Mark Sanchez
Could Mark Sanchez lose his starting job to Tim Tebow? Reuters

The NFL was forced to take notice of Mark Sanchez in Week 1.

After being scrutinized for a poor 2011 campaign and rumblings about his job security, the Jets quarterback threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns against the Bills. For at least one game, Sanchez had silenced his critics.

Since his performance against Buffalo, New York’s signal caller has performed as poorly as any quarterback in the NFL. In the Jets 34-0 home loss to the 49ers on Sunday, Sanchez threw for 103 yards and one interception.

The Jets have had a lot of trouble scoring the ball since that first game, and Rex Ryan could be forced to make some changes. Is it time to give Tim Tebow a chance at starting quarterback?

New York has denied having any plans of making Tebow the starter since they traded for him in the offseason. When asked about possibly starting Tebow after the loss to San Francisco, Ryan said he still has faith in Sanchez.

"I don't think that's the answer,” said the head coach. “I think Mark's the answer at quarterback."

Tebow has been used in certain offensive packages, but has yet to make a real impact on the season. Coming off a season in which he led the Broncos to the second round of the playoffs, the quarterback has thrown just one pass this season.

However, New York’s patience could soon run out.

In his last three games, Sanchez has completed 43.5 percent of his passes for 547 yards. He has two touchdowns, compared to three interceptions. Despite his Week 1 performance, Sanchez ranks 28th in quarterback rating out of all 32 starters.

At 2-2, the Jets are still tied for first place in the AFC East. Sanchez will get the nod next week, and could erase all of this talk about Tebow with a few good games.

If Sanchez is going to get back on track, he’ll have to do it against some of the league’s best teams. New York faces Houston on Monday Night Football in Week 5, and travels to New England in Week 7.

Sanchez will have to get a lot more help from the rest of New York’s offense if he wants to play well enough to keep his job. Santonio Holmes is the club’s only proven option at wide receiver, and he went down with an injury against San Francisco. Shonn Greene has been awful on the ground, averaging 2.8 yards per carry.

Most of the Jets problems stem from their offensive line. They’ve given Sanchez very little time in the pocket, and have forced him to commit turnovers.

With Tebow’s skill set, Ryan could decide that he gives the Jets the best chance to win. His ability to run with the football might be able to cover up some of New York’s problems on the offensive line.

If the Jets haven’t given up on Sanchez, it appears the fans may be ready to move on. According to a poll done by ESPN, 63 percent of fans think it’s time for Tebow to take over the reins.

For now, Sanchez will remain under center for the Jets. New York is still at .500, and wants to give him a chance to succeed. But if he continues to struggle, Tebow could certainly get his opportunity.