A Rookie’s Best Friend-A Good Defense

Both Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford experienced the NFL for the first time on Sunday. Each worked hard in the pre-season, earning the starting jobs for the Jets and the Lions. Each had their first games on Sunday. One went well, one not so well. What was the defense in these two games? The EverydayQB has followed Sanchez and Stafford from draft day to opening day, touting each as quality quarterbacks with bright futures. But their placement has been everything, and each will see how much of a difference having a good defense makes on yoru performance and success. Here’s why:

Mark Sanchez opened his NFL career against a talented team in the Houston Texans. Sanchez, the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, threw for 272 yards and a touchdown, Thomas Jones scored twice, and the Jets shut down Houston’s high-powered offense in a 24-7 win Sunday. Coach Ryan’s defense was a steel trap, allowing Sanchez to relax and ease into the game without having the pressure of having to perform immediately. Sanchez did the little things right and got the ball into the hands of people who made plays for him. A combination of Sanchez’s poise and the tough Jet defense made Sanchez’s day a success.

Matthew Stafford’s first start had its ups and downs. The 2009 top overall draft choice was 16 of 37 for 205 yards with three interceptions, two by safety Darren Sharper, the other by linebacker Scott Shanle. The biggest issue for Stafford was that the Lions were constantly behind the entire game. Having to play from behind changes the mindset of a quarterback. You are more prone to throwing down field and forcing the ball, creating opportunities for interceptions. The lack of quality play from the Lion’s defense made Stafford’s opening day one he’d like to forget.

So what does the future hold for these two rookie starters? It depends on their team’s defense. If the Jets can continue to hold teams to limited points, Sanchez will prosper and thrive in a successful environment and, if the Lions don’t pick up their defense, the black hole named Detroit could swallow Stafford alive. Only time will tell.