Sanchez watches other high-profile N.Y. stars for guidance

Mark Sanchez is putting up the best numbers of his NFL career, but that hasn't stopped criticism from finding the quarterback.

The Jets traded up to take Sanchez with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2009 draft thinking they had a player who possessed the Joe Namath-like DNA the team had missed for decades. They were lofty expectations, and perhaps it helps explain why improving production and a solid playoff resume has failed to win over the team's fan base.

Sanchez's play can be questioned, but his ability to handle the glaring spotlight in New York is worthy of respect. Sanchez said this week that he looks at high-profile players from other New York sports teams as a guide, citing Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Giants quarterback Eli Manning as examples.

"I think Jeter has done a great job," Sanchez said of the longtime Yankees star, according to The Associated Press. "He's one of the standout players in this town. He's been the captain of his team and had the most amount of pressure of anybody, very similar to a quarterback position. That's a great example."

Manning came to the Giants with similar expectations as a No. 1 overall pick in 2004. If there's anyone who knows the fickle nature of New York sports fans, it's Manning, who's been both loved and loathed by Giants fans during his successful tenure with the team.

"For me, being younger than Eli, he's done a great job, as well," Sanchez said. "That's been somebody I've watched on the field, and he's done a heck of a job for his team."

Sanchez's good numbers don't tell the whole story of his season. His decision-making has been questionable at times, and poor performances in high-profile losses to the Patriots and Broncos over a five-day stretch in November considerably hurt his standing.

That said, Sanchez shouldn't be blamed for the Jets' struggles this season. His only real crime is an inability to perform at a level that covers up the team's deficiencies elsewhere.