GARBAGE DOME SUNDAY!"
uncle joe Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 8:06am ET"How bout those 2 defenders that bounced off Cotchery & crumbled to the ground on J-Co's TD.I watched that Thursday night season opener Titans vs Steelers,remember that Defense Ira?We beat that Defense with a rookie QB in the rain! Saints don't scare me,there best Defensive player is the guy we got rid of! Sanchez will be throwing the ball in the same Dome that Breese will be! Plus we got LEON!"
uncle joe Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 8:16am ET"SIX & A HALF POINT FAVORITES,someone tell Bush not to run ANYWHERE NEAR the HITMAN,tell Brees not to hold the ball for more than 3 seconds,Someone tell Shockey that Bart Scott plays for the Jets.Tell WR Colston he should just stay home,we have Revis.Tell the Saints that when they ran the ball last week,the team they ran on didn't have KRIS JENKINS!"
uncle joe Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 8:24am ET"Tell Jenkins that when J-Co catches the ball,he should wait for help before he attempts the tackle,but watch your back because Faneca is coming from 20 yards away,tell Vilma that he can't cover Keller alone!Tell their D-Line that when they see LEON It's probably too late.Tell them that Clowny just got his LEASH TAKEN OFF.Tell their Special Teams to watch last weeks Jets Game!SOMEONE TELL VEGAS !!!"
uncle joe Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 8:39am ET"And Tell Parcells that the guy he was trying to outbid us for last year,He'll be back for next Monday's game,all fresh legged and angry! And tell Miami's new QB Henne,that he and Jake Long are the only players on Gholston's college highlights and that he too will be coming for them. OH,IT'S ONLY WEDNESDAY AND I'M CLIMBING THE WALLS!"
Ira Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 9:24am ET"uncle joe, Thats right Sanchez will throw the ball very well in the dome this week. But you can't go into this game wanting to get into a shootout with the Saints. They did give up 27 pts to the Lions. Offensively this week ball control is the way to go and it will keep Brees off the field. I think Clowney can finally use his speed this week on the fast track in the Super Dome."
Frank Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 9:29am ET"You are right Ira about teams loading up the box that is why I said Shott needs to do a better job planning for this. One of the ways to beat this is by throwing alot of short middle of the field passes and running screens over the middle. Additionally we are not getting good blocking from the TE position something I knew would be missing in letting Baker go."
uncle joe Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 10:32am ET"Frank,Shotty was calling passes last week but,Sanchez was a little off so he went back to the run.Just look at his calls in the RedZone,he knew they were playing the run everytime so he passed it everytime!"
Ira Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 10:32am ET"Frank, Hard to argue the the TE blocking but i think Hartstock will work out. DC's are not stupid and know what options Shotty has. He called a couple of middle screens and they went no where vs Tenn. I think the Jets will move the ball well this week.Teams are bracketing Keller and sliding coverage over to J-Co. Stuckey,Clowney and the RB's have to get involved in the passing game to open it up."
Steve from Lindenhurst Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 11:48am ET"From a learning standpoint, I hope Sanchize get's it about protecting the ball and his body from now on. I like the Kid's fiestyness, but he will end up getting murdered out there and/or lose the ball if he keeps that up.. Great game overall, but we have a major test coming up in Orleans, where Brees is lighting up the league and averaging 40 points a game. Our Defense needs to win this game!!"
Frankie Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 11:56am ET"hey Gregg.... first off.. cool that chad gave us everything he has.. but u know what.. IT WASN'T ENOUGH... so u sit in Cali and deal with ur raider fans... the Jets do owe me a superbowl.. u knwo why.. cuz i been die hard fan and a season ticket holder my whole life and i all want is to win ONE... so SHUSH!!!!! "
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 1:13pm ET"Ray, the problem with the character limit is sometimes you're responding to more than one person. I know YOU were talking about Chad for QB coach. Problem with email is sometimes tongue-in-cheek stuff is hard to read. I'd welcome Chad back to the Jets in any reasonable capacity but what I meant is that any hint of the Jets playing on O the way they did in his later years is what gives me chills. "
scjoe Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 1:43pm ET"Ira...Maybe KR did get a pressure on that last play (an incomplete pass) but no sack. But my point is, up until now, how many INTs does he have? How many sacks does he have? Maybe things will pick up for him, I am not sure. Maybe I, and a few others, were expecting a lot more, I know I was. Most of the others on the D side have picked up Rex's D quickly. Just would like to see Kerry close the gap."
Ray Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 1:59pm ET"No doubt Tom, I would not want to go back to the dink and dunk of recent history. But that was his strength, we have moved past that now. Now we need to run the ball so we aren't a one dimensional team. This offense is going to start bogging down more and more if we can't move the ball on the ground."
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 2:58pm ET"I agree, Ray, so please weigh in on Greene. Unless he's more hurt than they're letting on, I don't get treating him like fine china four games in. God knows we could use a burst of speed and strength in the backfield from a bigger back no matter how well or not the O line is playing. I also wonder if TJ needs somebody to spell him here and there and if Greene would shake up opposing D's a little.."
Ray Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 4:04pm ET"Tom my take on Greene is that the issue is much simpler than it is being made out to be. I think plain and simple he is a rookie and they aren't comfortable with him in there being responsible for blocking assignments. I think if we were running the ball well as a team you would be seeing more of him. I think we'll see more of him as the year goes on."
Tony B Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 4:42pm ET"man as a fan all you can ask from a player is that he gives his all 100 percent of the time and Chad did that. Many times I was frustrated with what was going on but I never felt like he was laying down. Show some class cut the guy some slack. I said it to his face and I ll say it again Thanks Chad best of luck."
Gregg from CA Said:
Wed, September 30, 2009 - 9:06pm ET"Okay, Frankie... whatever. I'm not FROM Cali, I'm just living here right now. I can date my love for the Jets back to the mid '60s when I lived in Jersey. We don't set the roster, we don't call the plays, we don't take the field, we just watch. Go complain to Parcells for drafting someone you don't like, Chad did what he was told when he was told and, overall, did it very well. Peace."
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Shep Said:
Tue, September 29, 2009 - 12:25pm ET"This is the first week that I can see another rookie taking the honor from Sanchez, that being Stafford in leading the Lions to their first win in 20 games. Should be a close call though. Our boy looked average at times, but you can't deny that leading your team to 3 straight victories to start your rookie campaign is a big deal. Congrats on your 3rd nomination Mark, and keep it up!! GO JETS!"
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