For Sanchez, lower-body strength is key

Physically, this is the best Mark Sanchez has ever felt.

But the prospect of mastering a new offense – and the high expectations that come with it – is a heavy load for the Jets starting quarterback.

Sanchez thus far has impressed offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who raved about the quarterback’s diligence in the classroom, on the field, and in the weight room.

Sparano said Sanchez’s physical strength is “completely different” now, noting the quarterbacks’ increased lower body strength.

“To some of you, you say, ‘Lower body strength? He is a quarterback. Doesn’t he need arm strength?’ At the quarterback position, and a lot of quarterback gurus will tell you that, it is from here down and that is where you get your power,” Sparano said, motioning to his lower body. “That’s where you get your torque, that’s where you get all the things you need to throw the ball with the velocity that you want to throw it with. Right now, I have seen him make in practice, just about every throw that I need to see him make.”

Sanchez said his goal this offseason was to use heavier weights, more frequently, when focusing on his lower body.

“The intensity of it was really amped up,” he said, adding that he’ll try to continue the same regiment during the regular season – although it will be a lot harder. “I needed to put on a little weight – upper body, lower body strength.”

Sanchez – who’s up to 230 now – said the combination of the additional weight, his improving mechanics and Sparano’s tutelage will result in better passes.

The quarterback also said this is “easily” the strongest he’s felt physically in his Jets tenure.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I just feel good. I feel like I’m in good shape. I feel like the ball’s jumping out of my hand, and now it’s a matter of learning this offense to the best of my ability and really putting the team in a good spot. But physically, this has to be the best I’ve felt.”

Though Sanchez said his rookie year was the most nerve-racking, this upcoming season brings far different concerns. “Mentally – I think it’s tough to gauge, just because it’s a new offense,” he said. “…It’s almost like there’s not enough time to do it all.”

The quarterback recorded a career-high 26 touchdowns and 3,474 passing yards with a 56.7 completion percentage last year – but his 18 interceptions is the most critical stat, said Sanchez.

“I turned the ball over too much,” he said. “And as many good things as you do, turning the ball over – I mean, it doesn’t negate them – but it really does hurt he team. So the most important thing moving forward is taking care of the football, making good decisions. We cut down on a couple of those interceptions, we might be in the playoffs, so. That’s the way I look at it.”

“…We put ourselves in great positions. We were the No. 1 offense in the red zone, so sure – were there highlights from last season? Absolutely. There’s a whole boatload, a whole reel. But we just didn’t have enough down the stretch, and those turnovers really hurt us.”