Mark Sanchez earns opportunity to become first rookie to open season as Jets’ starting QB

Rookie Mark Sanchez wins job as Jets’ starting QB

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Mark Sanchez will have bragging rights among every quarterback who has taken a snap for the New York Jets.

Yes, even Joe Namath.

Sanchez was selected as the team’s starting quarterback by coach Rex Ryan on Wednesday, making him the first rookie in Jets history slated to open a season under center.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do and dreams are coming true now,” a beaming Sanchez said. “It’s a special opportunity.”

Ryan met with Sanchez and Kellen Clemens early Wednesday morning and informed them of his decision.

“I feel that the best move for our franchise and for our team is to go with Mark as our quarterback,” Ryan said. “That’s not a slight to Kellen Clemens at all. I think we can win with Kellen also as a quarterback, but right now I think Mark gives us the best opportunity to win. That’s what I owe this franchise.”

Sanchez, the fifth overall draft pick out of Southern Cal, is scheduled to make his regular-season debut at Houston on Sept. 13.

“This comes with a lot of responsibility,” he said. “As happy as I am, I know that this is just the beginning and I’m just excited, really excited, to get to play with such great players.”

Namath didn’t start until the third game of his rookie season in 1965, but Broadway Joe has the ultimate bragging rights. He led the franchise to its only Super Bowl victory in 1969.

“We think we have something special with him,” safety Kerry Rhodes said of Sanchez. “He has to go out and get it done on Sundays, but from what we see, we have a lot of confidence in him.”

The last rookie quarterback — not counting replacement players in 1987 — to start for the Jets was Matt Robinson in 1977.

“I feel very comfortable and confident in my decision,” Ryan said.

Ryan, who made the announcement after practice, said early in training camp he wanted to decide on a starter by the Jets’ third preseason game. Despite recently softening on that stance, Ryan stuck to his game plan.

“I think he’s got everything, all of the things you look for,” Ryan said.

The Jets’ next preseason game is Saturday night against the Giants.

“Regardless of who the quarterback is, you’re trying to get them as many reps with the first unit as possible,” Ryan said. “I think this was the appropriate time to make the decision.”

Sanchez replaces Brett Favre as the starter after generally showing poise and solid decision-making skills during training camp. He won’t have an easy welcome to the NFL, though, facing a tough Texans defense in the opener, followed by home games against New England and Tennessee.

Sanchez struggled early in his start at Baltimore in a preseason game Monday night, but threw a touchdown pass to cap his final series. He had an interception — on his first throw — returned for a touchdown.

“It wasn’t my best game, that’s for sure,” Sanchez said. “Do I need to improve? Absolutely.”

Meanwhile, Clemens had a touchdown pass, but also had an interception returned for a TD. Entering his fourth season with the Jets after being a second-round pick in 2006, he also had a solid but unspectacular camp, but threw 12 interceptions compared to Sanchez’s five during practices.

“I’m disappointed overall because I think I left some plays out there that I should’ve made, both in practice and in the games,” said Clemens, who thought the competition was fair.

Clemens, once considered the team’s future quarterback, lost out to Chad Pennington in 2006, Favre last summer and now Sanchez.

“Each competition is different,” Clemens said, “but it never feels good to be the guy who’ll be holding the clipboard on Sept. 13.”

The Jets traded up in the draft to acquire the fifth overall pick from Cleveland and former coach Eric Mangini. Just a few weeks later, the Jets signed Sanchez to a five-year deal that included $28 million guaranteed.

It was expected if the competition was close — as it was — the organization would move forward with Sanchez. Ryan made it clear after the team drafted Sanchez that he wouldn’t be afraid to start a rookie quarterback, particularly after watching Joe Flacco lead the Ravens to the AFC championship last season.

“I think I’m doing the right thing for this organization,” Ryan said. “I know I am. That’s what my heart tells me.”