New York Jets’ LaDainian Tomlinson takes turn to defend Mark Sanchez – NFL News Update
Running back of the New York Jets, LaDainian Tomlinson, has become the most recent player to suggest that Mark Sanchez was not lazy and what he needed was competition to move forward all along.
Talking to the ESPN’s National Football League (NFL) Countdown today, the running back said that he did not view Sanchez as being lazy, and defended his teammate by saying that he worked really hard, putting in extra time during and after practice.
The Jets’ quarterback has been the focus of criticism from fans in recent weeks over his shortcomings as New York finished at 8-8 which saw them being eliminated from the playoffs, thus adding to Sanchez’s already mounting heat.
Recently, the Daily News reported anonymous players as saying that they wanted Sanchez replaced with quarterback, Peyton Manning.
To make matters worse for Sanchez, the newspaper quoted one player as calling him “lazy” and "content”.
Tomlinson strongly dispelled the notion of the quarterback being lazy.
"There’s a lot of things you can say about Mark Sanchez, but to call him lazy is a bit much. This is a guy that has worked very hard off the field, in the film room. He's putting in time, so he's not lazy", Tomlinson said.
Following the news report, Jets’ coach, Rex Ryan came forward to defend his player, stating if not the whole but still the majority of the team had confidence in him.
Ryan sidelined the comments of anonymous players by saying an “anonymous” source did not represent the whole team.
Sanchez further gained ground against the critics after club owner, Woody Johnson, also extended his support for the youngster, saying that Sanchez worked really hard and was the first to come and last to leave the building.
General Manager, Mike Tannenbaum, was one of his supporters too, who maintained that the new offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano, who was hired recently, would help Sanchez overcome his problems.
However, Tomlinson stated that what the quarterback really needed was competition which he did not have.
“Mark hasn’t had that competition to push him,” said Tomlinson.
“I do think he’ll be a better player if he has some competition, somebody to push him”.
Tomlinson, during his conversation, also confirmed the tense environment in the locker room, suggesting that there would always be tension when there are “53 strong personalities” out there in the room.
He added that there was a need to respect each other even though you could not get along with others.
The tense atmosphere, Tomlinson said became known to the media only towards the end of the season after the team had lost.
He also confirmed the rift between Sanchez and the receivers.
“I think some things that happened in the locker room", Tomlinson said.
With the increasing support, the $10million-a-year quarterback is now expected to fight his way through the opposition.
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