Jets' Sanchez Seeks to Follow Trail Blazed by Ryan, Flacco

No longer is it assumed that an NFL quarterback has to spend his entire rookie season on the sideline carrying a clipboard, occasionally providing input to the starter during time outs.

That assumption was shattered a year ago when the Falcons' Matt Ryan and the Ravens' Joe Flacco, high first-round draft choices both, not only earned their teams' starting jobs before the season opener, but also led their teams into the playoffs, and in Flacco's case to a postseason victory.

Now, Mark Sanchez, the Jets' first-round pick, hopes to follow that same accelerated path; and his stellar play at USC last season strongly suggests that he'll succeed. 

Sanchez played in a pro-style offense with the Pac-10 champion Trojans, as did both Ryan and Flacco at Boston College and Delaware respectively. And, Sanchez endured big-city scrutiny in Los Angeles, which should prepare him for the media onslaught he'll face in the New York metropolitan area.

Sanchez has shown so far a confidence as strong as his right arm as well as an eagerness to adopt a leadership role on a team that needs a new face of the franchise. 

He's relishing the chance to work out this spring with his new receivers to develop the timing and cohesiveness he'll need to ignite the offense come September.

And as long as Sanchez continues doing the right things on the field and saying the right things off the field, he'll have the support of a head coach who is unafraid to turn the reins over to a rookie.

Rex Ryan, remember, was the Ravens' defensive coordinator last season, which afforded him a front-row seat for Flacco's successful debut.

Who better than Ryan, one of the pro football's most respected defensive minds, to prepare Sanchez for the intricate defenses he'll face as the Jets' starting QB?

Who better than Ryan to help Sanchez battle through the inevitable rough patches that any quarterback faces, especially a rookie.

Given Sanchez's skill set, which made NFL scouts drool and compelled New York to move up to the No. 5 overall pick to grab him, he's just a solid training camp away from getting the chance to make Jets fans forget the failed Brett Favre experiment of 2008. 

And because Sanchez would trod ground navigated so well by Ryan and Flacco last season, his success wouldn't be a big surprise anymore.