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- Adam ParkerCurrent New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is learning the Jets' new offense from one of the Jets' old quarterbacks -- Chad Pennington.
Sanchez met Pennington recently for a crash course in Tony Sparano's offense, ESPNNewYork.com confirmed. Pennington brought an old Miami Dolphins playbook and began teaching the system and terminology to Sanchez. The two quarterbacks met more than once for classroom-type sessions.
Sanchez reached out to Pennington because, under the new collective bargaining agreement, players aren't allowed to meet with their coaches and discuss football until April 16 -- the official start of the offseason program.
Sparano was hired Jan. 11 to replace offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Whether the whispers of Sanchez being replaced are true or not, the former USC star has decided to take some initiative instead of waiting around for three months.
Pennington, unceremoniously released by the Jets before the 2008 season, signed immediately with the Dolphins and directed Sparano's offense in 2008 and 2009, including a brilliant season in 2008 in which he led Miami to the AFC East title.
Pennington, 35, worked last season as an NFL game analyst for FOX Sports because of the uncertainty surrounding the lockout and because his major knee surgery had him considering retirement after a career mired by several shoulder injuries.
Sanchez lost the confidence of some of his teammates last year, with some of them citing that he felt 'entitled' and didn't want to put in the necessary work to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Well, Mark seems to have gotten the message loud and clear. He's no longer interested in being described as 'lazy' or 'complacent'. Instead, he's taking this opportunity to learn from Pennington and get ahead of the curve.
Interestingly enough, Pennington's former backup in Miami -- Chad Henne -- is on the Jets' free agent radar, according to sources. The Jets are looking for a veteran to back up and hopefully light a fire under Sanchez.
Obviously, Henne would be a fit because of familiarity with Sparano's system. If Sanchez struggles out of the gate, don't be surprised if Henne -- if he does end up as Jets' backup quarterback -- is asked to step in.
I think Sanchez might have finally gotten the memo that despite the Jets' great defense, New York's 'other team' will only go as far as the one some call "Sanchize" can carry them.
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