Mark Sanchez is Ready for a Tough Test on Sunday

Sept 9, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) throws a pass during the pre-game warmup for their game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLIfe Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Mark Sanchez impressed everyone with his performance on Sunday, throwing for 266 yards and 3 TDs, vs only 1 INT. Other than the pick, Mark was sharp, making smart decisions, accurate passes with some serious zip. The Jets offense was terrific. But Mark and the team are long past indulging in their performance from Sunday, and ready for a tough go-round in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Here is what Mark had to say about the Steelers, specifically, their defense:

It’s a sound group, it’s a veteran group, like you said. These guys can pattern read, they read the quarterbacks eyes, they are a fast-flow defense and an aggressive front seven and great on backend as well. It’s going to be one of our toughest challenges all year. We’re going to have to hold up well up front. It’s on me to make quick decisions, deliver the ball accurately to the right guy and we have to get open with the wide outs and play well in the run game. It’s going to take a complete effort and our best effort.

Here is Mark’s take on how to beat the Steelers:

Taking care of the football, being accurate, (having) a great plan, which I think we’re still making right now. It took a great week of practice both times. We have to come out and play well, really play sharp. (We) can’t allow any penalties on the road and (we have to) really handle the crowd noise.

Sept. 9, 2012; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets receiver Stephen Hill celebrates a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John O

As good as Stephen Hill was on Sunday, Mark knows that Stephen is going to have to be even better on Sunday in Pittsburgh:

He’s going to have to play even better than last week. I know he had some big highlights, but it’s going to be on him to block in the secondary. He has to run all his routes full speed and keep working hard. He’s (had) a little bit of success, now we want to see how he reacts to it and make sure he’s still the same guy after a great game.

Mark Sanchez sounds more and more like a seasoned leader every day. He has some highs with his team, but is keeping them focused on the next task at hand. He seems to be finally coming into his own as this team’s leader.