FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Mark Sanchez is still the face of the franchise. He is also still the New York Jets' starting quarterback.

It's not Tim Tebow. At least not now.

And Sanchez's teammates and coaches insist that will not change. Not next week. Not next month. Not this season.

While Tebow's role remains limited through seven games, it has become clear Sanchez is still the leader of this team. Whether that leads to a third postseason appearance in four seasons, or a second straight early end remains to be seen.

But with the pressure on and many fans and media calling for Tebow to take over, Sanchez has rallied the past few weeks and re-established himself as the starting quarterback.

"Lesser people," center Nick Mangold says, "would have cracked earlier."

The Associated Press