Could Rex Ryan Go Down with Mark Sanchez?

July 27, 2012; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) and head coach Rex Ryan look on during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE

Look at this picture to the right. Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan, the relationship that has defined the Rex Ryan era with the New York Jets. Mark Sanchez is Rex Ryan’s “guy”, they moved up to draft him in Rex’s first year, and he has been Rex’s starter ever since. Through the good times, and the bad, Rex and Mark have been just as that picture, side by side.

No matter what you feel about this quarterback, there have been undeniably good times. He was the quarterback for back to back AFC championship games. Some give Mark more credit than others do, but the fact is he was the quarterback, and he did make some big plays, and have some big games. The 2010 playoff against the Patriots comes to mind, for example. But on the other side, there have been some bad times. The majority of the last two years come to mind on that. Mark has not been great, no matter where you fall in your opinion about him as well. Those who know me and read this blog know that I think Mark can get the job done, but the fact is that he hasn’t lately, and it could be argued that he is actually getting worse.

Through it all, Rex Ryan is true to his man. Despite the growing pressure, Rex Ryan has been more insistent that he will not make a move. He has been steadfast, time and time again, that Mark Sanchez is the quarterback of this team. He said before the team went off for the bye that if the problems were one guy, it would be easy to make the move. But the problems are not one guy, they are much more than that. Personally, I agree with Rex Ryan. The troubles of the Jets offense is far more reaching than the quarterback position. But, could Rex lose his job for being so loyal to Mark Sanchez?

The answer, I believe, is yes.

Oct 28, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at MetLIfe Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

The non-use of the guy to our left could ultimately cost Rex Ryan his job. That would be unfortunate, but it is possible. Consider the fact that Tim Tebow is here in the first place. We have said it since it happened, that this smacks of a move insisted upon by Woody Johnson. The lack of use by Rex Ryan only gives more credibility to the idea that the only guy who wants him around is Woody Johnson. He wanted to sell seats, but yet he couldn’t. Woody had to slash season ticket prices before the season began, which as a business man is not going to make him happy.

Imagine how Mr. Johnson must feel about who he believes to be a “cash cow”, not to even be in the football game? He must be livid. How can Rex Ryan screw with his business model by not using his marketable player? The quarterback that Rex Ryan stays with is not playing well, yet the coach stays with him. Behind closed doors this has to be getting under the skin of the Jets owner.

As Jets fans, we say get rid of Mike Tannenbaum. I agree with this notion. It is certainly more of a logical football move than the coach. It’s the general manager that is responsible for not arming this offense with the proper weapons to win football games. It is he that has not addressed the obvious depth issues on this roster. But, most are saying that he will stay. He has Woody in his pocket, so he won’t be moved. Well, obviously he still will make moves that he is ordered to make by the owner. If the owner orders him to get rid of Ryan, what is Mr. T going to do? Fire him, that’s what.

Hopefully for Jets fans, Rex will figure out how to use Tim Tebow over the bye. If he doesn’t, and the season continues to get worse, that could be the end of Rex.