For Mark Sanchez, the feeling was new.
Sanchez was armed with a clipboard instead of a football for yesterday’s 27-17 loss to the Chargers, the first time in his career he was healthy and not starting.
“It felt like a preseason game or something,” Sanchez said. “It just didn’t feel right.”
After months of talk about whether Sanchez or Tim Tebow should start for the Jets, both of them watched Greg McElroy from the sideline.
Sanchez would not address his future after the game, but made it clear he does not see himself as a long-term backup.
“I feel like I’m a starting quarterback in the NFL,” Sanchez said. “I know I’ve done it at the highest level in the greatest kind of pressure and scrutiny — playoffs, postseason, regular season. I know I can do it. I just wished I would’ve played a little better.”
Sanchez will have to wait until next year to even have a chance to start again. After the game, Jets coach Rex Ryan said he is sticking with McElroy next week.
“That’s coach’s call, you respect the call, just wish things were different and I obviously disagree,” Sanchez said.
* Wide receiver Braylon Edwards played his first game in front of Jets fans in two years. He had three catches for 36 yards.
“Jets fans have been very supportive of me, even when I wasn’t here,” Edwards said. “When I was in San [Francisco], they reached out to me on Twitter and when I was in Seattle. Obviously, coming back they gave me a lot of energy and a boost out there. I was definitely glad to be back. I wish it could have been [with a win]. It kind of stings.”
* RB Shonn Greene needed 49 yards to break the 1,000-yard mark but fell short. He finished with just 38 yards on 14 carries. He did have two touchdowns. He had 0 yards in the second half. … LB Bryan Thomas denied a report he is contemplating retirement. “I’m not retiring,” he said. “I have not thought about retiring.” … WR Chaz Schilens left the game with a knee injury in the fourth quarter. After the game, he said it was not serious.