First off, I'd like to congratulate the 2010-11 New York Jets for gaining a postseason berth!
As a result, HC Rex Ryan becomes only the second head coach in Jets' history to reach the playoffs in his first two years at the helm.
Unfortunately, QB Mark Sanchez suffered shoulder cartilage damage after the Jets' win in Heinz Field last weekend. He made the decision to play on Sunday, and fared well, completing 27 of 39 passes for 269 yards (one touchdown).
Regarding his status for this Sunday's upcoming game with the Buffalo Bills, ESPN New York's Rich Cimini is reporting Sanchez said he felt "pretty sore" after today's game. Furthermore, Cimini said a source confirmed that the quarterback has cartilage damage in his right (throwing) shoulder.
As a result, QB Mark Brunell is expected to start in next Sunday's game.
"This isn't my 18th year, so I need as many reps as possible," Sanchez said. "With the situation we're in now, with my shoulder, we want to see how it responds to the game. We'll take it day to day. I'm with Coach. Whatever he thinks is best for me and the team, we'll handle it like that."
My Take:
This news is unfortunate, as I had previously hoped Sanchez would start next week. Even with the Jets gaining a postseason berth today, I was hoping Sanchez would leave the game healthy enough to start Vs. Buffalo. Normally I would say you should rest your quarterback in Week 17, but this situation is the exception to the rule.
The reason being, is that Jets are 0-3 this season in games that they've come off extended rest to play in (Baltimore, Green Bay, New England). I would also like to see the Jets enter the postseason with momentum, just like last season when they blew the doors off Cincinnati to gain a ticket to the postseason.
In those games, Sanchez got out to very sluggish starts and the offense was out of sync as a result. HOWEVER, if the shoulder is indeed sore, I think you have to rest him going into the postseason.
So what do you think head coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, should do, GGN?