Sanchez has nice bounce-back game in Dolphins loss
Photo credit: MCT/Robert Duyos | Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez shouts instructions to his teammates during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins. (October 12, 2009)
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Oct. 13: Dolphins 31, Jets 27
Mark Sanchez bounced back rather nicely from his worst performance in his short pro career, effectively managing the offense in the Jets' 31-27 loss to the Dolphins Monday Night.
The rookie quarterback, who threw three interceptions and had a critical fumble a week earlier against the Saints, took good care of the ball against the Dolphins. Sanchez connected on 12 of 24 attempts for 172 yards and a touchdown, and got into a comfortable rhythm with new target Braylon Edwards immediately, tossing him a 3-yard touchdown pass on the Jets' initial drive.
"I felt comfortable out there and wanted to be smart with the football," said Sanchez, who soaked up the Hispanic Heritage Night atmosphere. "I definitely was that, and we had our chances to make plays down the field. I thought we made a couple of great ones. Braylon was lights out, just unbelievable. I've never seen anyone catch the ball like that. We did miss some opportunities on offense. We're not thrilled with our performance and have a heck of a lot of work to do."
Nervous Nellie
Edwards was solid in his Jets' debut with 64 yards and a touchdown on five catches. He immediately injected life into the offense, giving the Jets a big-play threat with his 6-3, 215-pound frame.
But don't think the former Michigan standout didn't have more than a few butterflies flying around inside his stomach.
"I was excited," Edwards said. "I haven't been this nervous since my first start in college. So it was anxiety, nervousness a little bit. But once the whistle blows, it's football. It was fun."
Extra points
Thomas Jones' two rushing touchdowns marked the 10th time in his career that he had multiple touchdowns. His 42 yards on 13 carries gives him 8,086 in 10 seasons, moving him into 37th place all-time and past former Jet Freeman McNeil (8,084), Larry Csonka (8,081) and Stephen Davis (8,052).
