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Jets Owner Woody Johnson Breaks Silence, Defends Mark Sanchez

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- It seems there's a Mark Sanchez defender for every reported detractor in the Jets organization.

Jets owner Woody Johnson was the latest to stand by Sanchez on Thursday.

Johnson, appearing on MSNBC on Thursday to discuss his support of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, said a New York Daily News report in which an anonymous player said Sanchez was "lazy" is off base.

"He's the first guy in the building every morning and the last guy to leave," Johnson said. "So, the last thing he is is lazy."

Another player suggested to Manish Mehta of the Daily News that the Jets should do all they can to try to bring in Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, if he's healthy, because Sanchez isn't improving.

Listen: Joe & Evan with Daily News' Manish Mehta

Matt Slauson, Marcus Dixon, Sione Pouha and Nick Mangold have all declared their support for Sanchez since the report was published.

It's the first time Johnson has commented publicly since Rex Ryan's team finished 8-8 and out of the postseason for the first time in three years.

"Even if it's an 8-8 record, that's not good enough," said Johnson. "(New York fans) want a winner. And there is frustration. And that's what you want."

He added that the Jets have "a lot of work to do" to turn things around next season.

Are you a Sanchez defender or detractor? Sound off in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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