But I never said this was a Cinderella story. I said this was a playoff team, but I never alluded to the dream that he was a playoff-caliber quarterback.

He’s a rookie, folks. This is what rookies do.

See: Joe Flacco

See: Matt Ryan

While they both had impressive overall numbers on the season last year, they both also had their share of week performances. They both also caved in the playoffs. (Flacco more-so, but you get the idea.)

The point is, to realize that we didn’t give Sanchez enough credit for how prepared he was to start the season, and now when it’s turned around, we’re giving him too much flak now that he’s getting rattled.

Sure, he played without Jerricho Cotchery on Sunday. But that’s no excuse. Quarterbacks don’t play like this. Not unless they have a good reason.

And when Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are combining their efforts for 300+ rushing yards to help the offense pull itself out of a four-interception hole, there are no good reasons.

Blame the kicker, too. Blame the loss of Kris Jenkins. It doesn’t matter.

As long as you get back around to the fact that the Jets stopped the run, knocked Trent Edwards out of the game, ran the hell out of the ball, only to see Sanchez blow it with the “icing on the cake”, “cherry on top” fifth interception.

But even with all of that information, I still don’t see the argument for a benching.

For what? To save the offense? The team? The season?

With who, Kellen Clemens?

Mark Sanchez, love him or hate him right now, is the best player for the position. He’s the man for the job. But this all needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

He’s a rookie, and just as he led a 3-0 near-flawless charge, he’s now dealing with a horrible, pathetic turnover streak.

But New York, Rex Ryan, he’s your quarterback. Don’t yank him. Don’t bench him. Don’t kill his mojo. Not when what we saw just three or four weeks ago had some of us thinking Super Bowl. Or, at the very worst, playoffs.

The Jets are still 3-2. They’re still a half-game back in their division, and they still have the tie-breaker over New England. And going forward they should still have their rookie quarterback leading the way, with an entire city behind him.

No, you read it right. The little 5’8” running back from Chadron State is getting his first real crack at the NFL. That’s right, folks. An active roster spot, actual playing time, and a shot at proving himself with the big boys.

Oh, but this time it will be at receiver.

Woodhead, who impressed in his final pre-season game with over 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns, was signed to the Jets practice squad early in September.

However, until the Jets traded away Chansi Stuckey and learned they could be without starting receiver Jerricho Cotchery, he wasn’t needed. Especially since he wasn’t even a receiver.

While Woodhead was a fan and team favorite, and impressed the coaching staff, he was simply the odd man out as the fourth running back on a team with three solid, proven backs. That, and the fact that he isn’t an elite special teams player, led to his release and eventual placement on the practice squad.

That brings us to this whole “receiver” talk.

Woodhead had been practicing in week two with the practice squad in a “Wes Welker” role, impersonating the Patriots receiver to help prepare the defense. Apparently the role-playing helped more than just the defense.

With injuries and impressive practice work combining their efforts, reports state that Woodhead could be activated this week, possibly placing him on the roster for the Jets game against the Buffalo Bills.

It’s become apparent that Woodhead is much too shifty, elusive, and fast to not be used in this league, while his size and lack of bulk hinders his productivity and potential as an in between the tackle runner.

But all of those positive attributes can be put to good use if his transition from running back to receiver pans out.

With injures to Cotchery and Brad Smith, we could find out as early as this Sunday if Woodhead has a future in this league.

And if you know anything about this kid, you’ll know that all he needs is a chance.

While few games lived-up to their hype, we were blessed with a classic game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots on Sunday, while getting the chance to watch history between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on Monday.

Still, when it’s all said and done, there are five teams who are undefeated after four games, and all of those teams have taken different journeys.

Read on to see who makes the top five, and then check to see where everyone else fits in:

1. New York Giants (4-0)

Their running game wasn’t lights-out, but it definitely didn’t have any troubles with Kansas City’s defensive line. This Eli Manning-to-Steve Smith combination is really heating up.

2. New Orleans Saints (4-0)

Make that two straight games won by the excellent run offense and great defense. Boy, they reall made Mark Sanchez look like a rookie.

3. Indianapolis Colts (4-0)

Peyton Manning is far and away from simply having his offense clicking on all cylinders. Four straight 300+ yard passing games to start the season? Yeah, Manning looks comfortable.

4. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)

This was more than just Brett Favre getting revenge on his old team. It’s now official: This team can win either on the ground or through the air. And can we all finally agree that Jared Allen is the best defensive end in football?

5. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

Is it just me, or did New England’s defense just give Baltimore a tutorial on how to stop a game-winning drive?

6. New York Jets (3-1)

Mark Sanchez waited three weeks to show us how bad he can play. But was it really on him, or were the Saints just that good?

7. New England Patriots (3-1)

Their lone loss showed that the Jets could compete. But their wins are saying even more. Too many people are making the mistake of thinking their offense isn’t doing things the right way. They might not touch 2007 again, but they move the chains, just fine.

8. Denver Broncos (4-0)

You can talk-down the Cowboys win all you want, but at some point you need to look past the opponents and say, “Hey, this team is undefeated”.

9. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)

A week after getting burned by some Brett Favre-magic, they pitch a shut-out? I don’t care if it wa the Rams. That’s the sign of a determined and well-coached team. Tell me they aren’t a lock for this division.

10. Chicago Bears (3-1)

One bad Jay Cutler performance, combined with the loss of Brian Urlacher, and the Bears season was over, right? Not so fast. Three straight wins, and these Bears could be looking at a tie for first place if Minnesota loses on Monday night.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)

Their defense continues to miss Troy Polamalu, but that offense is absolutely clicking right now. Take their two close losses away, and this is still one heck of a football team.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)

Getting Donovan McNabb, Kevin Curtis, and Brian Westbrook all back and at full speed could make this offense finally show-off what it has to offer. A lot of people are sleeping on this team, but don’t forget, they can still win this division.

13. San Diego Chargers (2-2)

They couldn’t get the run game going. I get that, but to not even give Darren Sproles a chance? They were 2-1 for a reason, and giving a stud like Sproles once touch per game was not it.

14. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

The Falcons will take their bye to find solace in the fact that their only loss came against a solid 3-1 Patriots team. But now they have to stay stride-for-stride with New Orleans.

15. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

What’s more telling? That this team persevered and fought it’s way to 3-1, or that it needed overtime to get past the Cleveland Browns.

16. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)

This is why Jerry Jone has to constantly defend Tony Romo. He gets chance after chance, and he simply cannot come through in the clutch.

17. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

You can talk about Aaron Rodger’s gutsy play and the Packers mini-comeback all you want, but if that offensive line doesn’t get better real fast, this team is doomed.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)

They can run, they can pass, and while it was against a winless team, they can even play a little defense. That connection between David Garrard and Mike Sims-Walker was something special.

19. Houston Texans (2-2)

Steve Slaton broke-out when Houston needed him most, as their passing offense struggled, throughout. Hand it to that defense, though, for stepping-up and shutting down the Raiders rush attack.

20. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

I know the Colts are good, but they were missing three key starters on defense, and Kurt Warner simply couldn’t take advantage. It’s only a matter of time before the on-field issues start messing with the make-up in the locker room.

21. Miami Dolphins (1-3)

This bashing of the Bills shows that Chad Henne isn’t “like a rookie”, and that the Wildcat isn’t quite dead in Miami. They play in a tough division and conference, but this team isn’t quite dead yet.

22. Seattle Seahawks (1-3)

They ran into an insanely hot Colts offense, and a defense that few people have yet to give the credit they’re due. Seattle gets Matt Hasselbeck back for their next match-up, and we’ve yet to see this team’s true identity.

23. Washington Redskins (2-2)

Make that two wins the Redskins have stumbled upon and didn’t quite deserve. Clinton Portis was the only player on offense making any sense for the first three quarters. If only Jason Campbell could play all game like he plays in the fourth quarter.

24. Buffalo Bills (1-3)

Was Marshawn Lynch’s return that much of a distraction, or is this a sign Trent Edwards no longer has any self-confidence? We’re starting to find out how shaky this defense is, as well.

25. Tennessee Titans (0-4)

They could have gotten a mulligan for any one of their first three losses. But losing to a Jacksonville team like this? We know the Jaguars aren’t a powerhouse, but on that same note, we’re finally seeing just how vulnerable the Titans truly are.

26. Oakland Raiders (1-3)

Darren McFadden simply did not show up against what was hyped-up as one of the league’s worst run defenses. On that same note, it never fails to amaze me at just how bad Jamarcus Russell can play. Al Davis needs to switch this team’s direction at quarterback as soon as possible.

27. Carolina Panthers (0-3)

Cue the count-down until Jake Delhomme is benched.

28. Detroit Lions (1-3)

They ran into a hot Bears team, but still hung with them until the fourth quarter. Jim Schwartz has to feel good about what he’s seeing from Matthew Stafford.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)

Getting Antonio Bryant helped the passing game a bit, and while it was only in spurts, that Josh Johnson kid showed us that Josh Freeman’s first start could be further away than we think.

30. Cleveland Browns (0-4)

They didn’t win, but Derek Anderson showed how far this offense can go when the right guy is behind center. I wasn’t buyin the hype that he could make a difference, but it’s clear the shots he takes down the field stretch the defense.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (0-4)

Matt Cassel continues to display the lack of leadership and experience that many experts were afraid of. He doesn’t have a ton of supporting talent and he was up against the Giants, but he has to show more than this.

32. St. Louis Rams (0-4)

It appears that offensive spark Kyle Boller provided in week three was a mirage. That, or they just ran into the most under-rated defense in the NFC.

Looking for the next big gem but not into digging for it yourself? That’s all gravy.

Take a look at the 10 safest rookie bets after two weeks (by position), along with some analysis toward their future, as well as a good look at their present.

And no, Matthew Stafford doesn’t make the list. Why? Because all he’s good for is interceptions; that’s why.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Last Week: 14-22, 167 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT

Sanchez has looked like a seasoned veteran in his first two games, throwing for three touchdowns, 435 yards, and only one interception.

However, the drop from 31 attempts and 272 yards in Week One to 22 attempts and only 167 yards in Week Two is exactly the kind of inconsistency you need to prepare for when dealing with a rookie.

Regardless, Sanchez is doing his best Matt Ryan impression and is easily the better play between him and Matthew Stafford going forward.

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Last Week: 4 att, 26 yds, 1 TD, 1 rec, 24 yds, 0 TD

We already knew the guy had good speed and the shiftiness of a receiver. What we didn’t know is that he’s also clutch as hell.

Brown burst up the middle for the Colts’ 15-yard winning touchdown run in front of the nation despite only touching the ball four times earlier in the game.

His four carries were quite a drop from his solid 11 totes in Week One, making Brown’s touches and role in the offense a bit unpredictable.

It’s quite clear that Brown is going to stay a part of the Colts ground game, though, and has already contributed 40 yards receiving in two games, offering promise as a potential screen demon.

Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Last Week: 7 att, 44 yds, 0 TD

Wells has had a solid seven touches in both games this season and probably would have seen more action in Week Two if it hadn’t been for his two fumbles.

It’s clear that Arizona is more comfortable with Tim Hightower, especially in the passing game, where Wells has a very disappointing zero catches.

Look for his overall touches to climb to 10-12 in the next few weeks as Wells rises to an average flex play.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Last Week: 5 att, 18 yds, 0 TD, 4 rec, 37 yds, 0 TD

McCoy will only go as far as Brian Westbrook’s health allows him to, which actually makes him a guy to watch heading into Week Three, as Westbrook missed Wednesday’s practice.

With 19 touches for 102 yards, McCoy is averaging 50 yards per game and is a strong candidate to heat up as the season wears on.

With Westbrook’s age (30) and injury concerns, McCoy’s already decent numbers are very promising.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Last Week: 5 rec, 41 yds, 1 TD, 2 att, 14 yds, 0 TD

All the assumptions of how Harvin could be used in the Minnesota offense are coming true. He’s proving to be a solid slot receiver, and he has also taken two handoffs in both games while introducing some Wildcat plays heading into Week Three.

Harvin has already developed a nice connection with Brett Favre, as Harvin has totaled eight receptions for 77 yards and two scores through the first two weeks.

Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears

Last Week: 6 rec, 70 yds, 1 TD

Word on the street is that Knox could soon be pushing for Earl Bennett’s starting job. And why not?

All Knox has does thus far as a rookie is notch at least 70 yards receiving in both of his games, providing the Bears with their second deadly deep threat in the passing game.

Knox has a ton of upside and already is showing good route-running ability through just his second NFL game.

Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots

Last Week: 8 rec, 98 yds, 0 TD

Edelman filled in quite nicely for the game-day scratch of Wes Welker, and he even confused many people by playing a lot like the standout receiver.

However, Edelman’s inexperience was fairly evident on several drops, including a sure touchdown near the goal line.

Still, Edelman proved worthy of 16 Tom Brady targets and, with almost 100 yards in his first start, should be a valuable asset to an offense that still has the tools to be quite explosive.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans

Last Week: 2 rec, 22 yds, 0 TD

Britt delivered quite a rookie-esque performance after showing his big-play ability in his debut against the Steelers.

Britt is still capable of making plays for Tennessee but will be somewhat limited as the third receiver in a run-first offense.

Louis Murphy, WR, Oakland Raiders

Last Week: 2 rec, 26 yds, 0 TD

Murphy came crashing down to earth a bit after his stellar rookie debut on Monday night in Week One.

Hs two catches for 26 yards make for a far cry from his “waiver-wire wonder” numbers of four catches, 87 yards, and a touchdown in front of the nation in Week One.

The rookie even had another touchdown grab, but it was called back due to a penalty.

Murphy is outperforming first-round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey by leaps and bounds, performing well enough to make Oakland think twice about benching him in favor of Chaz Schilens.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions

Last Week: 4 rec, 40 yds, 0 TD

After not being targeted at all in Week One, Pettigrew was fairly active against the Vikings with four catches.

This makes Pettigrew a decent TE2 play going forward, though he’s probably going to get some stiff rookie competition from Buffalo’s Shawn Nelson (three catches, one touchdown).

It’s gut-check time for Buffalo, Miami, and New England. Sort of.

After Monday night is over, two of those teams will be walking into next week’s slate of games at 0-1, and staring at the Jets and their seemingly unshakable rookie quarterback with a 1-0 record.

“Broadway” Joe ain’t got nothin’ on this kid Sanchez.

Except a Super Bowl ring, years of experience, and an alcohol addiction that could kill a Rhino.

But still, all the Sanchez haters out there can give it up. The dude was flawless in a 277-yard, one touchdown effort.

Oh, and Rex Ryan has it all figured out. Think about it.

Andre Johnson had 35 yards receiving, Matt Schaub is currently screaming in his bed with a nightmare of the Jets chasing him down, and Steve Slaton is still trying to figure out how he only had 17 yards rushing.

The answer to all of Houston’s issues on Sunday? The Jets are the 2008 Baltimore Ravens, the 2.0 version.

And this is without Calvin Pace. And they’re running their offense through a rookie quarterback.

But that’s just it. This kid isn’t anymore a rookie than Brett Favre isn’t eligible for the senior citizen deal at your local Taco Bell.

Give that man, and hell, Sanchez too, a free soda. Throw in a damn taco.

While Sanchez may have been solely responsible for Houston’s only points (a pick six), he made very few mistakes, completed 18-of-31 passes, and looked in complete control.

But why is this still a shock?

Rex Ryan, who many argue was “basically” Baltimore’a head coach in 2008 (sorry, John Harbaugh), has been here before.

He had solid holdovers on defense from last season.

All he had to do was lure some solid prospects and veterans (Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard) from Baltimore, and Bam!, he has a stud-driven defense.

Oh, and a solid draft on both ends didn’t hurt, either.

Still, so many doubters, not nearly enough time to list them off. And I know it’s only one week. I know it’s just the first of 16 tests the rookie quarterback will endure. But he passed it.

He passed it big time.

Sorry, Clark Judge. This kid’s got it.

And as long as Thomas Jones and company can keep up this whole “supportive offense” thing, we could see some progress on last year’s 9-7 finish.

 

Tennessee Titans Work-out Receiver Matt Jones

The ex-Jaguar is getting his first official look from an NFL club, even after a humbling interview on ESPN about a month ago.

Jones still has outstanding size and speed, and even though he knows nothing of Tennessee’s offense, he could still emerge as their top receiver if signed.

As it stands, he’d probably step in behind Justin Gauge and Kenny Britt, while surpassing the injured Nate Washington.

The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, both in need of an impact receiver, are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.

No Progress in Brandon Marshall Trade Talks

The heat is on Josh McDanies and the Broncos, as they have heard plenty of interest from the New York Jets, but still have a hefty asking price on the table.

The reported offer has been Marshall for a New York first round pick, along with veteran linebacker, David Harris.

If Denver doesn’t budge on either Harris or the pick, the reportedly won’t happen.

Bengals’ Carson Palmer Expected to be Ready for Opener

Isn’t this the same news we got all of last season?

Palmer was apparently at full health heading into pre-season, but then arm questions again emerged.

This time the concern is over his ankle, but with soid practices lately, head coach Marvin Lewis is holding him out of the final pre-season game, merely as a precaution.

Brett Favre to Sit for Minnesota’s Final Pre-season Game

This isn’t news, but since it’s Favre, it still makes headlines.

Add the arm surgery, his age, and the reported cracked rib all together, and you’ve got a concerned Brad Childress.

Besides, they may want to give Tarvaris Jackson the full stage as they try to up his value in the wake of trade rumors.

Favre will be more than ready to go for the season opener at Cleveland.

(Brandon Marshall is praying for a way out of Denver.)

Talks between the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos regarding disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Marshall heated up on Wednesday night.

Well, sort of.

The Broncos’ initial asking price was said to be a first round draft pick (at the minimum), and considering their apparent distaste with their defensive depth (especially at linebacker), they are interested in acquiring defensive help.

Unfortunately for the Jets, that “help” is turning out to be quality linebacker, David Harris.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos appear to be willing to make the swap, but only if Rex Ryan and the Jets defense can handle losing one of their best defenders.

While the Broncos are not content with Andra’ Davis on the inside, the Jets are fairly thin at the position themselves, as second-year man Vernon Gholston is being thrust into the line-up while Calvin Pace serves a suspension to start the season.

Still, talks remain on-going, even despite “tampering” rumors that surfaced within the past 24 hours.

Brandon Marshall has done his best to follow former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler out of town, citing contractual issues, a downgrade at quarterback, as well as a sketchy rehab situation with Denver’s personal trainers and doctors.

Denver’s new head coach, Josh McDaniels, actually made a horrible situation with Cutler into a victory, by addressing defense and adding a stud running back (Knowshon Moreno), as well as a supposedly capable starting quarterback (Kyle Orton) through the trade, as well as through the NFL Draft.

Still, losing Brandon Marshall, regardless of the picks or players obtained in return, could send McDaniels and his staff into a downward spiral; one that could only be stopped by a successful season.

The Jets, on the other hand, have an aggressive scheme that could make-up for the loss of Harris (potentially), while landing Brandon Marshall would give them a truly elite number one receiver for the first time since Santana Moss or Keyshawn Johnson.

ESPN broke the report, stating that the talks are still hot, while also noting that if Denver’s asking price continues to be both Harris and the first round draft pick, the deal could be dead.

The Jets accepted the fact that Eric Mangini wasn’t quite the “genius” everyone thought he was, and after saying good-bye to Brett Favre, began a true transformation.

With the hiring of Rex Ryan and drafting of Shonne Green, the Jets proved that they were heavily committed to running the football and shutting down teams with an aggressive defense.

Top it off with a new franchise quarterback, and the Jets have the makings for a competitive playoff team that could contend for years to come.

The question is, will one of those year’s be 2009?

Read on to see five things to watch for this season.

5. Mark Sanchez vs. Kellen Clemens

Sanchez was highly touted, and rightfully so, and is easily the best quarterback on the Jets roster, already despite being a rookie. While Kellen Clemens is a “veteran”, very little about his game would actually suggest it. Sanchez may not be polished in some respects and have NFL-ready game-managing skills, but he’s a true gamer, and has better instincts than Clemens.

Despite Clemens being dubbed the “opening day” starter for the pre-season, it’s unlikely he holds onto the job.

Sanchez can make things happen on the run, has a better arm than Clemens, and would give New York a Joe Namath, young-gun mystique that it hasn’t had in almost 40 years.

Look for the rookie to win the job.

4. The Rex Ryan Era

Ryan new how to build defenses and get them to perform at the highest level in Baltimore, so why would that change in New York?

The only difference now is the colorful Ryan has the ability to choose all of his players, rather than have his personnel decisions handed down to him and made for him.

Ryan knows talent, and he knows potential. But the best part is that he knows, with a deeper understanding than most, that there’s a difference between the two.

Eric Mangini left a solid corps of players that Ryan can easily work with, while some former Baltimore defenders, Jim Leonhard and Bart Scott, who were both successful in his system, joined the team.

Another thing to note is that Mangini has been around contending teams that had in-experienced or rookie quarterbacks. Just look at Joe Flacco.

The tools are there on both sides of the ball, and if we go by history, the Jets should be very competitive.

3. The Progression of Vernon Gholston

After being a rookie bust in 2008, while registering just 13 tackles, Gholston finally has life.

With Rex Ryan in town, he should receive the best guidance and teaching he’s ever gotten, and should every change to succeed in Ryan’s aggressive 3-4.

Gholston is even the starter to start the season, and he was picked to be Calvin Pace’s replacement after Pace was suspended for four games.

It may be difficult to hold off Pace when he gets back, but Gholston is too athletic to not make things happen in a Rex Ryan system.

Anticipate a break-out season for the second-year player.

2. Can Thomas Jones Do It Again?

Before Brett Favre, Jones was just cracking 1,000 yards and scored one measly touchdown in 2008. With Favre? Jones is still relishing in a 13-touchdown Pro Bowl season.

Post-Favre? You tell me.

Jones is 32, more than likely just hit the highest numbers he’ll ever get, and has fierce talent around him weighting for more carries.

Leon Washington, despite being in contract discussions, is still a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, making it an almost certainty that his touches will increase.

Throw in the rookie, Shonne Green, the Jets pre-determined “closer”, and Jones is suddenly in a very quiet RBBC.

If that is indeed the case, which it plainly is, there’s no way Jones scores over 10 touchdowns again, and could even struggle to top 1,000 yards.

But hey, if it means a division title, who cares, right?

1. Can Jerricho Cotchery Survive On His Own?

Probably not.

Cotchery isn’t particularly fast, and isn’t overly reliable in traffic or on deep balls.

To be honest, Cotchery has been living in an elite receiver’s body, but has put in very average results.

It didn’t help that he has never had any truly elite help to take the focus off of him, but being the top (and only) option sure doesn’t hurt your stock, either.

There is no true second receiver behind Cotchery that is scary to opposing defenses, while Dustin Keller and Leon Washington are the only other effective options in the passing game.

If another receiver can’t emerge from the mix to help out Cotchery, he may fold up. Like a lawn chair.