Mark Sanchez to call first NY Jets game this Sunday

Ex-New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will call his first Jets game

Mark Sanchez is returning to the Meadowlands – as a broadcaster.

The crew of Sanchez, Kevin Kugler, and Laura Okmin will be covering the Jets-Eagles game this Sunday. Slated as “America’s Game of the Week” for Fox, the 4:25 p.m. game will be the first time Sanchez has called a game that involves the Jets.

Kevin Kugler, @Mark_Sanchez, and Laura Okmin will have the call of #Jets vs. Eagles on Sunday for FOX.

I believe this will be the first time that Mark has ever called a #Jets game too! pic.twitter.com/D7TDBzlEYO

— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) October 10, 2023

Sanchez, who last played in 2018, suited up for the Jets from 2009-12. While not living up to his first-round pedigree, Sanchez played a significant role for the team at the beginning of his career.

The USC product helped get the Jets to the AFC Championship game in both 2009 and 2010. While the Jets were led by an elite defense and strong running game, Sanchez performed his best in the playoffs, recording a 94.3 passer rating across six playoff games with the Jets. He managed games well enough for the Jets to pick up four playoff victories.

Considering the structure of the Sanchez-era Jets, it is very interesting that the former quarterback gets to call a game for this current iteration of the team. The 2023 roster has a defense with arguably more talent in the trenches than the Rex Ryan-led teams. They have not one, not two, but three great cornerbacks in Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II.

Most relevant to Sanchez, though, is the structure of the offense. Zach Wilson has often been the weakest link in the offense, as the unit has struggled to find consistent success with him at the helm. The ideal production level for Wilson has been that of a game manager, something Sanchez was able to do successfully for the Jets at times.

As a result, Sanchez is in a position to provide great insight when a seemingly improving Wilson faces a talented Eagles defense.