Transcript of Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez's afternoon news conference following Tuesday's midday training camp practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center:
On playing behind a center who is nearing a contract extension…
It's some happy news today in the building. We are very excited. That's a huge move for the organization. Selfishly, I'm smiling ear-to-ear. It's a big deal for us.
On if he feels Nick Mangold's pending extension is also a message to Darrelle Revis…
I don't know much about that situation. I know it worked out for Mangold, and I'm confident things will work out for Revis. I don't know if there is any correlation there.
On if Mangold deserves to be the highest-paid center in the NFL…
He's the best. I think he's going to be compensated that way and he should. He's a great person, unbelievable player, a very good friend. I'm thrilled. It's big-time news.
On Coach Ryan saying the offense took a step back in the second preseason game…
We didn't play well in the second game, no doubt about it. We know that. I think, one, we've acknowledged that. I think the guys have taken ownership of it. We felt we did a poor job on first down. It led into third-and-long, and then we had to be third-and-long in the red zone and we really couldn't show our stuff. It is totally true. We need to pick it up and we definitely will. That's why we have a week to game-plan a little more and we'll be ready to go this week.
On how Mangold has helped him besides blocking on the field…
You name it. With protections, run game, he's so calm. He is a leader by example. He doesn't say much, [but] the things he does say are important. They usually direct the line in the right direction. I'd say probably 99 times out of 100 they do. He's a joy to work with and I can't explain how happy I am. Hopefully, it's big-time numbers. Maybe he can even take me out to dinner one time [smiles].
On if there is pressure for him to perform well Friday…
It feels like the same way it did when you throw the pick on the first pass of the year against the New York Giants. Does that put any more pressure on me to have a better drive the next drive? Maybe, from the outside. But for me, for us as an offense, you just go out and play.
On Friday being his last "dress rehearsal" before the regular season…
I don't think that makes it any more important. It's a preseason game. Sure, it's as close to a game as we're going to get, so we want to play well for ourselves regardless of what could have happened [in Carolina]. We could have won, 100-0. I don't think that weighs in on this. To the point that this game is important — absolutely. In and of itself, it's important, regardless of the Carolina game.
On if he feels more comfortable going into Friday's game because he will be playing longer…
Absolutely. I think that led into last week's stagnant performance from the offense. I'm number one to blame. I didn't play my best. I don't think any of us did. This week is a good opportunity for us to do the dress rehearsal, to really go, know we're playing well going into the second half. It's time to go.
On wearing a knee brace as opposed to a knee sleeve…
I really don't want to wear it [laughs]. No, we've been joking about it back and forth. I lucked out the other night with the [tackle] low near my legs. It's not even worth having other problems. My knee feels great. It's just a precautionary thing.
On if he will continue to wear the knee brace throughout the season…
I think it's a career move.
On if he notices the knee brace while he's playing…
It's just a matter of getting used to it again. I've worn it growing up. I've worn it in school, all last year. It's really not that bad, it's more of a mental thing. I just don't like wearing it. You have seen the hits that [Bengals QB] Carson [Palmer] took, that [Patriots QB Tom] Brady took. It's not even worth it. If it can save me, why not?
On if he can talk Coach Ryan out of having to wear the brace in the future…
I doubt it. It's the right thing to do. He's looking out for me, for us.
On if he will wear a brace on both knees…
No. Just one.
On if he has spoken with Mark Brunell about the knee brace…
I was hoping somebody would ask that because I tried to ask Brunell. In his "infinite wisdom" I was hoping he'd say, "Nah, you don't need it," and I could then say, "Hey, Brunell has played forever and he never had a problem." But he wore it for 14 years, so it's not going to work [laughter].
On making sure Friday's game does not get off to a bad start…
This is important. It's as close to a real game as we get. We know we are playing well into the second half. We get a chance to watch a little more film and make it more like a game plan. Not exactly like a game, but similar. This is our last go-round until we hit the regular season and line up against the Ravens. This is important for us. We want to put our best on film, make it look good and feel good about it going into the regular season.
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On the Redskins' defense…
Everything I've seen in their two preseason games – [S LaRon] Landry, both cornerbacks, [Carlos] Rogers and [D'Angelo] Hall, look great. Whoever is playing the nose, whether it's [Albert] Haynesworth or [Ma'ake Kemoeatu], those guys are tough. They're flying around to the ball. [OLB Brian] Orakpo is everywhere on film. It's going to be a good test for us and we're excited about the challenge. We definitely respect them.
On how much he thinks he'll play vs. the Redskins...
I'm not sure. I know Rex said something about flip-flopping the first and second game. They didn't tell me last game until the day of the game that "You're probably going to go until halftime." I'll play as long as they want. I love getting in there, love getting comfortable again. It's just a matter of feeling good. I definitely felt good. My knee felt great. I'll play as long as I can.
