Bill Parcells says Mark Sanchez needs helping hands

Bill Parcells doesn't think Mark Sanchez can handle the offensive load all by himself at this point in his career.

Parcells, now an analyst with ESPN, used one of his trademark analogies -- which he may have gotten backward -- when describing why he feels that way about the Jets' third-year quarterback.

"Before you can drive a Ford, you have to be able to drive a Cadillac," the former Jets and Giants coach said yesterday on 1050 ESPN's "Mike Lupica Show."

"So if they get everything good around him, I think it will go well. Right now, I don't think he can take the team completely on his shoulders."

As for Sanchez's up-and-down showing in his two-plus seasons, Parcells said: "He's a developing player, just like all young quarterbacks. And there's going to be some good and some not so good. The good thing about Sanchez, he's acquired an awful lot of big-time game experience in his short time in the league. I think that will serve him well."

Sanchez, appearing on 1050's "The Michael Kay Show" yesterday, took Parcells' criticism in stride.

"I totally respect his opinion a lot," he said. "He knows, as a quarterback, I'm prepared each week to master that game plan, and handle everything the coaches are allowing me to do.

"I love our system, I love what is doing. We just need to convert a couple of third downs.

"I appreciate his insight. It does mean a lot."