The Jets continue their preparation for the upcoming season, and eyes remain focused on the quarterbacks.  Rex Ryan announced earlier that Kellen Clemens would start the preseason opener against the Rams, but has yet to name a starter for the season kickoff.

With so much vested in Mark Sanchez, early speculation pointed towards him being the man pulling the trigger for Gang Green this fall.  New York’s monetary sacrifice was coupled by the surrender of future draft picks to select the USC standout 5th overall in the NFL draft.   Now with the regular season near, and despite  preseason pecking orders, speculation moves closer to truth, and Sanchez is looking more like the starter for the Jets.

“Sanchez should start: Mark Sanchez is going to win the starting quarterback job. Understand that Ryan is a players’ coach. He understands the mentality of a football player and what makes him tick. He knows quarterback battles can’t be transparent. Players in the locker room know who the best quarterback is on the field, and the fact is, Sanchez is the most talented quarterback on the field. That’s why he will beat out Kellen Clemens. That’s no knock on Clemens, who’s entering his fourth year and his third quarterback battle. But Clemens is a second-round choice going against a USC quarterback drafted high in the first round.”–John Clayton, ESPN

As with any team breaking in a new quarterback, the Jets will give priority to the running game.  And if Sanchez is indeed the coaches choice, his physical abilities and command of the game probably wouldn’t be evident until midseason, as the learning process continues its course.   But it is that ability that gives him an edge in the position race, enough to overtake experience.

[ESPN]