I think Rex's defense is more of a credit to the team at this moment than Sanchez. Mark would have to show a lot of improvement to get on the D's level. Then again if he could play like he does in the playoffs consistently that would be a huge start.
but what if the Jets beat the AFC representative in the Super Bowl 34-31? I think that has to be considered as well.
Ryan. He is the more charismatic one. He's the one who is always out there talking to the media everyday
Interesting thread, although answer is rather easy. Should the Jets win the big game, Ryan would do everything in his power to talk his team into superstardom, Sanchez at the forefront. And it would not matter, because Rex Ryan would proceed to become the biggest star in New York, in the NFL, and in American sports.
It is way to early to even be considering scenarios like this, but what the heck. All I know is that this year more than ever I want the Jets to win the superbowl because its on my birthday and I couldn't think of a better gift.
I haven't read the other responses, but here's how it breaks down: Who do you attribute the Giants SBs to in the 80's? Parcells. Who do you attribute the Broncos SBs to in the 90's? Elway, then Shannahan. What's the difference? HOF coach without HOF QB, and HOF QB and perhaps HOF coach once he retires. Simms is loved by his fanbase, but he's not loved by the NFL as a whole. It was Parcells and the defense that will always be remembered. Elway is the guy everyone remembers because he's a HOF QB. The Redskins 3 SBs are remembered by Joe Gibbs first, then Doug Williams for the first one. Rypien and Theisman are afterthoughts. Our fanbase will immortalize Sanchez and defend him to no end about how great he is if he wins one. But Rex is going to get the first billing, unless Sanchez becomes a top 10 QB. I think Sanchez can become that good, so in due time they'll probably split it 50/50, with the tiebreker going to Rex's larger than life personality.
Not a fan of these threads. Lets get there first then ask this. But if I were to answer now I'll say Rex. The Jets went from having a lousy defense to #1 since he took over. Sanchez will have his spotlight but its Rex who transformed this team.
Rex is the more interesting person but I think Mark has more potential to be a star. Sanchez has the athletic ability and looks in a society that puts a high value on youth. While it's very possible that football fans would like to learn more about Rex, I believe the general public will be more drawn to Mark. This is also open to your interpretation of stardom. For articles and talk shows maybe Rex has the edge but for endorsements and exposure to the every day lives of the public Sanchez is the bigger star.
Much of it would depend on Sanchez's performance in the SB. If he plays average or worse, he will be remembered as the mediocre young QB who got carried by an awesome defense and running game. If he lights it up as he usually does in the postseason, he and Rex will get equal billing. I think all things equal, Rex is the face of this organization and unless sanchez puts up an all-time performance, Rex is going to attract much of the fan and media attention around the NFL.
This makes some sense. Big Ben was considered another lucky QB after his first SB when he was below average and yet still won a SB. If i recall, the Refs earned the first game ball in that one.
