Wake-Up Call: A Closer Look At Sanchez
ORLANDO, Fla. — All the DeSean Jackson hoopla has overshadowed the news that the Eagles are taking a serious look at one Mark Sanchez.
The 27-year-old was released on Friday — the same day the Jets signed Michael Vick. Rex Ryan said they were entertaining the idea of holding onto Sanchez, but decided to move on when the opportunity to land Vick arose. Thus ended a peculiar up-and-down five seasons in New York.
The fifth overall pick in 2009, Sanchez threw 12 touchdowns to 20 interceptions his rookie year yet the Jets made it all the way to the AFC Championship game. They made a return trip to the title game the following season as well. He threw nine TDs and just three interceptions, posted a 94.3 quarterback rating and engineered a pair of game-winning drives in that two-year postseason stretch.
“I think that’s a pretty good accomplishment. He’s played a lot of good football,” Ryan said at the coaches breakfast Tuesday. “Unfortunately, people remember one play.”
That play, of course, is the “Butt Fumble.”
It was just one sequence, but was symbolic of greater dysfunction. The Jets went 14-17 over the course of 2011 and ’12 with Sanchez at the helm. The signal-caller then injured his throwing shoulder last preseason and eventually had season-ending surgery.
The Eagles are interested in signing Sanchez but need to do a medical evaluation before moving forward. Chris Mortenson said the QB is about “80 percent” recovered from the labrum injury.
“Whether he’s ahead of schedule or not, he’s doing really well,” said Ryan. “I know everybody was excited with his rehab.”
This would likely be an insurance/value play for the Eagles. It would give them a veteran quarterback with some pedigree at what will probably be a pretty modest price, and another option if Matt Barkley — another USC product with recent shoulder problems — does not step up in his sophomore year. And should they take a quarterback in the draft, they would have to make a decision from there.
It’s questionable whether he would be a solid option for Chip Kelly. The head coach is big on repetitive accuracy and ball security. Sanchez has a career 55.1 completion percentage and 69 interceptions to 68 TDs. But it’s not exactly a market rich with quarterbacks.
“Whoever it is will get a guy that is really an outstanding young man,” said Ryan. “He’s got some physical tools and he’s competitive. And up until last year, he’s durable. Unfortunately he had that injury, but he’ll do what it takes to get back and get healthy and I wish him the best.”
WHAT YOU MISSED
Sheil provides some highlights from the AFC Coaches Breakfast.
Jeffrey Lurie had “nothing to say” about Jackson, but expressed confidence in overall offseason plan.
Michael Vick with some interesting comments on the Jackson situation.
Chip Kelly finally reached out to Jackson.
Howie Roseman explains why the Eagles passed on Jairus Byrd.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Is Jackson staying put? The receiver seems to think so. From Jeff McLane.
In the latest twist of “As DeSean Jackson Turns,” the wide receiver called a few teammates Tuesday to tell them he was staying with the Eagles a day after he spoke with coach Chip Kelly, a source close to the situation said…
It was unclear if Kelly made any promises or if Jackson misinterpreted their conversation, but the Daily News reported that the coach told his receiver not to worry about reports that the Eagles were looking to move him and to get ready for camp.
Mike Florio isn’t buying it.
It’s way too little and way too late for the Eagles to reverse weeks of momentum pointing toward Jackson leaving the team. It would be a shock at this point if he’s back with the Eagles.
It would be more than a shock. At this point, our assessment remains that there’s no chance Jackson will be back.
It doesn’t matter that Kelly called Jackson. The call should have come days if not weeks ago, if the Eagles remain committed to Jackson.
COMING UP
We’ll speak to Kelly at 7:15.