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Rex Ryan has named his starting quarterback for the first preseason game against the Lions. It is Mark Sanchez.
Rex Ryan announced Tuesday that Sanchez will start the Jets' preseason opener on Friday against the Detroit Lions
Is this an indication of Sanchez taking the lead in the quarterback competition? Not really. The last time the Jets had a competition for the starting quarterback job was 2009. Kellen Clemens started the first preseason game over then rookie Mark Sanchez mainly as a nominal veteran courtesy.
It sounds like both quarterbacks might get equal time with the first team.
Rex Ryan suggests Jets offensive starters will be on field longer than a typical first preseason game so Sanchez and Geno get starter reps
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) August 6, 2013
In preseason the biggest effect of giving your best extra time is increasing the risk for injury, but this is a case where that risk is probably necessary. The Jets need to get as full of an evaluation as they can.