FanPost

Sanchez will pass for 200+ yards against the Ravens

I've played competitive sports all my life. While I never played at the professional level, I've played against pros in basketball and football. One thing I always notice in both sports is if players don't respect another player, this would in fact initiate more aggressive play from the player with the lack of respect. Another way to put it is if a point guard with a suspect dribble was bringing up the ball, the player guarding him would look at this as an easy steal and would play this player more aggressive; even if this player normally don't play defense. Similarly, if a quarterback is not respected, most corners would play the quarterback's initial movement feeling the quarterback will telegraph an easy interception.  

Based on Sanchez preseason play, you would guess he fits the no respected quarterback profile. This may be true; and this is why Sanchez will have a pretty good game Monday against Baltimore. You see, Sanchez did not do any play-action, use any pump fakes, and/or do any misdirection plays during the preseason. If Baltimore wants to play overly aggressive because they feel Sanchez will hand deliver a pick, then the pump fake will put Braylon or JC behind their corners. The key is the line giving him time, or Sanchez buying himself some time to make the down the field throws. 

While Baltimore played good preseason defense, they actually had issues stopping the run. Maybe this is due to the vanilla schemes used during the preseason, the age of their linebacker core, or the injury to mount Cody. The point is, if the Jets have success running the ball, it will open up chances for Sanchez to go down the field with the ball. With that said, ground and pound should not take effect until late third early fourth quarter with the Jets in the lead.  

I'm surprise Sanchez don't get enough credit for being able to throw on the run. I don't know his completion percentage when he's out of the pocket (feel free to look it up if you choose), but i feel it has to be pretty decent. Naked bootlegs, misdirection quarterback keepers should open some underneath throws, maybe some down the field throws. Lets not forget, he also now have LDT to catch the ball out of the backfield. The Jets have to throw the ball early and at times often to keep the Ravens honest. 

There you have it. Preseason withstanding, Sanchez has to improve and open up the passing game, if the Jets expect to win this game as well as the rest of the season against good/great teams like the Ravens. While I have my doubts on Sanchez ability to play at a high level, if the Ravens don't show Sanchez no respect and play eight in the box or go for his pump fakes, then Sanchez will have a good passing day against the Ravens.

Of course there is other factors to beating the Ravens, but Sanchez is the key. 

This is a FanPost written by a registered member of this site. The views expressed here are those of the author alone and not those of anybody affiliated with Gang Green Nation or SB Nation.