Oft-criticized New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez appears to have the locker room's support. Offensive lineman Nick Mangold endorsed Sanchez as starter and intimated rookie Geno Smith has a lot to learn, the New York Post reports.
Despite anonymous Jets players taking shots at Sanchez and claiming he doesn't have the team's support, Mangold suggested otherwise when asked if the locker room wanted to see Sanchez start under center.
"I believe so," the four-time Pro Bowler told reporters. "I haven't walked around with a pen and paper and taken poll, but from the feeling I get, the locker room wants to win. Whoever gives us the best chance to do that, we want out there - and at this point, Mark gives us that best chance."
Speculation rose this offseason that Sanchez could lose his starting job to second-round draft pick Smith, or even that Sanchez could be cut in June. Although one report suggested Sanchez didn't look sharp in the recent OTAs, Mangold liked what he saw.
"I think Mark is a fantastic quarterback for us, and I think he can do some good things," he said. "He showed some good flashes in the spring, getting [new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's] system down and commanding the offense way that he should be. We'll see how training camp plays out, but either way, the competition will make him a better player."
Mangold also dispelled any notions that Smith was ready to replace Sanchez as starter by Week 1.
"Mark has a little bit better idea of the ideas and of seeing things, which are things Geno is going to have to work his butt off on," Mangold said.
"(Smith) can be a good player for us," he added, "He's a hard worker, and he's asking questions. He's taking the coaching and taking the advice to heart, and I think he's doing some good things."
