Sanchez Should Be Holding a Clipboard in '09

Mark Sanchez cost the New York Jets a lot to acquire, but should that make him the starter in Week One? He is charismatic and a great presence, which makes him a perfect fit for the Big Apple. He was arguably the fastest rising pre-draft star. Many teams coveted him and he will one day be a star with the Jets, but is he the best fit for them right now?

Kellen Clemens is by far a stranger from Brian Schottenheimer's system. He has been learning it since being drafted in 2006. Where he was highly acclaimed coming out of Oregon, which he was selected early in the second round. He had a decent college career as he had to actually face the USC defense on the field. He had his shot though it was not fair one in 2007 when he was thrown in behind one of the worst O-lines ever. He had a sack percent of 9.7. 

To put it into perspective David Carr, in his historically bad stretch with the Texans, he had percentages of 14.3, 7.4, 9.4, 13.2, and 8.2. In 2007 Clemens still managed to win against a good Steelers team and gave Rex Ryan's defense some trouble as the game would have been New York's if it weren't for some costly drops by Justin McCareins and Laveranues Coles. He has shown he can manage games and make a big play when the team needs him. Behind a solid line, with a revamped running game and a gameplan that will suit his strengths, they will have the formula for success this season on offense.

Also, Clemens should be able to handle the Jets current WR dilemma better, as they still lack a number one. And even if Cotchery is the main guy they have no definite number two.

The reason Sanchez needs to start the year off wearing a headset and holding the clipboard is no disrespect to the player. He will get to learn by watching how the offense is run at full game-speed. He will get a better look at NFL defenses and see what types of things they can throw at him. To make him starter day one and expecting him to be Flacco/Ryan is unlikely. It is very rare that a rookie QB has success immediately. Unlike most top five QBs however, Sanchez has inheirited a team with a good amount of talent. A top running game, a solid defense, they are a QBs best friends. But he will still make the rookie mistakes that Clemens has outgrown at this point in his career. And don't forget, number six is the $60+ million future of this franchise. Why throw him to the wolves if it's not necessary?

Groom him and bring him along slowly. Add some more weapons for him to throw to. The 2010 FA class should be loaded with offensive talent, much like defense this year. 

Clemens needs to be given the nod week one a and it should be his job to lose. If he puts out a good season, it is good for the Jets and will be a FA in 2010 so it helps his own cause as well. If he performs poorly then they will hand the reigns over to their celebrity future star. Kellen is the guy running with the first team in OTAs and Sanchez has reportedly been struggling. Give the ball to the vet and let the rookie get transitioned in to the NFL.