Jets’ Rex Ryan stands by Sanchez as starting quarterback

Florham Park, NJ, United States (4E Sports) – New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has decided to stick with Mark Sanchez as the team’s starting quarterback, saying he gives the team the best chance to win.

Sanchez’s starting job has been put in the spotlight and clamor from fans for Tim Tebow to start grew louder after the Jets suffered an embarrassing 30-9 home loss to the Miami Dolphins that dropped them to 3-5.

Ryan said he will use the bye week to find ways to improve the team, including means to expand the role of reserve quarterback Tim Tebow in the Jets’ offense but reiterated his confidence in Sanchez as starter.

“I think Mark gives us the best chance to win, that’s how I feel,” Ryan said. “Can Tim be successful? Yeah, absolutely, and we need to take a look at that as well. But in my opinion, Mark as the starting quarterback gives my football team the best chance to win.”

Tebow played in just five offensive snaps in Sunday’s loss, touching the ball only once. In eight games, the reserve quarterback has been used in 60 offensive snaps.

Ryan said the coaches will study Tebow’s role in the coming days.

“I definitely think that’s a fair statement,” Ryan said. “I think we’ll take a hard look at how we’re using him, what we’re asking him to do and if there are other things we can ask him to do with him. You’re absolutely right, we’ll definitely look at that.”

Primarily used in the Wildcat formation of offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, Tebow is the fourth-leading rusher on the team with 78 yards on 23 carries but has attempted only two passes as a quarterback, completing one.

The Jets return to action Nov. 11 against the Seattle Seahawks followed by another road game with the St. Louis Rams.

Ryan said the team will not conduct any practice, expecting a rejuvenated team to return next Monday.

“We need to start playing a ton better. Obviously, our players know that. That’s the only thing we can hang our hat on. If we don’t play better, you can forget about everything. We need to come back with that mentality,” he said.

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