Mark Sanchez

Florham Park, NJ

Despite his recent struggles, quarterback Mark Sanchez expressed confidence that he will stay as the starter for the New York Jets amid calls for the coaching staff to replace him with backup Tim Tebow.

"I don't feel threatened to lose my job at all," Sanchez said. "It's no different, whether it's Tim or Mark (Brunell) or Kellen (Clemens). It doesn't change. I'm really not worried at all."

Sanchez, who had only two touchdowns in the Jets' last three games after throwing three scores in the opening game, is hard-pressed to prove his worth against the Houston Texans Monday.

The four-year playmaker, however, will have to work against the league's top-ranked defense without one of his favorite targets, injured wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who is out for season with Lisfranc injury to his left foot.

Sanchez will have to survive with Jeremy Kerley and Chaz Schilens, who will probably start for Holmes and rookie Stephen Hill, who is hounded with hamstring woes. Former Miami Dolphins Clyde Gates and journeyman Jason Hill are the reserves.

"I've been in situations like this before. I'm confident I can handle it, and there's only one way in my mind to go about it -- and that's really to attack it," said Sanchez, who has the lowest completion percentage in the league at 49.2.

"I don't worry about how hard it is. I just have to do it. We have to do it. We have to make it work," added Sanchez.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said he has no plan of replacing Sanchez with Tebow unless something drastic happens.

"Sure, no question, he's a good quarterback," Ryan said of Tebow. "You can't bluff your way in this league and have the success he's had. ... We're fortunate. We have two guys that have won five playoff games -- two young quarterbacks. I don't know if any other teams have that."

 

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