NFL

Sanchez: Jets fed Tebowmania

Mark Sanchez publicly always has said the right things about the Jets’ acquisition of Tim Tebow last year. But he gave a little window into how he really feels in an interview on a Los Angeles radio station this week.

Sanchez hinted the Jets were to blame for stoking the Tebowmania fire that became a season-long distraction last year.

“I just don’t know if it was the best situation for either of us, but you play with the cards you are dealt with and do the very best you can,” Sanchez said of the media spotlight on the two quarterbacks last year.

Then, Sanchez placed some blame on the Jets.

“Well, I think part of that, too, is ESPN didn’t necessarily sneak in overnight at our training camp,” Sanchez said of the network’s round-the-clock coverage in Cortland last year. “They had to get permission to go. You can avoid that stuff on your own if you like, in my opinion, but he’s a popular guy and people gravitate towards the guy. He’s a special person and a heck of a competitor, so people want to know what’s going on, but that’s all I got on that.”

Sanchez said there are no problems between he and Tebow, who remains on the roster despite the fact the Jets have no plans on keeping him for the season.

“It’s cool. We’re good,” Sanchez said. “He’s a nice guy. He works hard and that’s good. It’s honestly, after the shock of the whole thing, was something you were going to have to deal with. I’m dealing with it the best way I can and trying to stay positive about the whole thing and I think it’s not on my mind. I’m concerned right now with learning a new system and being the best quarterback I can be, and hopefully that helps the team.”

Sanchez, fighting for the starting job with David Garrard, believes in the team.

“I am confident in Rex [Ryan],” Sanchez added. “I know he’s going to get the best out of our team. I know [new general manager] Mr. John Idzik is going to make the right decisions come this draft and try and help this ball club, so I’m really positive and optimistic about the direction we’re heading.“And it’s up to us to eliminate outside distractions, whether it’s about Tebow in the media or just anyone on the outside or anybody’s expectations and really just focusing on us and really trying to get the best of each other.That’s really what it’s about.”

Showalter rips back at Ryan

Orioles manager Buck Showalter has some advice for Jets coach Rex Ryan: Mind your own business and worry about your own team.

Ryan suggested the Orioles should have played on the road on Sept. 5 so the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens could open at home instead of playing at Denver.

Ryan said Thursday, “You’ve got 81 at home, maybe you could have done the right thing and given one up.”

Showalter yesterday said of Ryan: “I’d be a little more concerned about Nov. 24 when the Jets come here and try to figure out a way to beat the Ravens. I try to stay out of things I don’t know about.I would stay in what is my area of supposed expertise.”