When asked about his perceived lack of experience, Sanchez cited the case of Matt Cassel, who didn't start a game at USC. He mentioned the linebackers he faced in practice the last two years, some of them better than his guys he'll be going against with the Jets. He spoke of playing for a team "with Heisman trophy winners ahead of you and national championship implications in every game.

"It's obvious I was ready."

"If we didn't think he was ready," said Rex Ryan, "we certainly wouldn't have made this trade."

Ryan is a new Jets coach. In other words, he hopes to do a lot better than guys like Mangini and Carroll.

And what of Carroll? he was asked.

"I can tell you this," said Ryan, "Pete and everyone else associated with USC wishes Mark was back."