This is the first of 2 parts concerning the Tebow trade. First Sanchez, next Tebow.
Everyone is saying that Sanchez “regressed” last year. Realistically, many, but not all, of the woes of the offense last year began in front, and to the side, of Sanchez. I believe he was hand cuffed by Hunter and put in jail by Shotty.
We can all agree that Sanchez is not the next coming of Marino, Manning or Elway, but I do think that before we all start throwing Sanchez into the dumpster let’s look at a few other facts.
First, Sanchez is at his best with play action passing and roll outs. Being right handed, he naturally prefers rolling out to his right. When you have a right tackle that performs like a turnstile, you are running into the left defensive end instead of away from him.
Second, in order for play action to work you have to have an effective running game. In 2010 the Jets had an effective running game. In 2011 they didn’t. The Jets had basically the same backfield but different offensive lineman.
Third, an offensive line is only as good as its weakest link because that is what opposing defenses will exploit. Any weakness will have a ripple effect down the line. So if the guard has to help out the tackle, then that leaves the center without any help, making the entire line more susceptible to stunts and blitzes. And if you need to use a tight end to help the tackle block, then you lose a receiving option, making it easier for the defense to double up the wide receivers.
Net outcome: you have a QB who can’t rollout, can’t do play action, often needs significant yards on 3rd down due to lack of an effective running attack, and has limited choices of throws downfield except quick slants. Add to that an unimaginative, predictable, and inadaptable offensive coordinator, and you are guaranteed to have a terrible offense.
Sanchez is taking most of the heat for last year’s offensive woes. And he deserves a portion of it. But just like the captain of the ship always gets criticized when the ship sinks, we also need to look at the guy who put the hole in the hull in the first place, and his supervisor who was unable to come up with a thoughtful plan to plug it.
Jeff F.
Jeff is a lifelong Jets fan (no other option when you grow up on Long Island, is there?). He’s lived through the good (Namath Super Bowl), the bad (the Heidi game), and the ugly (the Kotite era).
Greeting from over the sea. excellent article I must return for more.
Hello, I just stopped in to visit your site and thought I’d say thanks for having me.