Mark Sanchez's former backup, Erik Ainge, claims to have saved him from numerous gaffes that would have become Internet and tabloid fodder.

"There were numerous times when things would happen, when things would go down, articles of clothing would be removed," Ainge said. "Mark is goofy. He played truth or dare. He was kind of awkward around girls, so he needed other people around him to help him out. I was good at that -- there were other guys who were good with that. So we'd help him out and talk him through his awkwardness. It happened to him with the 17-year-old who said she wasn't 17. Now the butt video and there's been several other issues just like that, but he's always had wingmen."

Ainge believes people often take advantage of Sanchez.

"He's been a target in college and now he's a target in the NFL," said Ainge, who now hosts a radio show in Tennessee. "Now it's become a thing to try and catch Mark doing something stupid. He's never breaking the law. Look at Aaron Hernandez. Mark Sanchez is child's play in the NFL, as far as off-the-field stuff. I'd know as good as anybody -- what Mark does off the field is child's play. He'€™s dumb about it. He's stupid while being stupid. You have to be smart while being stupid, and he's dumb while being dumb. Look at the butt video. He needs someone he trusts there when Mark wants to go streaking through his own condo."

Ainge has battled drug addiction and mental illness in his own life.

Mark Sanchez will be battling with Geno Smith for the job of starting quarterback for the New York Jets.

Nick Mangold believes the Jets' locker room is pulling for Sanchez.

“I believe so,” said Mangold. “I haven’t walked around with a pen and paper and taken a poll, but from the feeling I get, the locker room wants to win. Whoever gives us the best chance to do that, we want out there -- and at this point, Mark gives us that best chance.”

Sanchez reportedly had a good showing in last week's training camp.

“I think Mark is a fantastic quarterback for us, and I think he can do some good things,” Mangold said. “He showed some good flashes in the spring, getting [new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s] system down and commanding the offense way that he should be. We’ll see how training camp plays out, but either way, the competition will make him a better player.”

The New York Jets will blitz more frequently this season with Rex Ryan retaking control of the defense.

Many of the Jets felt that the defense became too conservative under Mike Pettine. 

Pettine left the Jets after the season to become defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills.

The Jets were ranked first and third in blitz frequency in 2009 and 2010, while falling to 12th and 11th over the past two seasons.

The New York Jets have signed Kellen Winslow Jr.

Winslow arrived earlier in the week on a tryout basis and was a consistent playmaker during their three-day minicamp.

Winslow will help the Jets replace Dustin Keller, who signed with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason.

The New York Jets are on the verge of signing Kellen Winslow.

Winslow has been dealing with injuries over the past few seasons.

"It's been a rough go-round, I guess," said Winslow. "This last year, when you can't control it, you get cut, you get traded, you just can't control it.

"But I'll tell you I'm very hungry. I've always been hungry. Whenever I step out on the football field, I want to beat my opponent. I just want to help this team and make plays for them."

Winslow was once one of the best playmakers at the tight end position in the NFL.

Rex Ryan was asked to respond to the New England Patriots' decision to sign Tim Tebow.

"If they want to replace [Tom] Brady with him," Ryan deadpanned, "that's fine."

Ryan and the New York Jets were unable to use Tebow after sending a third round pick last offseason to the Denver Broncos.

"I'm happy for the young man to get another opportunity in the league," said Ryan. "It didn't work out here. Obviously, he had more success in Denver than he did here. It is what it is."

Tim Tebow figures to be used by the New England Patriots in short yardage situations, similar to how he was utilized by the New York Jets last season.

Tebow averaged 2.86 yards per play on 3rd or 4th down with less than five yards to go, while the Jets averaged 2.00 yards per pplay.

Tebow converted every first down when he had less than five yards.

Tom Brady, however, is 18-for-19 in 4th and one sneaks since 2002.

The New York Jets have formally hired Rod Graves as senior director of football administration.

Graves was general manager of the Cardinals until 2012.

Graves and Jets' GM John Idzik worked together with the Cardinals and met as ball boys for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Jets also named Matt Bazirgan assistant director of pro personnel, and named four college area scouts: former cornerback Aaron Glenn, David Boller, David Hinson and Christopher Prescott. Rick Courtright has been named NFS College Scout.

Kellen Winslow has received an invitation from the New York Jets to their three-day mandatory minicamp for a tryout.

Winslow was briefly on the New England Patriots in 2012.

Winslow caught 75 passes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011.

Jeff Cumberland is the Jets' starter at tight end.

With Santonio Holmes (foot), Stephen Hill (knee), Jeremy Kerley (heel) and Clyde Gates (hamstring) missing the New York Jets' OTAs, Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith are throwing to largely unknown receivers.

Ben Obomanu is the only currently available Jets' receiver with substantial NFL experience.

“We’ve come up with some funny nicknames for some of them because you don’t even know their names and they’re just in there,” Sanchez said.