Sanchez is trying to get acquainted with a new stable of receivers this season – but really, the third-year quarterback doesn’t know anything different. Let's take a look.
2009:
At the start of the season, Sanchez’s top receiver was Jerricho Cotchery, his No. 2 was Chansi Stuckey, and his No. 3 was Brad Smith.
By Week 5, the Jets acquired Braylon Edwards from the Cleveland Browns, pitting Edwards as the immediate No. 1 and sending Stuckey to Cleveland. The lineup had Edwards at No. 1 and Cotchery at No. 2 for the remainder of the season.
2010:
By Week 5, the Jets acquired Braylon Edwards from the Cleveland Browns, pitting Edwards as the immediate No. 1 and sending Stuckey to Cleveland. The lineup had Edwards at No. 1 and Cotchery at No. 2 for the remainder of the season.
In 2009, Sanchez’ quarterback rating was 87.7 in September. It was a dismal 38.2 in October, which is when Edwards came around. Sanchez did throw three picks in the game before the Jets acquired Edwards, and he had a solid outing with his new wideout in their first game together, but the shuffling of players had a longer-term impact. Sanchez threw five interceptions in Edwards’ second game with the Jets, and his quarterback rating remained in the mid-60s until the playoffs.
The Jets picked up Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason via trade, but Holmes had to sit out the first four games due to suspension. So Edwards was at No. 1 and Cotchery at No. 2 for the time being.
When Holmes returned, he played opposite Edwards, and Cotchery became the No. 3. That lineup settled through the season.
Sanchez started off hot with a 104.9 quarterback rating in September. But when Holmes came along, it took some getting used to. Sanchez’s rating dropped to 63.5 through October.
When Holmes returned, he played opposite Edwards, and Cotchery became the No. 3. That lineup settled through the season.
Sanchez started off hot with a 104.9 quarterback rating in September. But when Holmes came along, it took some getting used to. Sanchez’s rating dropped to 63.5 through October.
2011:
New York lost Edwards in free agency and released Cotchery, who’d had enough with being demoted, while picking up recently-imprisoned Plaxico Burress and 37-year-old Derrick Mason.
Burress was supposed to be the Edwards-type guy, but the two are in fact pretty different in style. Edwards is a deep speed threat with a battle-for-the-ball mentality, and Plaxico is a slower, more up-for-grabs receiver who uses his tall, lanky frame to his advantage. Sanchez is familiar with Holmes, though he actually hasn’t had a full regular season with the guy.
Sanchez has thrown four touchdowns to three interceptions so far this season. He's spread the ball around, with Burress getting a touchdown grab in the fourth quarter of the first game (after being nonexistent for the first three quarters), Holmes catching a score early last Sunday and tight end Dustin Keller getting a touchdown reception in both games. But Mason has pretty much been a non-factor through two weeks.
Playoffs:
In his first two seasons, Sanchez turned it on in the playoffs. He tossed four touchdowns to two interceptions in the 2009 postseason, and he had five scores through the air to one pick in the 2010 playoffs. His playoff quarterback rating is 94.3.
In his first two seasons, Sanchez turned it on in the playoffs. He tossed four touchdowns to two interceptions in the 2009 postseason, and he had five scores through the air to one pick in the 2010 playoffs. His playoff quarterback rating is 94.3.
There's no question Sanchez has proven himself as a big-stage quarterback. After all, he plays his best football when it matters most. But how much of his postseason success has to do with him simply finally being totally comfortable with his receiving corps?
It's something to consider.
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