CASPER
New member
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Chad Henne has been competing against Mark Sanchez every week for a few months now.
Not so much personally on the field, but through fans on sports radio and the media in newspaper columns and internet blogs comparing the two. Who has the true franchise quarterback, the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets?
Or, both?
"They're both good young quarterbacks," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Wednesday. "Both their futures are going to be really good in this league."
Henne and Sanchez are coming off lousy games, and need wins when the Dolphins (6-6) come to New York to take on the Jets (9-3).
"Winning this one for us," Sanchez said, "might settle some things."
The comparisons are clear: Both are in their second seasons as starters, have strong arms and the fates of their respective teams riding on their shoulders.
But, that's where the differences begin.
While both are struggling lately, Sanchez is in no danger of being benched by the Jets, a team loaded with talent. Meanwhile, Henne has already seen the sideline and leads a Dolphins team ranked last in the AFC in scoring.
"The biggest thing as a young quarterback," Henne said, "is embracing and really trying to critique yourself and don't shy away from what you have been doing your whole life and that's throwing the football and being aggressive at the same time."
Sanchez was admittedly overaggressive Monday night as the Jets fell behind the New England Patriots in a 45-3 rout. He has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions in his last two games.
"I can't say a guy is struggling at 9-3," Dolphins cornerback Benny Sapp said. "That doesn't seem like struggling to me."
But, Sanchez has been off target for a few weeks now, even in wins. Since opening the season with five straight games without an interception, he has been picked off 11 times since.
"These turnovers need to be cut down," Sanchez said. "There's no two ways about it."
Against New England, Sanchez was 17 of 33 for 164 yards with three interceptions and a minuscule 27.8 quarterback rating.
"He's a guy that traditionally has responded well," coach Rex Ryan said. "I hope that's what happens this week."
In order to get off to a faster start, Ryan said he would let the offense get the ball first if the Jets win the coin toss; he has always deferred in the past.
Not so much personally on the field, but through fans on sports radio and the media in newspaper columns and internet blogs comparing the two. Who has the true franchise quarterback, the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets?
Or, both?
"They're both good young quarterbacks," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Wednesday. "Both their futures are going to be really good in this league."
Henne and Sanchez are coming off lousy games, and need wins when the Dolphins (6-6) come to New York to take on the Jets (9-3).
"Winning this one for us," Sanchez said, "might settle some things."
The comparisons are clear: Both are in their second seasons as starters, have strong arms and the fates of their respective teams riding on their shoulders.
But, that's where the differences begin.
While both are struggling lately, Sanchez is in no danger of being benched by the Jets, a team loaded with talent. Meanwhile, Henne has already seen the sideline and leads a Dolphins team ranked last in the AFC in scoring.
"The biggest thing as a young quarterback," Henne said, "is embracing and really trying to critique yourself and don't shy away from what you have been doing your whole life and that's throwing the football and being aggressive at the same time."
Sanchez was admittedly overaggressive Monday night as the Jets fell behind the New England Patriots in a 45-3 rout. He has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions in his last two games.
"I can't say a guy is struggling at 9-3," Dolphins cornerback Benny Sapp said. "That doesn't seem like struggling to me."
But, Sanchez has been off target for a few weeks now, even in wins. Since opening the season with five straight games without an interception, he has been picked off 11 times since.
"These turnovers need to be cut down," Sanchez said. "There's no two ways about it."
Against New England, Sanchez was 17 of 33 for 164 yards with three interceptions and a minuscule 27.8 quarterback rating.
"He's a guy that traditionally has responded well," coach Rex Ryan said. "I hope that's what happens this week."
In order to get off to a faster start, Ryan said he would let the offense get the ball first if the Jets win the coin toss; he has always deferred in the past.