In the middle of last season, when the Jets lost two straight games to the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Jets coach Rex Ryan considered benching quarterback Mark Sanchez.
That's what Sanchez claims in an article featured in GQ Magazine.
Ryan grew warry of Sanchez's poor play against divisional rivals, that he had back-up quarterback Mark Brunell take most of the snaps with the first team during practice that week.
Sanchez said "I wanted to fight him. I was really mad." According to excerpts in the New York Post, Sanchez wanted to aggressively approach Ryan about it during practice, but was cooled down by offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
Can't blame Ryan for wanting to bench Sanchez. There have been long stretches during his two years in New York, where he wouldn't play well. Remember in 2009 when he put up three straight stinkers at home against the Bills, Dolphins and Jaguars?
Perhaps it was Ryan's way of sending a message to Sanchez. I guess it worked, because Sanchez had a solid post-season, leading the Jets past the Colts and Patriots, en route to the AFC title game.
The Jets begin their quest for a third straight AFC title game appearance, tonight when they play the Houston Texans in the preseason opener.
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