Jets vs. Patriots: Mark Sanchez Mediocre Play Has Ruined Rivalry

Great rivalries generally have a battle of counterparts. Either it is the defensive units going head to head or the QBs. With the Jets and Patriots, Tom Brady's presence and greatness makes you look to the Jets for an answer the team doesn't have.

Mark Sanchez hasn't developed beyond a sideline hot dog guzzling, male-modeling game manager. Believe it or not, I'm a Sanchez fan, but Rex Ryan and Antonio Cromartie play their part in continuing this rivalry far better than Sanchez.

Does he need to be a walking sound byte? No, not at all, but the first-round pick does need to be a better than average QB. I rebuke anyone that classifies him as better than average at this point in his career.

He has amassed 35 touchdown passes to 38 INTs so far in his three and a quarter seasons. More specifically, Sanchez has thrown five TD passes to seven INTs against the Patriots. Aside from the playoff victory in 2010, the Jets aren't on par with New England. Even in that game, Sanchez was only slightly better than average with 194 yards passing, though he did toss three TD passes.

I know, he isn't Tom Brady and no one expects him to be on that level. The Jets offense is different, but Sanchez has even failed to produce in the context of that scheme.

His passer rating is 64.3 against New England, and in order for the Jets-Patriots rivalry to continue to be grouped in that context, Sanchez needs to step up his play.

He needs a big performance, and the Week 5 matchup could be the best opportunity yet for him to create that moment. The Patriots secondary is suspect and other teams have exposed it so far this season.

If Sanchez can do the same and the Jets win, then let us refresh the rivalry. If not, can we just call this a division match up and leave the r-word out of it?