Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) reacts after the Eagles scored a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Sanchez is so far removed from the days in which he was a starting quarterback in the AFC Championship game as a member of the New York Jets, it’s hard to even believe he was ever there. Not only that, but Sanchez was traded up for in the draft by the Jets, a top draft pick with huge expectations coming into this league.
Coupled with unfair expectations were poor offensive scheme fits, and perhaps a little too much trial by fire. Sanchez was booted out of New York ‘butt fumble’ style, a play that will forever live in infamy but will now be pushed into the back of many minds as Sanchez came out and balled out in his first start as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Completing 20-of-37 passes, Sanchez threw for 332 yards and a pair of touchdowns — one to rookie Jordan Matthews, another to Brent Celek — en route to a very good looking start and a 7-2 record for the first place Eagles.
Philadelphia didn’t seem to skip a beat with Sanchez as their quarterback, and to be honest, if Nick Foles hadn’t have played so well last season and the competition were open, Sanchez might have taken his job as it were. Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense was a natural fit for Sanchez, who picked apart the secondary of the Carolina Panthers.
Sure, Sanchez had help from his defense — which was ridiculous with nine sacks — but he also had some help on special teams from a Darren Sproles return touchdown. Still, Sanches looked calm, cool, collected, and even comfortable despite a bit of a shaky start on the night. He was poised under pressure, made some really nice plays to avoid the rush and make tough throws, and he really looked the part on Monday Night Football.
This was the best I’ve seen Sanchez play, at least that my mind will allow me to remember. He was confident in his passes, he didn’t run into anyone’s butt, and even though they won this weekend, he had to have Jets fans wondering ‘what if?’
It has to be encouraging for Eagles fans, knowing that they might possibly have an upgrade from Nick Foles coming up in Sanchez, who is a smart (now veteran) player that is loving Chip Kelly’s system, and apparently thriving in it. Most people expected Sanchez to play well in this game against a tough defensive front, and he came through.
It’s really interesting to see two of the best teams in the league — the Eagles and Cardinals — watching their QBs go down one week apart and having to line up with backups for the rest of the season. In the Eagles’ case, it might only be until the end of the regular season, but still…
Even though there may still be doubts, it appears as though the Eagles have nothing to be worried about at this point in time putting the ball in Sanchez’s hands.