Namath: 'Sanchez Impressive...Still Has Work To Do'

by David_Wyatt on Sep 23, 2009 10:26 AM EDT

On opening day in Houston a lot was made my the media of the presence of the great Joe Namath. The fact that he gave Mark Sanchez a motivational talk just before coming into the game. Regardless of whether Sanchez wants to be compared to Namath, it's inevitably going to happen, he has the ability, the looks, the charisma, however I just can't see Sanchez coming out and saying something like:

I like my Johnny Walker red and my women blonde

Tim Bontemps of the NY Post caught up with Namath to ask him about his innitial opinion of Sanchez, post the Texans and Patriots games. While he had a glowing reference, the message was clear, this is two games don't get carried away, you still have to prove yourself.

"He impressed me for the first time when I saw him against the Giants in the first series," Namath said. "He showed some things there that were outstanding, and he has these last two games."

"I’m pulling for him, I promise you, I’m pulling for the Jets. Everything that I’ve heard from people close to the scene — players, coaches — they’re impressed with him. I was taken by his excitement. He was really fired up. That’s what I was taken by, his youthfulness, his excitement."

"But again, talking with Rex and talking with some players, the guy is working, and if the players know what kind of player you are, it seems like Mark has had some good training. There’s only been two guys in recent history that have been successful at his size — Drew Brees and Jeff Garcia," he said. "So, you know, Drew Brees is a special animal, Garcia is a special animal, and Mark’s still got to prove it ... He’s got to prove he can survive ... survival is a major key, and it’s gonna be tough."

Over the past week we have heard comparisons from several different media sources, he looks like Joe Namath, he moves like Dan Marino, he has the characteristics of Joe Montana. For me, why don't we just let him be Mark Sanchez.

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From A Giants Fan

I’m certainly pulling for him. And the Jets in general. Although the Giants are my team I still root for the Jets as well. I’m hoping that a “cross town” (which is funny since both teams play in the same stadium, I know) rivalry develops between the Jets and G-men.

Between the signing of Rex Ryan as the HC and the drafting of Sanchez things are looking very positive for the Jets. They just need to keep adding more pieces.

by John W on Sep 23, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

Sanchez has an inch on Garcia and 2 inches on Brees

but it’s okay I guess, we don’t need facts. I love Namath, so don’t take this the wrong way, but since when is he an analyst? He was really good at football, but his life was a mess, he was an alcoholic, he had a lot of issues. Obviously he has to prove himself, but to say there have been no QB’s in recent memory to be succesful at 6’2? Seriously?

The aforementioned Brees and Garcia, Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner, Jake Delhomme, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre are all listed at 6’2 or under. Guys less then an inch taller then Sanchez include Jay Cutler, Chad Pennington, Trent Green, Mark Bulger are all guys who have had succesful careers at 6’3 or under, most at 6’2 or under. So yeah, it would be nice if Sanchie were 6’5. He isn’t, so lets not start making stuff up that isn’t true Mr. Namath.

"It's like the old phrase goes.....The balls in your court now Mr.Church, so you take that ball, you dribble it up the court and....................................... get a layup"
- Keith Hernandez

by nrmax88 on Sep 23, 2009 6:02 PM EDT reply actions