Mark Sanchez is certain this season the New York Jets will make the playoffs. With a hefty salary due next year and rookie Geno Smith waiting in the wings, anything less than a playoff run could end Sanchez's stint in New York.
Sanchez led the Jets to the AFC Championship game in his first two seasons, but has done little since. New York finished 8-8 in 2011 and 6-10 last season, which has many calling for Smith to take the reins.
Despite being named the starter for Week 1, there's a widespread belief Sanchez is only on the roster because the team has to pay his guaranteed $8.25 million salary, according to L.A. Times.
Thriving this season under new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's system and run in the playoffs could prolong Sanchez's future in New York. As for the playoffs, the 26-year-old already sees it happening.
"[It] will turn around," Sanchez told the L.A. Times. "We'll get back on track, get a couple wins, and once we get in the playoffs this year we'll make a little run. That's all you need to do is make your run, get hot at the right time, stay healthy."
Sanchez needs to be hot every game. Barring an incredible season, Sanchez is likely done after this year. His contract becomes non-guaranteed in 2014, and the $11 million total he would be due next season makes him expendable if he's underperforming.
Sanchez - and coach Rex Ryan, for that matter - are hangovers from the previous regime. New general manager John Idzik could prefer to tie his future to Smith, the second-round signal caller Idzik hand-picked in this year's draft.
Smith is a cheaper option for the Jets, and the athletic quarterback has greater upside. For Sanchez, who had 52 turnovers in the last two seasons, everything rides on him winning games and proving to Idzik he can lead the team to championship games again.
