Santonio Holmes Believes Mark Sanchez Is Jets' Starting QB
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Santonio Holmes believes the Jets already have a starting quarterback.
The wide receiver endorsed Mark Sanchez -- you know, the guy he had that rift with? -- during an appearance Wednesday on NBC Sports Network.
"Right now, it's Sanchez, and that's who we're going with," Holmes said. "And we're going to continue on this road until time permits."
The Jets brought in veteran quarterback David Garrard this offseason to compete with Sanchez for the starting job. Now there's a third bona fide contender in the five-man competition: rookie Geno Smith, drafted out of West Virginia in the second round. Greg McElroy and Matt Simms are also on the roster as the Jets insist the position is totally up for grabs heading into training camp.
Sanchez has been working with former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia to learn new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast system. The 26-year-old has fallen a long way from the "Sanchise" days. He regressed for a second straight season and was benched twice in favor of McElroy in 2012.
"He's going to continue being Mark Sanchez, the team leader," said Holmes. "(He's) just focused on helping the team."
As for Tim Tebow, who was released by New York shortly after the draft? Holmes declined to comment on the backup quarterback, pointing to his limited time on the field last season.
No, not Tebow's limited time. Holmes was shut down for the season after suffering a Lisfranc foot injury in Week 4.
"That one, I'm going to leave unanswered for that one," said Holmes. "I have no answer for that one. I didn't get a chance to play with Tim Tebow, so I can't fully express myself on the situation."
Holmes congratulated former teammate Darrelle Revis on his new contract in Tampa Bay. He also described his health as "day-to-day" and insisted he'd still be on the Jets even if he didn't restructure his deal in March.
"I want to be here for the long-term," Holmes said. "And if it means helping out the team, I'm going to continue to help out the team in any way possible."
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