Mark Sanchez may belong in this group someday. For now, he does not. Peyton Manning and Brett Favre are headed to the Hall of Fame. A few more good years and Drew Brees could join them. Yet none of the other three quarterbacks in this weekend’s championship games can boast this: If Sanchez wins, he’ll be the youngest starting quarterback ever to reach the Super Bowl. Here is his story, by the numbers:
Turnovers » He’s thrown 21 interceptions in 17 starts, but he’s had eight games with none. New York is 6-2 in those games. In fact, the Jets are 10-2 when he throws one pick or less. And in five games, all losses, he threw a combined 17 interceptions.
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Coaching » The Jets — 2-5 when Sanchez attempts at least 27 passes — manage him well. He executes play-action well, so the running game complements him. Aside from one two-minute drill in the playoffs, they’ve only asked him to throw on consecutive downs four times. Also, because of their top defense, the Jets are cautious. Of the 30 postseason plays they’ve run inside their own 30-yard line, nine have been passes; and seven came when the Jets were at least at the 20.
Timely throws » Against Cincinnati, he completed his last seven throws for 137 yards and a touchdown; all but one resulted in a first down. Then, last week vs. San Diego, eight of his first 10 third-down throws did not pick up first downs. One was intercepted. But of his last four throws on those downs? Two first downs and a touchdown.
