Mark Sanchez The Misunderstood

Is Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez just misunderstood? Could he be the guy to lead this team to a repeat Super Bowl title?

As a generally lesser-known media person outside of my own community, I will often go on Twitter and when trying to make a greater name for myself, people misunderstand and deem me to be someone who isn’t up to snuff. It’s all right, thick skin is something all journalists, be they of large or small renown, need.

Nevertheless, when I’m on my own and away from the public gaze I’ll admit this is something I want to eradicate because it is human nature, after all, for all of us to be esteemed highly by our peers, be we journalists or real estate agents or anything else in between.

I have noticed that since March 11, when Denver Broncos signal-caller Mark Sanchez was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for a 7th round draft pick, many Broncos fans, (many of whom I believe are being unwise but to each their own) have grown incensed because of one incident in his career that is not a fair depiction of who he really is.

On November 22 (Thanksgiving night), 2012, Sanchez was the quarterback of the New York Jets when he committed an ignominious gaffe known as the Butt Fumble against the hated rival New England Patriots.

In this event, which ultimately led to a 49-19 Patriots win, Sanchez made a mistake on a running play intended for tailback Shonn Greene and as he held the ball, he collided with left guard Brandon Moore. This dislodged the ball and New England safety Steve Gregory returned his gift for a score.

This one event has overshadowed what, in all honesty, is not a terrible career. He has, since coming out of USC in 2009, thrown for 15,126 yards, 86 touchdowns and 84 interceptions while completing a respectable 56.7 percent of his passes.

He has played the caretaker role quite well with the Jets as he has played for an AFC championship twice and if he gets the nod in Denver, that’s all he will be asked to do.

It’s reasonable to suggest that based on what we know now, the Broncos are not going to significantly change their methodology for success in 2016. As my late Grandpa McArthur always said, “it’s best to dance with the girl who brought you.”

Still, despite Sanchez’ abilities to excel and the facts I have laid before you, he is esteemed as a “human Las Vegas” if you will, horrendously misunderstood for his true value.

I visit Las Vegas often (my convention slated for there is in two weeks, I can’t wait 🙂 and all people talk about are the negative attributes, the decadence and gambling but there is more to the area than meets the eye, much as is the case with Sanchez. In fact, if the NHL isn’t judgmental about Las Vegas, they will see that a sparkling new arena awaits for a new tenant if they’re willing to pull the trigger.

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Beyond this, it is known for great recreational opportunities and a thriving downtown district, which has nothing to do with the Strip. Many honorable people, such as former star NFL quarterback, Randall Cunningham, call it home.

While potential future Bronco Colin Kaepernick is concerned about a possible 42 percent reduction in his salary should he come to Denver (that is NOT a criticism, just a fact, I wouldn’t sacrifice that much of potential earnings either), Sanchez has taken the Broncos’ receivers to his own personal passing camp.

Additionally, Sanchez, fellow Broncos’ quarterback Trevor Siemian and all Broncos receivers were on hand at CBS Television City in Los Angeles Monday night for Dancing With the Stars to support their teammate and reigning Super Bowl MVP, linebacker Von Miller.

Sanchez is doing the best he can to endear himself to his teammates and what they think of him matters more than what any of his accusers or critics believe or say.

Even if he is not good enough to lead the Broncos moving forward, he is doing the best he can to improve himself and be a leader. He wants to be a reliable quarterback more than anything else and I admire that.

At the least, Broncos fans should give Sanchez their support rather than their derision, unless, of course, they aren’t truly fans.