New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez hits out at critics - NFL News
New York Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez, faced stiff criticism from his teammates in the final weeks of the 2011-12 season but the quarterback maintained his silence over the whole affair.
Now though after signing a new three-year contract worth $ 40 million with the franchise, Sanchez has come out with some strong words for those players who anonymously questioned his leadership in public.
The quarterback spoke to the media on Thursday.
Sanchez held back nothing and said that those who did not use their name do not speak for the team and that by not using their name the statements could not be taken with credibility.
“It is a gutless thing to do. You don’t put your name on what you’re saying, then you don’t speak for yourself. You don’t speak for the team. That’s how I always felt about that. If I ever had an opinion on a player – or something that I wanted to talk to
them about -- I would just tell them… I don’t think (being anonymous) is the professional way to do it.”
The Jets season imploded in the final half of the season after locker room disputes coupled with the public spat between Sanchez and wide receiver, Santonio Holmes, led to three straight losses and ended any chance the Jets had of reaching the playoff rounds.
The quarterback though has since tried to patch things up with his most successful weapon and both players have spent time together to work out their differences.
Sanchez believes that problems between him and Holmes are a thing of the past.
“People are going to take that the way they want to. We’ve had a good talk. That’s all in the past. I’m really not thinking about it too much. It seems like ancient history after we’ve talked so much.”
The Jets were said to be in the running to sign free-agent Peyton Manning to replace their young quarterback but with the new contract they have reaffirmed their faith in the 25-year-old and want to stick with him for the long term.
Hopefully the Jets can regain some dressing room unity entering into the new season and put up a strong challenge to reach the playoffs once again as they look to deliver on the promised Super Bowl ring.
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