Sanchez: Check Downs, Short Routes Are a Luxury

by David_Wyatt on Aug 20, 2010 11:22 AM EDT

An interesting article from the Daily News today talks about Sanchez and his maturation in checking down and letting his receivers do some of the work

"Sometimes you just have to say 'uncle.' Dump it to your back, and see what they got," Sanchez said of his learning process. "It's a tremendous luxury."
"Even the dump-offs or quick outs can grow into long gains, especially with guys like Santonio out there," Schottenheimer said.

It's an interesting read because it also notes that the Jets have researched the top offences of the last 6 years, finding that the average passes caught from the backfield of those offences is 35.

A question that a lot of people ask especially rival fans, is why get rid of Thomas Jones for LDT, and the answer is right here. He is an excellent receiver from the backfield, and offering Sanchez that check down will be vital in his development this year. Sanchez seems to be learning that he doesn't have to throw it 60 yards to have a 60 yard play. Let your receivers do their work, and he's noticing the value of LDT

You just give him a chance and space, it really gives you the opportunity to convert on drives, to get a great third-down percentage and help your completion percentage."

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The checkdown was the most glaring thing missing from Sanchez’s game last year. I hope he follows through. With all our WR talent, there should be lots of room underneath.

by NJHockey8 on Aug 20, 2010 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Kind of ironic that we’re receptive to the checkdown option after all those years of nothing but checkdown throws (see Chad Pennington). Totally agree that LD’s role here is to provide that safety valve, in an effort to improve on Sanchez’s primary liability which is forcing passes into coverage.

That said, if LD reels of a 60 yd run as the article suggests at any point in any game this year, I’ll eat my shoe.

by nationalist88 on Aug 20, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

True

Well checkdown I think was lacking once Leon Washington got hurt because TJ and Shone Greene weren’t real assets catching out the backfield. But with LT that’ll definetly change. Also he appears to have a bit of the burst he’s always been known for. Doubters beware. J JETS! JETS! JETS!

by jets880 on Aug 20, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Sanchez but, I think he's trying hard to be a perfectionist

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be the best at your craft. Just watching how he reacted to the interception on Monday; the coaches were telling him to let it go, but he could not let it go. He reminds me of me. The problem is he will has 52 teammates as well as coaches needing him to let it go. I like how he bounce back and drove the team down field. Maybe I’m asking too much expecting a 23 year old to grow up overnight, however, if the Jets expect to obtain their lofty goals, He has to understand not to lock on one receiver and mistakes will happen, don’t let them linger in your head.

by BIG OH!!!!! on Aug 20, 2010 12:57 PM EDT reply actions