Peyton Manning to Jets Speculation Says More About Mark Sanchez Than Manning

Regardless of what happens with the entire Peyton Manning situation and where he'll possibly play in 2012, it's going to remain one of the more popular NFL offseason topics—along with the draft, free agency and the upcoming season.

That being said, the New York Jets are considered to be one of the franchises that should make a move for Manning.

And rightfully so, because he's a four-time NFL MVP, two-time AFC champion and has a Super Bowl ring along with umpteen records, touchdowns, Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections.

Still, Manning is a big risk since he'll be 36 years old before the 2012 season begins, and—according to Don Banks of Sports Illustrated—had a fourth neck surgery:

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SI.com has learned from NFL sources that Manning actually underwent a fourth, unreported, medical procedure in the past two years, not three as has been widely known.

At the time of Manning's September neck operation, that surgery was reported to be his third neck procedure in 19 months. In reality, it was his fourth.

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There, four neck surgeries in less than two years. Seems to be a pretty serious injury considering that the number of operations matches his NFL MVP total.

Nevertheless, it didn't stop ESPN's Ron Jaworski from adding his two cents. In an article by Nate Davis of the USA Today, Jaworski thinks the Jets are a fit:

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'I think Peyton Manning ends up playing somewhere else," Jaworski told 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia.

'The New York Jets,' opined Jaworksi. 'The Jets are fighting for every inch of space they can get in the newspaper. How do you get that inch? How do you get the headlines? You sign Peyton Manning.'

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All this being said, what about Mark Sanchez?

Well, despite all his critics, Sanchez was the first quarterback in Gang Green's history to lead them to two consecutive AFC Championship games.

Not even Joe Namath accomplished that feat, as he lost in the 1969 divisional round a year after winning Super Bowl III. And if Sanchez doesn't ever help bring home the Lombardi Trophy to the Jets, he will be in good company, along with Ken O'Brien, Vinny Testaverde, Chad Pennington and Boomer Esiason.

Also, Sanchez has seen improvement (although marginal) under center since his rookie year.

In 2009, Sanchez had a 53.8 completion percentage, eight fumbles, threw 12 touchdowns to 20 picks and amassed 2,444 yards. 2010 was better with 17 touchdowns to 13 picks, a 54.8 completion percentage, only five fumbles and 3,291 passing yards,.

2011 may not have been a playoff season, but we once again saw improvement, with 26 touchdowns to 18 picks, a 56.7 completion percentage, only four fumbles and almost 3,500 passing yards.

As for the postseason, Sanchez holds a 4-2 record, nine touchdowns to just three picks and a 94.1 rating. Not to mention he beat Peyton Manning at Lucas Oil Stadium in the 2011 AFC Wild Card.

Sanchez also appears to be rebuilding with wide receiver Santonio Holmes. In early February, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post:

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Jets coach Rex Ryan told The Post last night he has spoken with both players and Holmes told him he’d like to get away for a weekend with Sanchez as the two try to fix their chemistry.

'It seemed like that was what Santonio was talking about,' said Ryan. 'I don’t know if he’s reached out to Mark yet and done anything but that is what I believe to be true.'

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Plus, in spite of the entire whirlwind discussion of Peyton Manning and the New York Jets, we've only heard a squeak from Mark Sanchez to Santonio Holmes.

If anything, Sanchez has kept quiet, and we can expect 2012 to simply be another improved season. Put it this way; yes, he could be better, but the Jets' quarterback situation could also be a lot worse.

Would you rather begin anew with someone else—even if that player is Peyton Manning—even though it's extremely unlikely that he'll return to his prime? Or, a consistently improving player like Mark Sanchez, who had no help from the No. 22-ranked ground game and a defense that allowed 22.7 points per game (ranked No. 20)?

Plus, in 2011, Sanchez led an offense that averaged 23.6 points per game, which ranked No. 13.

Sanchez is certainly taking a lot of heat for not being the direct problem. I say we give the kid a break.

John Rozum on Twitter.