The Sports Network
Florham Park, NJ (Sports Network) - New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday
he won't make a decision on his starting quarterback for next Sunday's game
against Jacksonville until later in the week.
Ryan pulled Mark Sanchez in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the
Cardinals and Greg McElroy led the Jets to their lone touchdown in a 7-6 win.
Sanchez was intercepted three times in the first half and threw for just 97
yards while completing only 10-of-21 passes before being pulled. McElroy
connected on 5-of-7 throws, but for only 29 yards with a 1-yard scoring pass
to Jeff Cumberland.
Tim Tebow was inactive against the Cardinals because of a rib injury and his
status for next week's game in his hometown of Jacksonville is still in
question.
"I need a little more time to make that decision," said Ryan on Monday. "I'm
comfortable and confident with all three quarterbacks. I think all three guys
have proven they can win in this league.
"We have three guys that I'm confident in, but I'll make that decision as the
week goes on."
The Jets are 5-7 and have struggled offensively throughout the season with
Sanchez under center. The fourth-year starter has completed just 55 percent of
his passes for 2,436 yards with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this
season.
Despite numerous calls from fans to make a quarterback change, it was the
first time Ryan has made a switch.
"I just thought, at that particular time in that game, I needed to make a
change," said Ryan, who has consistently said Sanchez gives the Jets the best
chance to win. "I just felt it, and we're fortunate we found a way to the win
the game."
Ryan added that tight end Dustin Keller's injured ankle didn't appear to be a
high ankle sprain and tests on running back Joe McKnight's injured ribs were
negative.
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