NFL: New York Jets bench quarterback Mark Sanchez; Greg McElroy named starter for week 16 match against San Diego Chargers
Last Updated: December 19, 2012 8:51am
Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez (l-r): New York Jets duo on clipboard duty in week 16
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New York Jets have made a change at quarterback for week 16 of the regular season, dropping Mark Sanchez in favour of Greg McElroy.
McElroy, a second-year pro who has thrown only seven passes in his NFL career, has also jumped ahead of Sanchez's back-up Tim Tebow and will start against San Diego Chargers in New York on Sunday.
"After thinking about it, about where the team is now, I think it's best for our team and for this game," said Jets head coach Rex Ryan. "That's what I feel in my gut."
Sanchez, who led the Jets to the AFC title game in each of his first two seasons and still has four years remaining on a lucrative contract, paid the price for an error-riddled campaign.
The final straw came with four interceptions in a Monday night loss to the Tennessee Titans in week 15, a defeat that dropped the Jets to 6-8 for the season and out of contention for a play-off spot.
