New York Jets Passing Attack Becoming Big Play Threat

Until the past couple weeks, the New York Jets used their passing game sparingly, only when they really needed it. It has now become a major part of their offensive game plan.

Second year quarterback Mark Sanchez looks more confident and comfortable running the offense. The coaching staff has opened the play book, allowing Sanchez to play football. The results are paying off when it counts.

All the questions surrounding Sanchez and whether or not he had the ability to handle an NFL offense seem to be slipping away.

From last season, everyone expected the Jets running game to be the big play threat. Shonn Greene and new addition LaDainian Tomlinson had the explosiveness to break a game open with a long run. The question was always whether or not Sanchez was ready to control the passing game as well and give the Jets a balanced offensive attack.

While Sanchez still has some accuracy problems, he has been showing a knack for coming up big with the game on the line. He is becoming a clutch quarterback on a team that needs it. For the year, Sanchez is 30th in the league, among quarterbacks that have thrown at least 150 passes, with a 55.1 completion percentage.

Late in games, Sanchez seems to get better. Maybe he gets more focused in crunch time.

It’s not just making plays. Sanchez is making big plays. He has teamed with wide receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, and tight end Dustin Keller to form a dangerous aerial assault.

Sanchez is fifth in the league with 35 pass plays that have gone for at least 20 yards. On plays of 40 or more yards, the second year quarterback is fourth in the league with nine.

As mentioned previously, Sanchez still must improve his accuracy and limit his interceptions to become a top quarterback. That will come with the more he plays. Right now, Sanchez can certainly be considered a good quarterback and one that steps up when his team needs him.

One thing is for sure; when a big play is needed, Sanchez can look all over the field. He has spread the ball around nicely to his receivers, tight ends, and even the running backs.

Sanchez and company take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving. The same Bengals that gave up 49 points to the Buffalo Bills last week.

Think a couple more big plays are in Sanchez’s future?