The New York Jets beat the No. 2 seed San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs last weekend. It was a huge upset – no one saw this coming. The Jets upset win and move into the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts got me thinking … just how good is Mark Sanchez?

Sanchez is the Jets rookie quarterback. He was the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and has started for the Jets in 15 of 16 games. He only threw for 2,444 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season, plus 20 interceptions. Sanchez had a QB Rating of 63 for the entire season.

So if Sanchez didn’t have a great statistical season, just how important is he to the team’s success? The Jets are a defense/run first type of team – but would they be where they are today with a different quarterback? Would the Jets be in the AFC Championship Game with someone like David Garrard or Vince Young as their QB? Both had statistically better seasons than Sanchez, but maybe they’re lacking something Mark has?

What’s your take? Post a comment and let me know. And if you’re looking for New York Jets AFC Championship Game tickets, StubHub still has them!