NFL

Brunell: Sanchez won’t be brought in as starter

Former Jets quarterback and new ESPN analyst Mark Brunell compares Rex Ryan and Tom Coughlin, talks Geno Smith’s up-and-down season and explains what Jets have to do slow down Drew Brees and the Saints.

Q: You are one of the few who played under both Rex Ryan and Tom Coughlin. Similarities, differences?

A: As far as Rex and Tom, I would say they are on two ends of the spectrum in terms of personality. But they share the same convictions: Hard work, toughness, effort, the importance of team. They are both very good head coaches and with their different personalities they are very effective.

Q: Thoughts on Geno Smith through his first eight games?

A: He’s made some mistakes, but he’s done some very good things, too. What I like about him is that he’s very competitive and he wants to win. He’s done some things where at times he looks like a veteran out there. I’ve been impressed. He’s performed better than I think most people expected.

Q: You backed up Mark Sanchez. Do you expect him to start another game in the league?

A: I know Mark well. I consider him a friend and I will tell you this about Mark: He’s a hard-worker. Through this experience I think he’s going to do everything he can to get back on the field. I think what’s best for Mark Sanchez is to get a different opportunity, a fresh start. I don’t think there’s a team that will say come in and be our starter, but he’ll get an opportunity to compete. He can make all the throws, he’s competitive, he has had some phenomenal games in his Jets career.

Q: Do you think this game is more important to Rex Ryan because he’s going against his brother?

A: I remember Rex bringing up something in jest, sort of like a brother vs. brother thing when Rob was with the Browns. It wasn’t a focal point. He mentioned something that was kind of fun. I don’t remember it specifically, but it was kind of fun. But they’ve gone against each other so many times I don’t think it’s a really big deal for the team.

Q: What do the Jets have to do against Drew Brees?

A: I don’t know if you shut down Brees. From the Jets perspective you have to do your very best to get pressure on him because if he has time he is going to find an open receiver. That goes with Rex’s philosophy: Attack defense, get after the quarterback. It’s going to be an interesting matchup and one I expect to be closer than most people expect.