Mark Sanchez will Throw 20+ TDs and 15 or Fewer INTs

June 14, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) throws a pass during minicamp at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Mark Sanchez has been working hard this offseason to learn a new offense. The coaching staff has noticed, and publically stated how nobody works harder in the classroom than Mark Sanchez. He is learning, and working to show that this is HIS team.

Many doubters, and Tebow fans, have questioned of this really is Mark’s team, if he can lead the team to where coach Ryan expects to take them. He can, and will, beginning in 2012 to the tune of 20+ TDs and 15 or less INTs.

First of all, do not forget about the success that he has had so far. Despite the bad decision making, which we all know he is notorious for, Mark Sanchez has led this team to 2 AFC championship games. He has stepped up his game ih the post season, to the tune of a 92.7 passer rating in the 2009 post season, and 95.5 in the 2010 post season. His play in the post season showed far more maturity than many young quarterbacks show.

These improvements were made on the back of an offense that was tailored the skill set of Sanchez. The Ground and Pound gave the ability for Mark to work out of play action, and designed roll outs, which improved Mark Sanchez as a passer greatly. If you notice, most of his bad decisions are when he is sitting straight in the pocket, or when he is flushed due to a broken play. When he moves around by design, his accuracy is just fine.

Look at the Dolphins when Tony Sparano took over. They had ground and pound in them back when he took over in 2008. They may not have been first in the league in rushing in 2008, but they were pretty good, finishing at number 11. Say what you want, but they were 10-6 and won the AFC East.

Chad Pennington took over as the QB for Sparano’s Dolphins in 2008, and had one of his best seasons as a pro, throwing 19 TD passes against only 7 INTs. By all accounts, Sparano’s first and foremost goal so far has been to minimize turnovers, and I can tell you from being at camp, he is one tough cookie if you make a mistake. This can only benefit Sanchez.

Now, I am not trying to say that Sanchez will become as efficient as Chad Pennington. The Jets also have more dangerous weapons on the outside than the Dolphins did. Therefore the numbers will be different, as Mark will have more TD passes. It’s not unreasonable to say that Mark Sanchez will have a line of say, 23 TDs and 13 INTs. Not “great”, but a vast improvement over 2011.

The return to ground and pound and the emphasis on ball protection will help Mark Sanchez.

He will answer his critics in 2011.

He will do so with over 20 TDs and 15 or less INTs.

One thing is for sure, the year will go up in smoke if this prediction is wrong.