On Saturday, Mark Sanchez was on the receiving end of boos from New York Jets fans who don't want to see any more turnovers from the quarterback -- even if it's during a team scrimmage.
Antonio Cromartie expressed his disgust at the fans' treatment of Sanchez, calling the reaction "bullcrap."
"Our fans have the right to do anything," Ryan told reporters Monday. "I'm not going to say I'm disappointed in our fans. But I think we need to move forward. The things from the past are in the past, so let's just focus on what we have in front of us."
In a follow-up question -- or perhaps statement -- a reporter challenged Ryan by saying the coach would've been more defiant in his defense of Sanchez if the booing had happened two years ago. Ryan dismissed the thought.
"I don't think I ever would have told our fans, 'You better get behind us.' "
Ryan said Sanchez's popularity (or lack thereof) will not affect the Jets' decision at starting quarterback. As for that position battle, Ryan said it's yet to be decided if Sanchez or Geno Smith will start Friday's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions.
Sanchez won't have to worry about boobirds that day. The game will be played at Ford Field in Detroit.
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