Rex Ryan 'leaning toward' Greg McElroy over Mark Sanchez as starter: Report
Jets head coach Rex Ryan is reportedly "leaning toward" starting Greg McElroy at quarterback over Mark Sanchez on Sunday. (Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is "leaning toward" giving Greg McElroy the start over Mark Sanchez on Sunday when the Jets take on the Jacksonville Jaguars, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported Monday night.
La Canfora reported that the debate between the Jets' coaching staff and front office centers more on Sanchez's value to the team. Based purely on football, he reported, most of the staff prefers McElroy at this point.
The staff has noted the improved pace and verve of the offense during McElroy's brief stint replacing starter Mark Sanchez and rallying the team for a win over Arizona. The players responded well to the novice passer in the huddle, and there was a renewed spirit from the moribund offense, which Sanchez continued to slump and turn the ball over.
One source suggested to La Canfora it was 65-35 in McElroy's favor but noted that Ryan still was set to meet with general manager Mike Tannenbaum about the issue tonight.
The Jets trailed the Arizona Cardinals 3-0 on Sunday when Ryan benched Sanchez, who had thrown three interceptions. McElroy led a 10-play, 69-yard drive that culminated in the eventual game-winning touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter.
Earlier Monday, Ryan said that he "needed a little more time" to decide which quarterback would start the team's next game at Jacksonville, but he said he would likely choose by Wednesday.
At 5-7, the Jets are two games behind both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals for the AFC's sixth and final playoff spot.
