Friday

The Daily Mark Sanchez to Canton Watch: 24 hours to glory

Mark Sanchez’s moment of glory has come. He takes the New York Jets into the playoffs, even if more than one critic is saying Gang Green is towing him as baggage. Sanchez will go against his idol and fellow USC Trojan Carson Palmer in a battle of greenhorn vs. Pro Bowler.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ defenders haven’t been shy about showing how lightly they regard the Jets’ rookie quarterback.

“We’ve got to stop them on first and second down and get them into third-and-long and force Sanchez to beat us. That’s the key to the game,” said defensive tackle Domata Peko. “I have a good feeling we will do that.”

How Sanchez reacts to such disrespectful comments will be one of the subplots of the game. If he tries to do too much, he could make one of the poor decisions that’s gotten him into such hot water with coaches, fans and the media. If he gets too fearful and shows he’s hesitant to throw beyond 15 yards, then the Jets will become a one-dimensional team.

Bengals coordinator Mike Zimmer has made it clear he’s going to swarm the line of scrimmage with up to nine of his 11 defenders. That will leave single coverage on the outside against cornerbacks Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. If Sanchez can hit a couple of big plays, the Jets can win the game. If he can’t, Palmer probably will find a way to get his team to the next round.

Sanchez says he’s improved. Now, it’s his time to show he’s an NFL quarterback not a pigskin caretaker who relies on his defense and running back to do the work.

AFC Wild-Card Game: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (NBC), point spread: Bengals by 3, over/under: 34.5. Read Jets-Bengals betting preview and see Super Bowl odds for both teams.
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*The DMSTCW forecasts Mark Sanchez will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2030 after an 18-year career during which he will accumulate: 111,186 passing yards (he was born on November 11, 1986); 6 Super Bowl championships (to go along with his uniform number); $1 billion in endorsements (including several deals involving teeth-whitening products); 11,550 panties (same numbers as the zip code of the Jets’ headquarters in Hempstead, New York, which incidentally, will be renamed Sanchezstead upon his retirement); enough pats on the behind from Fireman Ed to make him feel uncomfortable; and 1 kiss from Suzy Kolber (willingly given).