Sanchez ready for arrival of Smith, talks about competition.
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has revealed he welcomes the new competition at the franchise for the starting role, but is determined to make it his own.
Despite the departure of Tim Tebow, the Jets are still stacked with options at the quarterback slot, and recently added Geno Smith in the 2013 NFL Draft.
However, despite the added pressure that will come with his younger rival, Sanchez is ready to start the new season and become an integral part of the Jets offensive set-up.
“There’s a little fire going, and that’s good. I’m cool with that. I think it’s good for everybody,” he told reporters as quoted by ESPN.
The Jets are leaving the door open for five players to compete for that No.1 spot, with Sanchez joined by the likes of Smith, David Garrard, Greg McElroy and Matt Simms, although it is highly unlikely all five will make it to training camp.
Sanchez also revealed the level of the competitive nature that prevented him and Tebow from being friends, and predicted the same relationship with Smith.
“Tim wanted to play and I wanted to play, but only one guy plays at that position. Honestly, under different circumstances, we’d be pretty good friends.
“If the guy has a flat tyre on the side of the road, I’m going to stop. I’m not going to drive by him. But at the same time, I’m not sending him gifts on his birthday. I don’t see why it would be different with [Smith]. I’ll help him as much as I can, but when we have to compete, that’s the way it goes.”
The 26-year-old believes the added competition will bring out best out of him, and he will be desperate to prove he is the right man for the job after another disappointing season last year.
Sanchez is coming off the back of his second straight 26-turnover season, but despite the damage to his reputation and doubts amongst the Jets faithful, he is determined to start over and prove he can be their franchise quarterback.
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