Former Jets QB Mark Sanchez takes reins for Eagles

While the Jets scramble to find a competent quarterback — any will do — an old face is taking over as starter just south on I-95.

Mark Sanchez was named starter for the Eagles indefinitely with Nick Foles out with a cracked collarbone.

The Jets traded up to select Sanchez No. 5 overall in the 2009 NFL Draft and he led them to consecutive AFC Championship appearances before a year of struggles and an injury in 2013 led to his release.
Now, he’s on a first-place team in the NFC East.

“I feel great about Mark,” said Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. “We felt great about him all along. … I always said we needed two quarterbacks and [we] had a chance to get him in here. I thought he’s done a great job in our system.”

The Eagles and Jets are currently engaged in a game of musical chairs at quarterback. Sanchez was dumped in favor of Geno Smith, who has been replaced by Michael Vick. Vick was Foles’ backup last season in Philadelphia.

“We don’t look at it as a backup. We look at it as a starter,” Kelly said. “We’re looking for people to be starters because that better be your mindset going into it, because you are literally a play away from being a starter, and I think that’s how Mark approached it.”

Vick, in his media session with New York reporters Monday, was diplomatic in his discussion of the Foles injury.

“I hope everything gets worked out; I feel bad for Nick,” Vick said. “But that’s not my business. I have been through that before, and hopefully everything will work out for them.”

Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.