Mark Sanchez In, Joe McKnight Out At Jets Camp

In a move that should surprise no one, but might anger a few, Jets coach Rex Ryan named Mark Sanchez as the starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the Detroit Lions this coming Friday night in Detroit.

It is appropriate that the game is in Detroit as the popularity of Sanchez is sinking faster than the economy in Detroit, which just became the second major American city to ever declare bankruptcy. Jets fans might feel bankrupt if rookie Geno Smith doesn't win the starting job from Sanchez.

The competition for the opening day starter seems to be about even right now between Sanchez and Smith. As is usual for a team that struggled last season, the backup is more popular. The fans have been giving Sanchez the boos at camp, even prompting Rex Ryan to ask them to back off.

It's interesting, though, that Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg are on two different wavelengths. Ryan claimed the competition was even while the first year OC claimed that Sanchez had earned the Friday start saying "Smith has dipped just a bit lately, so he has to recover." Of Sanchez, Mornhinweg said "He has earned it. he's had an outstanding camp."

Meanwhile running back Joe McKnight ran afoul of the law and was arrested on a pair of traffic violations. McKnight was pulled over for an illegal lane change near the teams practice facility in Florham Park. During the routine stop it was discovered that McKnight had a pair of unpaid violations and was taken to jail. He posted the unpaid warrant money of $320.00 and was released an hour later.

If McKnight doesn't get healthy and productive quick he very well could be released again, this time by the Jets.