NFL

Former Raiders QB Gannon mentors Jets’ Sanchez

Rich Gannon was willing to help and Mark Sanchez was willing to learn.

It was a perfect combination, a two-day date back in the spring, when Gannon, the former NFL quarterback whose accomplishments include multiple Pro Bowls, a league MVP and a Super Bowl, did some private tutoring of the Jets second-year quarterback.

The get together was arranged by Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who knew Gannon from their time together in Kansas City.

Because one of Sanchez’s most impressive traits is his willingness to be coached and his desire to improve, he embraced the idea.

Sanchez said he was grateful for the knowledge Gannon brought to him, calling the experience “invaluable.”

It didn’t take Gannon long before he realized just how committed Sanchez is to being great.

“We met until 8:30 or 9 on a Monday night and I asked him, ‘When do you want to come in tomorrow morning?’ He said, ‘How about 6 a.m.?’ ” Gannon told The Post. “This guy has got a chance to be really good. He’s a smart guy, can handle everything and his upside is pretty big.

“He’s got all the things you’re looking for in a quarterback,” Gannon went on. “He’s got that it factor. He’s sharp, passionate about it, loves to be challenged, loves to be coached. This is a pretty good situation the Jets have with this guy.”

Before meeting with Sanchez, Gannon did a comprehensive “diagnosis” of tapes from 2009 and he picked out several areas for improvement.

* The first was a call for more detailed organization and preparation leading up to games.

Schottenheimer called Gannon “legendary” for his game preparation and wanted him to impart that to Sanchez, who needed some help with his organization and preparation.

“It’s pretty standard with young players to be overwhelmed with the schedule and everything else that goes on,” Gannon said. “I spent lot of time talking to him about what should happen during the week so that by the time the game gets there he’s totally prepared.”

* The perfect combination: Completion percentage and no interceptions.

“He was at 53 percent [53.8] last year and I told him that number needs to get to 63 percent this year,” Gannon said. “I told him he should have two simple goals each game — zero interceptions and a 70-percent completion percentage. You do those two things and, with that Jets defense and their ability to run the football, they’re going to win a lot of football games.”

Gannon noted that 12 of Sanchez’ 20 interceptions came when he was throwing in the direction of Braylon Edwards.

“That should never happen,” he said. “Communication is the key.”

* Third-down passing.

“He was dead last in the AFC in third-down passing last year,” Gannon said. “I said to Mark, “First and second in that category was Manning and Brady. Maybe you’ve heard of those guys.’ ”

* Fourth-quarter passing.

“He was dead last in the AFC in that area,” Gannon said. “Critical drives late in games and the ability to convert come plays and keep the chains moving and be efficient are difference between winning and losing whether you’re trying to hold a lead or come back.”

* Location, location, location.

“One thing I really stressed is that the difference between leading a running back or tight end on his front shoulder in stride and throwing it a little behind them might be the difference between a five or six-yard gain and one that goes for 30 yards and a touchdown,” he said.

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com