New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez acknowledged a changing of the guard in terms of team leadership when addressing the media Wednesday.
The Jets (2-2) are coming off consecutive road losses to the Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens and have a third straight away game when they travel to Foxboro Sunday to take on the rival New England Patriots (3-1).
Sanchez said he was impressed with the mood of practice Wednesday, mainly because of the way the veterans of the team took control, recognizing that many of the same guys who picked up spirits when the team went through down times over the last couple years aren’t around any more.
“I was curious to see how guys bounced back a little bit today, because this is a different group,” Sanchez said. “Damien Woody is not gonna come in here and start playing again and get vocal in the locker room. Thomas Jones is not here to come in get vocal and tell guys what to do.
“It’s on me, it’s on (Darrelle) Revis, it’s on Santonio (Holmes) and Nick Mangold and those guys, Brandon Moore, to really be positive and set the example, and we really did that today, so I’m proud of those guys.”
The retired Woody’s absence at right tackle has been felt with Wayne Hunter struggling, and the rushing group that ranked No. 1 two years ago when Thomas Jones was the primary back is now led by the Shonn Greene, who hasn't been good, though Sanchez said LaDainian Tomlinson has also been big in getting the team back in a positive mindset.
New York also lost the presence of the previously longest-tenured Jet in Shaun Ellis, who is now playing defensive end for the Patriots, and veteran defensive tackle Kris Jenkins retired after suffering knee injuries in consecutive years.
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