Monday, Jan 24, 2011 05:33 AM

Jets QB Sanchez hopes to avoid surgery on throwing shoulder

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Now that the season is over, Mark Sanchez hopes a little rest will do the trick.

The New York Jets quarterback said Monday he is "optimistic" he will not need offseason surgery on his sore right shoulder, but he also didn't rule out a procedure.

"I'll still talk to the doctors about it," Sanchez said one day after the Jets' 24-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. "We did our exit physicals, and they are thrilled about the progress I've made in the last couple of weeks."

Sanchez was injured during the Jets' win at Pittsburgh on Dec. 19, but he played well through it. He was limited for some practice sessions after the injury, but the shoulder improved as the season progressed.

"I think it's just sore and recovering," Sanchez said, laughing. "It feels good. I think it's healed now."

Sanchez's shoulder wasn't a factor at all during the Jets' playoff run as he helped New York to victories at Indianapolis and New England.

"If there was something serious, I think it would have declined," Sanchez said. "Things could have gotten worse. I wouldn't have been able to practice. If anything, it just got better. That's a good sign."

Sanchez said he will talk to doctors and receive a "couple of opinions" within the next week or so. Jets coach Rex Ryan added that it won't be just one, but "five or six opinions" before Sanchez decides.

"I'm optimistic about everything and hopefully nothing needs to be done," Sanchez said. "A little rest, and I'll be ready to go again."

It could be the second consecutive offseason in which Sanchez has a surgical procedure. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last year after injuring it during the season.

"Last year, it was definitely something that needed to be looked at, kind of hands on," said Sanchez, who visited Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., before having the surgery. "This is something that you can look at just through an MRI, X-rays. We'll see what happens."

Sanchez has led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game in each of his first two NFL seasons and already tied the league record with four career playoff victories on the road. His numbers weren't gaudy during the regular season, but he was solid in three postseason games this year, throwing for 616 yards and five touchdowns and only one interception with a 95.5 passer rating.

"I don't think I've been more focused, maybe in my life," Sanchez said. "I don't think I've been more prepared. ... The game started to slow down."