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Namath Criticizes Geno Smith Pick, Promises 'You'll See A Different' Sanchez In 2013

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Surprise, surprise. Somebody is up to his old tricks.

Guess who is ripping the Jets again?

You guessed it: the immortal Joe Namath.

Broadway Joe criticized Gang Green for drafting quarterback Geno Smith at the United Way's 20th annual Gridiron Gala on Tuesday, according to the New York Daily News.

The Hall of Famer called the second-round pick a "sensational athlete" who possesses "good size," but he believes that the selection was a mistake.

"No, I don't think they needed a quarterback," Namath said, according to the newspaper. "They needed the other positions filled. Possibly offensive line. They got some defensive line. The safeties are still questionable. The outside linebackers are still questionable."

Despite what many seem to think, the 69-year-old firmly believes that the Jets still have the answer in Mark Sanchez.

"I am pulling for (Sanchez)," Namath said, the New York Daily News reported. "I know that he can do better than he's done. And we saw him lead a team to two AFC championship games, right? I also know what it's like not to necessarily have the weapons you'd like to have, not to necessarily have the time you'd like to accomplish."

Namath added that only D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry earned "passing grades" in 2012.

If Sanchez gets some much-needed help, Namath says, he can return to form and be a successful NFL quarterback.

"I know it's a team game and I know Sanchez is going to play better," Namath told the New York Daily News. "I promise you you'll see a different guy (this year). I believe you'll see a different guy. Mark's not a puppy anymore. He's gone through some things, growing process. As far as Sanchez goes, even if he's not with the Jets, he's going to play as long as he wants to. He's that good. As long as he wants to, he's going to be in the NFL."

Sanchez played terribly last season, throwing 13 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. He completed just 54.3 percent of his passes and fumbled the ball 14 times.

Namath called out the Jets' front office and the use of Tim Tebow in November of 2012. Three months earlier, he told SiriusXM Radio that the Jets "seem more interested in the headlines."

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