by Fitzgerald Cecilio

New York, NY

New York Jets veteran center Nick Mangold feels Mark Sanchez gives the New York Jets the best chance to win and hope he gets the nod over rookie Geno Smith for the starting job.

His endorsement comes after another Jets veteran, receiver Santonio Holmes, also said he favors Sanchez to start for the team.

Mangold, who is close friends with Sanchez, believes most of his teammates feel the same way.

"I haven't walked around with a pen and paper and taken a poll, but from the feeling I get, the locker room wants to win. Whoever gives us the best chance to do that, we want out there -- and at this point, Mark gives us that best chance," said Mangold.

But he admits that Smith is coming along.

Mangold describes Sanchez as a "fantastic quarterback" who has shown "some good flashes in the spring" in new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's system and is now commanding the offense the way he should be.

"We'll see how training camp plays out, but either way, the competition will make him a better player," said Mangold.

The Jets have a different roster with the departure of several veterans, including those on the offensive line. Mangold said the Jets' youth isn't necessarily a detriment.

"We're a young team, but I think we're a hungry team," he said. "That can be a dangerous combination where hopefully we can use that to our advantage and do some good things this year."

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"Jets Veterans Want Mark Sanchez to Start at Quarterback