NFL

Jets will bench Sanchez if necessary

Rex Ryan admitted he thought about pulling quarterback Mark Sanchez from what became a 10-6 loss to the Dolphins last Sunday.

Ryan on Wednesday wouldn’t rule out benching Sanchez this week or in the future.

“If he really has struggled for whatever reason, would I make a move? Yes, if I thought it was the best thing for our team,” Ryan said.

The Jets head coach said any player not performing risks the same fate and did not anticipate having to yank his second-year QB.

“That’s with any player. There has been times when we’ve had to pull our starting corner out,” the coach said. “Maybe this wasn’t his day or maybe he needs to watch for a little bit. That’s really (the case) with anybody. I’ll always do what’s in the best interests of the football team.

“Do I think that’s a real possibility? I think Mark Sanchez is our quarterback.”

Sanchez addressed a possible benching on Wednesday.

“That’s always going to be Rex’s decision. It’s his prerogative. He says who the quarterback is,” he said. “As long as it’s me, I’m playing my heart out for the team and I think the guys know that.”

Sanchez has taken almost every snap this season, sitting only during garbage time in a blowout win over Buffalo. He is backed up by Mark Brunnell and Kellen Clemens.

“I go into the game with a positive attitude and I’m not thinking of getting pulled at any time,” Sanchez said. “I’m ready to play and if Rex makes a decision like that, we’ll all live with it.”

CBS analyst Phil Simms said Thursday the most important thing is for the Jets to restore Sanchez’s confidence.

“As I look at him, my first thought is, let’s make sure his confidence is high,” the former Giants star said. “Let’s not go by what he says or how he acts in practice. Let’s get him some confidence right away in the game.

“I know the coaches think about that, but the problem is they are up against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. It’s not the Steelers’ makeup to let quarterbacks get in rhythm or have great success against them, especially early. It’s going to be a rough week, a rough game and the quarterback has to manage it accordingly.”