Rex Ryan: Mark Sanchez will start over Geno Smith in preseason opener vs. Lions

Rex Ryan confirmed Tuesday that Mark Sanchez will start at QB for the preseason opener Friday against the Lions. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

In an expected move, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Mark Sanchez will start at quarterback on Friday for the team's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions.  The news was announced via the Jets' Twitter page during a press conference with Ryan.

Ryan said he also wants rookie QB Geno Smith to get time with the first team, but will decide how much to play Smith once he sees the game plan unfold from Lions head coach Jim Schwartz. The first-year player out of West Virginia University could potentially get the nod to start for the Jets' second preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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As reported by Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, the player who starts Aug. 24 against the New York Giants will likely be the starting QB for the Jets when the team kicks off its regular season Sept. 8 in a Week 1 matchup playing host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  In July, Sanchez, who is 33-29 as a starter in his four seasons, had commented on the competition with Smith to start at quarterback, saying, "I'm going to win. That’s just how I am."