CORTLAND, N.Y. — Mark Sanchez ran exclusively with the first-string offense in Saturday’s morning practice, calling the shots under center with the starting crew. The rookie quarterback was back with the second stringers in the afternoon session — but it wasn’t because he did anything wrong.

The Jets unveiled a new plan for their quarterback competition Saturday, one that calls for alternating Sanchez and Kellen Clemens with each practice so they can distribute the reps with the first-team offense more evenly. Sanchez’s number with the first string was called first, followed by Clemens in the afternoon.
The plan will be in effect until further notice, and the duo learned of the coach’s decision when offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told the two quarterbacks Friday night. Still, Clemens will get the starting nod in the Jets’ first preseason game against the Rams at Giants Stadium on Friday night.
But his grip on the depth chart’s top spot is slipping.
Sanchez ran the first-team offense extremely efficiently, completing 10 of 19 passes with two touchdowns and an interception. He was nearly flawless during a 55-yard, two-minute drill that was punctuated with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Chansi Stuckey.
After spending most of the first week of training camp working with the second string, he’s relishing the chance to get some time with the first team, and understands he’s got to show something on every snap.
“I knew last night, just as he said, ’You get a chance to run with the ones tomorrow,’ that if I didn’t make the most of it, I would be upset with myself,” Sanchez said. “So I just made sure I was as prepared as possible and treated it just like a game.”
The excitable Sanchez pored over the play-calling scripts “a million times” to make sure he got things right, and that preparation was evident on the very first play of 11-on-11 action. He connected with Jerricho Cotchery on a beautiful fly route for a 38-yard touchdown.
He displayed control of the huddle and took good care of the ball. His only turnover came in situational play. “He looked poised,” safety Jim Leonhard said.
Clemens, however, isn’t taking many steps forward. If anything, he’s moonwalking in the wrong direction. The command of the offense just hasn’t been there and his pocket presence continues to be a huge question mark. He completed 4 of 11 attempts with the second string and went 2-for-4 in the afternoon.
Clemens has seven interceptions through 11 practices. Sanchez has three through 11 practices.
Asked if he needs to start showing more than he has so far, Clemens said: “Well, Coach is the one evaluating us. I think we’ve laid a very good foundation, but we’re only a week in.”