When the Jets traded for Tim Tebow, they insisted he would be Mark Sanchez’s backup. That hasn’t stopped fans and media members from speculating if and when Tebow will take over the starting job.

ESPN analysts Stephen A. Smith and Chris Carter spent a large portion of Thursday’s “SportsCenter” debating who should take snaps for the Jets, even though the 2012 Season doesn’t start for another four months.

Tebow has impressed a lot of people at Jets camp, and his new teammates have said a lot of kind words about him. Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis praised Tebow when speaking with the media.

“He’s a born leader,” Revis said. “Very few athletes have the gift he has. He tries to lead by example all the time.”

Despite all the kind words being said about Tebow, Sanchez will almost certainly begin the season under center for New York. He signed a contract extension in March, and led Gang Green to the AFC Championship game in his first two seasons in the NFL.

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The Jets have also stated countless times that they acquired Tebow to backup Sanchez, and play in the Wildcat offense. The Jets traded a fourth and sixth round draft pick for Tebow and a Broncos seventh round selection.

New York would have a lot of egg on their face if Sanchez began the 2012 Season on the bench.

But who deserves to start for the Jets?

Both Tebow and Sanchez have somewhat similar resumes. The quarterbacks have a reputation for winning games while putting up subpar stats.

In 2009 and 2010, Sanchez and the Jets came one game away from reaching the Super Bowl. The quarterback got credit for helping his team win games, but threw four more interceptions than touchdowns during that time.

Sanchez was better last season, completing 26 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, but the Jets failed to make the postseason.

Tebow is the ultimate example of a player whose impact can’t be measured by stats.

He turned Denver’s season around in 2011 when he took over as the starter, and led them to a division title and a playoff win. The former Bronco did this while posting the worst completion percentage of any starting quarterback in the league.

Sanchez has been a winner with the Jets, but many in the organization reportedly don’t think he has what it takes to lead the Jets to the Promised Land.

If New York truly doesn’t believe Sanchez has what it takes to get to the next level, Tebow may eventually get his shot to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke.

It’s Sanchez’s job to lose, but it might not take much for him to lose it.

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The New York Jets backfield combination of LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene lacked the explosive power and game-breaking runs that fans were accustomed to seeing under Rex Ryan’s first two years as head coach. Gang Green’s ground and pound attack would receive a much needed shot in the arm by drafting Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Richardson is projected to go as a top-5 pick in many mock drafts and with the Jets slated to pick at No. 16, they would have to exchange multiple draft picks in order to secure the Crimson Tide star.

The Jets are no strangers to making a big draft day splash. In 2007, Gang Green made a draft day trade with Carolina to move up 11 spots (from No. 25 to No. 14) in order to draft what turned out to be a three-time all-pro cornerback, Darrelle Revis. In 2009, they pulled off another blockbuster draft day trade, this time with Cleveland. New York moved up from No. 17 to No. 5 in order to draft their current starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez.

With Indianapolis and Washington confirming Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III respectively as the draft’s top two picks, this leaves the Jets in a difficult situation. It’s highly unlikely that Minnesota would trade their No. 3 pick as they are in dire need of USC’s offensive tackle Matt Kalil to protect their young quarterback, Christian Ponder.

Cleveland has the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft and the Jets are hoping that they can strike gold twice and pull off another trade to move up, especially with Cleveland’s history of trading away top picks. Last year’s rushing tandem of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson saw the Jets fall amongst the bottom tier teams in rushing yards, ranking 22nd in both total rushing yards and rushing yards per game. Still, Greene had solid numbers last year, racking up over 1,000 yards.

Many speculate that a deal with Cleveland to move up to No. 4 would require the Jets to give up at least two future draft picks. The deal that the Atlanta Falcons made in last year’s draft with Cleveland has become an effective formula for moving up in the first round draft order. The Falcons sent picks No. 27, No. 59, and No. 124 as well as this year’s first-round and fourth-round picks to Cleveland to move up to No. 6 and draft receiver Julio Jones.

Cleveland would likely expect the same type of deal for this year’s No. 5 overall pick. Any deal with the Browns would possibly involve Greene, Bilal Powell or Joe McKnight on the move as Cleveland is in need of reinforcements at the running back position. With Richardson’s superstar potential, this might be a risk that the Jets are willing to take.

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The New York Jets wanted the back page and assured themselves of it by swapping fourth and sixth-round picks for Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and a seventh-round pick Wednesday night.

Preposterous as it may sound, Tebow will soon join forces with Jets head coach Rex Ryan, quarterback Mark Sanchez, receiver Santonio Holmes and defensive back Antonio “We don’t need Tebow” Cromartie.

There was, needless to say, nonstop criticism of the move because it hardly guarantees Gang Green any degree of success on the football field. Not to mention Sanchez and how confused and insulted he may feel behind this trade, which came on the heels of the Jets‘ unrequited overtures to Peyton Manning before he signed with Denver for five years, $96 million.

Noted voices on New York sports talk radio panned the transaction several hours prior to its completion as little more than a desperate publicity stunt.

“On the field, [the Jets] are a three-ring circus,” WFAN’s Mike Francesa, visibly incredulous, said during his opening monologue on Wednesday.

“Never in my wildest dreams that I believe that [the Jets] would be so flagrantly about becoming a sideshow,” said an enraged Stephen A. Smith on ESPN Radio shortly after receiving word of the trade.

Yes, this experiment has a great chance of blowing up like a mom-and-pop meth lab, but Tebowmania is coming to New York City, and those quoted just now–as well as many of their peers–are benefiting from the surge in passionate dialogue the acquisition of Tebow has caused.

Frankly, trading for Tebow has as much to do (perhaps more so) with the Jets’ bottom line and avarice for attention as it does with what he brings as a football player–specifically to offensive coordinator Tony Spanaro’s Wildcat offense. Having said that, this move shouldn’t make them much worse than 8-8, their record last season. As for Sanchez, if he is indeed a franchise QB in the making, he needn’t feel too insecure by Tebow’s presence.

Tebow was done in Denver the moment Manning signed there, but nobody could have envisioned him being shipped to the Big Apple. Forget the NCAA Tournament; this is “March Madness.”

Peyton Manning’s tearful farewell speech to the Indianapolis Colts Wednesday, sent the Gang Green faithful into a frenzy on how to lure Eli Manning’s big brother to the Big Apple.

The chance of doubling Manning power in New York had Jets fans dreaming of the day they wouldn’t have to play second fiddle to the Giants and their two-time Super Bowl MVP.

Paralegal Ron Rouillard offered a brief to support the move.

“If he came to the New York Jets, they’d be instant title contenders,” said Rouillard, 35, a Jets fan from Queens.

“Having the two Manning brothers playing for the two New York teams would be exciting,” Rouillard said. “You’d see mom and dad in the crowds — not knowing which son to root for.”

After spending 14 seasons as Indy’s quarterback, the rebuilding, salary-cap strapped Colts officially cut Peyton Manning loose rather than pay him a $28 million bonus to keep him.

The four-time NFL MVP plans to continue his gridiron career elsewhere, but at age 35 he’s coming off neck surgery that sidelined him all of last season.

“I don’t want to retire. No, I don’t feel like I have anything to prove,” Manning said. “Nobody loves their job more than I do. Nobody loves playing quarterback more than I do and I still wanna play.”

Such determination has Alex Martinez, 24, of Brooklyn wishing the Jets would take the ball out of signal caller Mark Sanchez’s hands and give it to Manning.

“If he was to come to the Jets, that would be huge,” Martinez said. “We might get a Super Bowl ring in 2013 if we were able to acquire Peyton Manning’s skills.”

It wouldn’t be the first time siblings have battled each other for the hearts of New York sports fans.

Tennis-playing twins Serena and Venus Williams have gone head-to-head at the U.S. Open. And while brothers John and Patrick McEnroe have never won a U.S. Open double title together, Mike and Bob Bryan have won three.

Even fans of the reigning Super Bowl champs were pulling for an only-in-New York Manning vs. Manning match up.

“I definitely want to see him come to the Jets to create a brother versus brother rivalry amongst the two New York teams,” said Forest Hills florist and Giants fanatic Jim Hart, 46.

“It would motivate and get the fans excited — even players,” Hart said. “I’d like to see the Jets get him to improve their team.”

The internal rumblings are there. Signs are pointing to the end of Mark Sanchez’s reign as starting quarterback for the New York Jets. 2012 could be Mark’s last season as a Gang Green starter. Publicly, the Jets are supportive of their quarterback, but current activity by the front office tells a different story.

The front office speaks

NBC Sports Talk reports the Jet’s general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, feels that Mark Sanchez did not show enough improvement during the 2011 season. Expect Sanchez to be working under a microscope in 2012. He must have the backing of the front office to remain a Jet. Without Tannenbaum’s backing—Sanchez’s days as a Jet’s starter are numbered.

Pro Football Talk quotes Rex Ryan at the Combine as saying, “will look at any possibility that’s out there at quarterback.” Is New York’s love affair with Mark Sanchez over?

Aaron Maybin up for original round tender

In my opinion, this is a huge mistake. Offering up Maybin for 1.3 million in exchange for a first-round draft pick leads me to believe that New York is going after a new quarterback. While the Jets probably will not come out of the draft with Andrew Luck, there are many other talented quarterbacks available that the Jets could grab in the first-round. Putting up Maybin means that they have their eye on someone. It makes sense that New York would go after another quarterback, because this position currently lacks depth.

Mark Sanchez

Quarterback Mark Sanchez has been with the New York Jets since the 2009 season. In 2011, he had 26 touchdown passes, 18 interceptions, threw for 3,474 yards and has a rating of 78.2 percent. Sanchez also fumbled the ball 10 times and lost eight of those fumbles. He was sacked 39 times in 2011.

Expect Mark Sanchez to be the starter in 2012. His only competition right now is Greg McElroy—who sat out the entire 2011 season with an injury. Actions by the front office are pointing to bringing in a new quarterback. After the 2012 season, look for an new face at the Jet’s quarterback position.

More from the Yahoo! Contributor Network

New York Jets Bill Callahan Heads to Dallas Cowboys: A Fan’s Perspective

Former Jets DT Kris Jenkins Says Sanchez Needs to Grow a Pair: A Fan’s View

Could Peyton Manning go to New York: A Fan’s Opinion

Jets Brian Schottenheimer Heading to Jacksonville: A fan’s reaction

Benching Santonio Holmes was the Right Decision: A fan’s view

Lynda Altman grew up just outside of New York City. She has been a Jets fan all of her life. You can contact her @LdyJetsFan on Twitter.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

Read More: Jim Leonhard (S – NYJ), New York Jets

New York Jets safety Jim Leonhard took to Twitter earlier today to update his progress on his rehab on his injured knee. He also said that he wanted a new contract.

The veteran safety is an unrestricted free agent. At the very end of 2011, Leonhard said he was certain he would make a full recovery for the 2012 season from the torn patellar tendon which ended his season.

He also said

“I’m 100 percent confident that I’m going to be playing football somewhere next year,” Leonhard said. “Obviously with the history here, you’d like it to be here, but you never know.” (via NY Post)

For more Jets free agency rumors and chatter, visit our StoryStream. We also have another StoryStream for other Jets offseason news, or you can visit the blog Gang Green Nation for additional Jets news and analysis.

Read More: New York Jets

In SB Nation’s latest 2012 NFL Mock draft, Ryan Van Bibber selected Melvin Ingram as the No. 16 pick for the New York Jets.

16. New York Jets, Melvin Ingram, OLB/DE, South Carolina

This is a strange year for pass rushers. Every player with the skill to pressure quarterbacks brings more questions than answers. Ingram answered some of those questions at the Senior Bowl. He can continue to do so at the Combine. The Jets could go another direction here if the available pass rushers fail to impress.

Ingram, a 6-foot-2, 276-pound defensive end and outside linebacker from South Carolina, is viewed as one of the premier pass rushers available in April’s NFL Draft. The National Football Post rates Ingram as the draft’s No. 24 prospect, calling his technique raw but hailing his “suddenness, length and natural feel for the game.”

Ingram finished the 2011 season with 10.0 sacks, 48 tackles and 15.0 tackles for loss. In October, Mocking The Draft wrote a feature about Ingram’s dominance after he finished a game against Auburn with 11 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

For more news and updates on the New York Jets be sure to visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York. For more mock draft information, check out Mocking The Draft.

AFC EAST
New England Patriots
	   Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
	   Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
New York Jets
	   Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
	   Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
Miami Dolphins
	   Home: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
	   Away: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
Buffalo Bills
	   Home: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
	   Away: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
	   Home: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
	   Away: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers
	   Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
	   Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
Cincinnati Bengals
	   Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
	   Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Cleveland Browns
	   Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
	   Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
	   Home: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
	   Away: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
Tennessee Titans
	   Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
	   Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
Jacksonville Jaguars
	   Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
	   Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts
	   Home: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
	   Away: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
	   Home: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   Away: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
San Diego Chargers
	   Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
	   Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders
	   Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
Kansas City Chiefs
	   Home: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
	   Away: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   -- -- -- =
NFC EAST
New York Giants
	   Home: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
	   Away: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
Philadelphia Eagles
	   Home: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
	   Away: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dallas Cowboys
	   Home: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
	   Away: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
Washington Redskins
	   Home: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
	   Away: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers
	   Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
	   Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions
	   Home: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
	   Away: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Chicago Bears
	   Home: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
	   Away: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Minnesota Vikings
	   Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
	   Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints
	   Home: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
	   Away: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
Atlanta Falcons
	   Home: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
	   Away: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
Carolina Panthers
	   Home: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
	   Away: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   Home: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
	   Away: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
	   Home: Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
	   Away: Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Arizona Cardinals
	   Home: St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
	   Away: St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Seattle Seahawks
	   Home: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, New York Jets
	   Away: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
St. Louis Rams
	   Home: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, New York Jets
	   Away: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins

Pro Bowl rosters

AFC Offense

Wide Receivers — s-Wes Welker, New England; s-Mike Wallace, Steelers; A.J. Green, Cincinnati; Brandon Marshall, Miami.

Tackles — s-Joe Thomas, Cleveland; s-Jake Long, Miami; D’Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets.

Guards — s-Logan Mankins, New England; s-Brian Waters, New England; Marshal Yanda, Baltimore.

Centers — s-Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers; Nick Mangold, New York Jets.

Tight Ends — s-Rob Gronkowski, New England; Antonio Gates, San Diego.

Quarterbacks — s-Tom Brady, New England; Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers; Philip Rivers, San Diego.

Running Backs — s-Ray Rice, Baltimore; Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville; Arian Foster, Houston.

Fullback — s-Vonta Leach, Baltimore.

Defense

Ends — s-Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis; s-Andre Carter, New England; Elvis Dumervil, Denver.

Interior Linemen — s-Haloti Ngata, Baltimore; s-Vince Wilfork, New England; Richard Seymour, Oakland.

Outside Linebackers — s-Terrell Suggs, Baltimore; s-Von Miller, Denver; Tamba Hali, Kansas City.

Inside/Middle Linebackers — s-Ray Lewis, Baltimore; Derrick Johnson, Kansas City.

Cornerbacks — s-Darrelle Revis, New York Jets; s-Champ Bailey, Denver; Johnathan Joseph, Houston.

Safeties — s-Ed Reed, Baltimore; Eric Weddle, San Diego; s-Troy Polamalu, Steelers.

Specialists

Punter — Shane Lechler, Oakland; Placekicker — Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland; Kick Returner — Antonio Brown, Steelers; Special Teamer — Matthew Slater, New England; Long Snapper — TBA.

NFC Offense

Wide Receiver — s-Calvin Johnson, Detroit; s-Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona; Steve Smith, Carolina; Greg Jennings, Green Bay.

Tackles — s-Jason Peters, Philadelphia; s-Joe Staley, San Francisco; Jermon Bushrod, New Orleans.

Guards — s-Jahri Evans, New Orleans; s-Carl Nicks, New Orleans; Davin Joseph, Tampa Bay.

Centers — s-Ryan Kalil, Carolina; Scott Wells, Green Bay.

Tight Ends — s-Jimmy Graham, New Orleans; Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta.

Quarterbacks — s-Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay; Drew Brees, New Orleans; Eli Manning, New York Giants.

Running Backs — s-LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia; Matt Forte, Chicago; Frank Gore, San Francisco.

Fullback — s-John Kuhn, Green Bay.

Defense

Ends — s-Jared Allen, Minnesota; s-Jason Babin, Philadelphia; Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants.

Interior Lineman — s-Justin Smith, San Francisco; s-Jay Ratliff, Dallas; B.J. Raji, Green Bay.

Outside Linebackers — s-DeMarcus Ware, Dallas; s-Clay Matthews, Green Bay; Lance Briggs, Chicago.

Inside/Middle Linebackers — s-Patrick Willis, San Francisco; Brian Urlacher, Chicago.

Cornerbacks — s-Charles Woodson, Green Bay; s-Carlos Rogers, San Francisco; Charles Tillman, Chicago.

Safeties — s-Earl Thomas, Seattle; Dashon Goldson, San Francisco; Strong Safety — s-Adrian Wilson, Arizona.

Specialists

Punter — Andy Lee, San Francisco; Placekicker — David Akers, San Francisco; Kick Returner — Patrick Peterson, Arizona; Special Teamer — Corey Graham, Chicago; Long Snapper — TBA.

Game is Jan. 29 in Honolulu

First published on December 28, 2011 at 12:21 am

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Slow starts are a thing of the past for the suddenly clicking New York Jets.

Remember those brutally boring first quarters when they couldn’t get much going? Well, those are so four weeks ago.

Mark Sanchez and the once-struggling offense have become an efficient group that has gotten on the scoreboard early and often during the Jets’ three-game winning streak.

“I think we’re all just playing a lot better across the board,” Sanchez said.

And they’ve done it against some pretty good defenses. Here comes another one this Sunday: the Eagles, who are coming off a nine-sack performance against Miami and playing for their playoff lives in a season that has been filled with inconsistencies.

“It sounds awfully familiar to another team I know,” center Nick Mangold said with a slight grin.

Big things were expected from the Jets offense this season, particularly in the passing game with Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress. Instead, there were a few impressive spurts scattered throughout an early portion of a season marked mainly by spotty play by Sanchez, the offensive line, the running game, and the receivers.

New York is ranked 25th in overall offense, but the Jets are in a real groove offensively. They have 13 touchdowns in the last three games, which ties them with New Orleans, New England, and Green Bay – the top-ranked three offenses in the league – for the most in the NFL during that span.

“I don’t think our practices were quite as sharp as they’ve been lately, and I think that carries over to the game,” coach Rex Ryan said. “I think you see right now our team is feeling pretty good about themselves.”

It all started in the fourth quarter against Buffalo in Week 12, when Sanchez led the Jets to a 28-24, comeback victory over the Bills with a touchdown pass to Holmes with just over a minute left. New York followed that by scoring on its first possession against Washington and then dominating the Redskins in the fourth quarter with three touchdowns in less than five minutes for a 34-19 win.

Last Sunday against the Chiefs, the Jets rebounded from an embarrassing timeout on their first play from scrimmage by again scoring a touchdown on their first possession, and kept going while cruising to a 37-10 victory. While no one might confuse this offense for those of the Saints, Patriots, or Packers right now, it certainly has become a force during the team’s streak.

“I think hopefully we’re just starting to hit our stride, and we’re not there yet,” Sanchez said.

“I think you’re seeing, for the most part, consistent play out of the offense,” right guard Brandon Moore said. “It’s . . . coming to fruition.

 

From Florham Park, N.J. — For the past couple of years, we have heard a lot from the bombastic New York Jets about what they are and what they’re capable of doing.

On Thursday, the loudest voice in the locker room disclosed what the Jets are not.

“I don’t think we’re a Super Bowl team,” linebacker Bart Scott said. “Right now, we’re not even a playoff team.”

That might sound like blasphemy in Rex Ryan country, where the Lombardi Trophy isn’t just mentioned but is promised — “I guarantee we’ll win it this year,” the coach said at the scouting combine in February — yet these Jets have had a bit of the edge knocked off them this season.

Still, they control their destiny. If they run the table in these final three weeks, they will secure at least the No. 6 seed in the AFC. That will require some strong play from their No. 6, quarterback Mark Sanchez, and knocking off Philadelphia, the New York Giants, and Miami.

The Jets (8-5) are perfectly capable of doing that, seeing as they typically have gotten better at the end of the season under Ryan, the Giants could have their playoff spot locked up when they play the Jets, and the Dolphins won’t be overflowing with incentive in their finale.

But the real measuring stick for the Jets will be Sunday’s game against the Eagles, a team similarly loaded with talent and likewise capable of laying an egg. Philadelphia should have banged-up Michael Vick and receiver Jeremy Maclin in the lineup, is coming off its most complete defensive effort of the season (a 26-10 victory at Miami), and has a wisp of hope of winning the NFC East (the Eagles must go 3-0; Cowboys and Giants 1-2 or worse).

As pleased as the Jets are that they’re riding a three-game winning streak, they know that those triumphs came against downward-spiraling Buffalo, Washington with Rex Grossman and Kansas City with Tyler Palko.

Vick and the Eagles should be a real test, a way for the Jets to determine whether they truly belong in the upper echelon of teams, or if all those championship promises were just more hype by the Hudson.

This much we know: In each of their first two years under Ryan, the Jets surged at the end of the season and made it to the AFC championship game despite never playing host to a postseason contest. The Jets are loaded with experienced players who have come within one step of the NFL’s biggest stage.

“I think there’s benefit of going through the playoffs and gaining that experience,” Ryan said. “Well, no team has won more playoff games than the New York Jets have over a two-year period — not Green Bay, not anybody — so that’s going to help us. We have to get there first, obviously, but that could make us dangerous.

“The fact that we’re the No. 1 red-zone scoring team in the league. The fact that we’re built to win games in December and January with the way we attack people offensively.… And then our defense, we’re starting to hit our stride.”

Some of the Jets’ biggest talkers have been more muted in recent weeks as the team has struggled to regain its equilibrium after the one-two punch of losses to New England and Denver over a five-day stretch in mid-November. The Denver loss was particularly deflating because the Jets played 55 minutes of outstanding defense, only to lose down the stretch when Tim Tebow directed a 95-yard scoring drive to steal the victory for the Broncos.

Two weeks later, Jets guard Matt Slauson confided: “There was a point after the Denver game there where it did seem like the panic button had been pressed a little bit.”

So far, pushing that button has worked. Clearly, the Jets recognize the urgency of the situation and that they have the potential to do some damage in the playoffs with the way the AFC appears to be so wide open.

Denver leads the AFC West, and no one knows how far the Broncos can go without a consistent passing attack. Houston, which won the AFC South, has a rookie quarterback in T.J. Yates who’s largely untested. New England has Tom Brady and a dazzling record of success, but also the league’s last-ranked defense. Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a bum left ankle, and Pittsburgh might have to start Charlie Batch in San Francisco on Monday.

As it stands, Baltimore looks like the most complete team in the conference, and the Ravens stomped the Jets in Week 4, 34-17, scoring three touchdowns off Sanchez turnovers. The Jets didn’t have Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold in that game, so that played a part in their inability to handle the Ravens’ rush.

In his first year as Jets coach, Ryan mistakenly thought his team was eliminated from the playoffs after a home loss to Atlanta in December 2009. He was barbecued for that in New York, considering the Jets were not only still alive but also went on to reach the postseason.

This time, it’s some of his players who are managing their expectations, making sure they don’t get too far ahead of themselves.

“We’re still trying to play our best football,” Scott said. “We’re still trying to play completely as a team.… You just don’t wake up and say, ‘We’re a Super Bowl team.’”

Coming from the chest-thumping Jets, that’s growth.

sam.farmer@latimes.com

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NEW YORK JETS (8-5) At PHILADELPHIA (5-8)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Eagles by 2

RECORD VS. SPREAD — New York 6-7; Eagles 5-8

SERIES RECORD — Eagles lead 8-0

LAST MEETING — Eagles beat Jets 16-9, Oct. 14, 2007

LAST WEEK — Jets beat Chiefs 37-10; Eagles beat Dolphins 26-10

JETS OFFENSE — OVERALL (25), RUSH (22), PASS (21)

JETS DEFENSE — OVERALL (6), RUSH (14), PASS (6)

EAGLES OFFENSE — OVERALL (4), RUSH (3), PASS (11)

EAGLES DEFENSE — OVERALL (11), RUSH (18), PASS (12)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Jets have never defeated Eagles in eight regular-season games. Six of those losses have come by eight points or less and two by one point. … Jets coach Rex Ryan’s father, Buddy Ryan, coached Eagles from 1986-90, leading Philadelphia to three straight playoff appearances. … In last three weeks, no team has scored more touchdowns (13) than Jets, whose total equals Green Bay, New England and New Orleans. … Jets QB Mark Sanchez has completed 49 of 88 passes for 526 yards, seven TDs and one interception for a 95.2 rating and two rushing TDs during three-game winning streak. … Jets lead NFL in red-zone efficiency, scoring TDs on 71.4 percent (30-of-42) of their chances. New York has scored TDs on last 12 possessions inside the 20. … Offensive line allowed three sacks last week after not allowing any in previous two games. … WR Plaxico Burress has five TD catches in last four games vs. Eagles. … Eagles RB LeSean McCoy leads NFL with career-high 17 total TDs. His 14 TDs rushing are one behind Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren’s team record set in 1945. … Rookie K Alex Henery has hit 11 consecutive field-goal attempts, and is 19 for 22 this season. … WR DeSean Jackson’s 34-yard TD catch last week was his 21st career TD of 29 that covered at least 30 yards. … QB Michael Vick has thrown interception in eight of his 10 games, and has 12 total, one short of career-worst. Vick threw six interceptions last year. … DE Jason Babin has career-high 15 sacks. Reggie White holds team record with 21 sacks in 1987. … Team seeks second two-game winning streak this season.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

By Chris Celletti

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Dec 14, 2011 – Three straight wins, with some help from others around the National Football League, have launched the New York Jets into the final playoff spot with just three games left in the 2011 season. The goal is now crystal clear for Gang Green, win and in, and they really couldn’t have asked for much more when they were .500 having come off a brutal loss to the Denver Broncos. But the final three games for the Jets won’t be as easy as the past three, starting this week when they try to do something they haven’t done in the history of the franchise — beat the Philadelphia Eagles. The once-lauded “Dream Team” Eagles have stumbled to a 5-8 record, but looked quite good last week in dismantling the Miami Dolphins 26-10. They are still alive in the mediocre NFC East race, so they will be playing with desperation.

We’re also getting down to the nitty gritty of the fantasy football season, with playoffs in many leagues in full swing. If you have any Jets on your roster, here’s your primer on how to play them this week.

Start

RB – Shonn Greene – numberFire projection: 14.86 carries, 64.73 yards, 0.41 rushing TDs, 3.65 receptions, 25.66 rec. yards, 11.69 fantasy points

Greene has earned must-start status, finally, after his solid performances the past few weeks. Last week against the lifeless Kansas City Chiefs, Greene had his best overall day of the season, with 129 yards rushing (and a score) and 53 receiving yards. He’s improved leaps and bounds as a receiver out of the backfield, and I would expect the Jets to try more screens this week against an aggressive Eagles defense. It will also likely be a close game, meaning Greene will get a lot of touches.

QB – Mark Sanchez – numberFire projection: 17.35 completions, 202.12 yards, 1.00 TDs, 0.86 INTs, 12.61 fantasy points

Sanchez has been a solid fantasy quarterback this season. He’s thrown for 21 TDs against just 11 interceptions. He doesn’t put up huge yardage numbers, but the Jets are the NFL’s number one red zone team, so Sanchez is getting them in the end zone. He’s also been a threat rushing, as he has five run scores this season.

TE – Dustin Keller – numberFire projection: 3.71 receptions, 39.80 yards, 0.36 TDs, 6.14 fantasy points

The Jets have finally started to include Keller consistently in their game plan, and he’s received a lot of targets from Sanchez in the past few weeks. I would expect the Jets to be able to get Keller in mismatch situations against the Eagles and exploit them.

WR – Santonio Holmes – numberFire projection: 3.21 receptions, 55.13 yards, 0.30 TDs, 7.30 fantasy points

It’s been a statistically disappointing season for Holmes, who hasn’t had any real breakout games. I’m not sure if one will come this week going up against a talented Eagles’ secondary, but he has touchdown catches in three consecutive games. Hopefully that streak continues this week.

Sit

WR – Plaxico Burress – numberFire projection: 3.98 receptions, 47.76 yards, 0.26 TDs, 6.43 fantasy points

Burress had no catches last week against Kansas City, so its hard to say he should be an automatic start against the Eagles, who have a talented secondary. Maybe Burress is wearing down a bit late in the year after not playing football for two years prior to this season.

Jets Defense/Special Teams – numberFire projection: 20.22 points allowed, 2.74 sacks, 2.16 turnovers, 8.99 fantasy points

NumberFire seems to really like the Jets this week, ranking them as the number four projected defense. I have my reservations, as the Jets’ aren’t equipped to matchup with fast teams. I don’t think the Jets defense gets shredded, but I don’t think it’s a banner day, either.

Read More: Santonio Holmes (WR – NYJ), Plaxico Burress (WR – NYJ), Dustin Keller (TE – NYJ), Shonn Greene (RB – NYJ), Mark Sanchez (QB – NYJ), Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos

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