Florham Park, NJ – New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday he won't make a decision on his starting quarterback for next Sunday's game against Jacksonville until later in the week.
Ryan pulled Mark Sanchez in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Cardinals and Greg McElroy led the Jets to their lone touchdown in a 7-6 win.
Sanchez was intercepted three times in the first half and threw for just 97 yards while completing only 10-of-21 passes before being pulled. McElroy connected on 5-of-7 throws, but for only 29 yards with a 1-yard scoring pass to Jeff Cumberland.
Tim Tebow was inactive against the Cardinals because of a rib injury and his status for next week's game in his hometown of Jacksonville is still in question.
"I need a little more time to make that decision," said Ryan on Monday. "I'm comfortable and confident with all three quarterbacks. I think all three guys have proven they can win in this league.
"We have three guys that I'm confident in, but I'll make that decision as the week goes on."
The Jets are 5-7 and have struggled offensively throughout the season with Sanchez under center. The fourth-year starter has completed just 55 percent of his passes for 2,436 yards with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this season.
Despite numerous calls from fans to make a quarterback change, it was the first time Ryan has made a switch.
"I just thought, at that particular time in that game, I needed to make a change," said Ryan, who has consistently said Sanchez gives the Jets the best chance to win. "I just felt it, and we're fortunate we found a way to the win the game."
Ryan added that tight end Dustin Keller's injured ankle didn't appear to be a high ankle sprain and tests on running back Joe McKnight's injured ribs were negative.
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