Rex Ryan doesn't have any good choices at quarterback. That's the fault of the entire New York Jets organization -- from Ryan, to general manager Mike Tannenbaum, to owner Woody Johnson.
Those mistakes started the moment the Jets traded up in the 2009 NFL Draft for Mark Sanchez and have continued through the acquisition of Tim Tebow last offseason.
Choosing Mark Sanchez to start Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars isn't a mistake, though. It makes sense. It's the lesser of three evils. And it doesn't really matter in the long run.
Sanchez is guaranteed over $8 million next season in New York, another mistake by the Jets. They doubled down on the Sanchize after flirting with Peyton Manning in a panic deal that had Johnson's fingerprints (aka public relations) all over it. Like it or not, Sanchez might have a role on next year's team. It's either that or the Jets have to eat his salary.
The team might as well see how he responds to the first benching of his career.
We don't need to see how Tebow would look at the Jets' starter. The team already has decided it's not going to work for him. Like it or not, at least the Jets are clear on intentions here. They have shown that through their actions, and it's supported by many reports. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News says the team never seriously considered starting Tebow.
McElroy profiles like a potential decent backup. He still might have a chance to lead the Jets this season if Sanchez doesn't bounce back strong. Mehta reports Sanchez will be on a short leash.
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The schedule probably played a factor here. The Jets face the Jaguars and Tennessee Titans over the next two weeks on the road, a recipe for quarterback competence. It's Sanchez's chance at small salvation in this 2012 season, and a .500 record if the Jets win both games.
That might not sound like much, but it's the best Ryan could do considering all of his past mistakes.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
