Sports

Despite competition with Geno Smith, Mark Sanchez plans to be starter for Jets this season

Associated Press
Published | Updated

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) talks to reporters after the team's NFL football practice in Florham Park, N.J., Thursday, May 30, 2013. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz) (The Associated Press)

New York Jets quarterback quarterback Mark Sanchez throws a pass during NFL football practice in Florham Park, N.J., Thursday, May 30, 2013. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz) (The Associated Press)

Mark Sanchez is "planning on starting" this season as the New York Jets' quarterback despite being in what's expected to be a tight competition with rookie Geno Smith.

Sanchez, entering his fifth season, insists Thursday he hasn't thought about the possibility of being on the bench in Week 1 when the Jets open against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He adds that he doesn't "plan on that happening."

Sanchez says he is feeling confident this spring, and is having perhaps the "best offseason" he has had in his NFL career. He attributes that to being comfortable in new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast-style system, acknowledging that it might be best-suited for his skill set.

Both Sanchez and Smith had solid practices Thursday, with neither turning the ball over.