Will Sanchez show up?

Many Jets fans are anticipating the next three games to end the 2011 season. Although the Jets were temporarily knocked out of the playoffs by Denver, they still have a chance to play in a tournament if they can pull off the next three wins. Today, the Jets take on the Eagles and Quarterback Michael Vick. So what are they doing to prepare? The Eagles are also holding on to a slim chance in the playoffs, so both teams will do what it takes to win. Coach Ryan is familiar with Vick and stated they have done “ok” against him in the past, but he is a “scary athlete.” Sanchez understands that there were some games that lacked effort, but he thinks the team is prepared and ready for the rest of the season. Sanchez feels he is focused. “It’s important in late November and December to play your best football”, Sanchez said, “Right as the year ends, we have to be our best. Those games help our experience together, but they’re not always the same. Each year is a different challenge and we have our hands full this week.” It sounds like Sanchez knows the importance of keeping his head in the next few games. But, although fans are anticipating Sanchez’s ability to pull the team through, his stats tell a different story.

Sanchez’s second quarter against the Chiefs was one of the three “perfect” passing quarters in his Jets career completing seven of eight passes for 120 yards and both his touchdown passes in the second frame, gave him a perfect rating of 158.3 for that quarter. If Sanchez brings that type of performance to the game, the Jets may just defeat Vick and his Eagles. But, Sanchez isn’t the only issue at hand coming into the last few games. It was officially announced that Jim Leonhard will not finish up the season due to a torn patella tendon. The Jets are fortunate to have Brodney as a backup safety, but the biggest challenge will be filling in behind Smith and Pool. Free agent Tracy Wilson will be the lone back up on the depth chart at the moment. The fate of the Jets has not yet been determined… Bring on the Green and White!

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By: Jamie Wiegand
ProFootball-fans.com New York Jets Correspondent