Joe Theismann: Mark Sanchez must show 'cojones'

It seems everyone has advice for New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, so why not Joe Theismann?

The former Washington Redskins signal-caller believes Sanchez has spent the offseason dancing around his true feelings about Tim Tebow's descent on Gotham. Theismann, in short, believes Sanchez needs to claim what's his and put any notions of a quarterback controversy to bed.

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"This strikes at the heart of Mark Sanchez's pride," Theismann said on WFAN-AM, via ESPN New York. "He's going to get booed. He's going to get thrown under the bus. And I want to see what kind of cojones he's got. That's what I'm looking for. ... I'm sick and tired of hearing this nice-guy stuff: 'Oh, Timmy's a nice guy. Oh, Mark's a nice (guy).'

Theismann barreled on: "Hey, if I'm Mark Sanchez, 'I'm the starting quarterback and it's great to have Tim here to help us win football games.' That's the statement. It's time for somebody to stand up (and) believe in themselves if you're a Jet. ... Enough of this nicey two-shoe garbage. Stand up for what you believe in. You're the starting quarterback. This guy's not. That's the way it is. Deal with it."

Back to reality. The Jets are an open target following a pathetic showing on offense during the preseason, but coach Rex Ryan has never wavered about Sanchez's starting role. It's not an ideal situation for Sanchez -- and it hints at disaster -- but he's handled the whole Tebow Thing with maturity.

Theismann is asking this quarterback to publicly stake his ground, but words have grown cheap in Florham Park. For Sanchez -- and for the New York Jets -- bold statements are better made this season on the field than behind a hot mic.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.