New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan officially announced rookie Mark Sanchez as their starting quarterback.  Sanchez will be the first rookie QB to start the season opener for the organization since Dick Jamieson in 1960, back when they were known as the New York Titans.  “I feel that the best move for our franchise and our team is to go with Mark as our quarterback,” Ryan said Wednesday. “I think Mark gives us the best opportunity to win.”

It was only possible for the Jets to select Sanchez through trading up in the draft.  This off-season they signed the former USC standout to a five-year deal that could be worth up to $60 million($28 million guaranteed).  In last week’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanchez completed just 3 of 8 passes for 43 yards. 

During his debut he was welcomed to the NFL by veteran Ray Lewis with a hit to the stomach,  causing him to toss up an interception.  “Not obviously the way you want to start. I thought I was doing the right thing; I felt Ray come free on the right side from the protection,” said Sanchez. “I was checking it down to the flat, perfect. Haloti just jumped right in front of the ball and made a really athletic play.”

Sanchez and the Jets are scheduled to face off against the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles before kicking off the regular season against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 13th at Reliant Stadium.

Tickets for New York Jets regular season games are now available!

After a surprising 2008 season, the Houston Texans are looking to improve on their 8-8 record. With a core of Andre Johnson, Mario Williams, and 2nd year Steve Slaton, the Texans are shooting for the 2009 playoffs. They focused on defense in the 2009 draft, getting USC linebacker Brian Cushing with the 19th overall pick. In a tough division carried by the Colts and Titans, the Texans will need big wins in their division games in order to either win the division or win the wild card.

Houston Texans tickets are available now!

Houson Rockets’ big man Yao Ming is facing a serious foot injury. Ming has had four surgeries on his feet and ankles in the part three years, and may not be able to have another and keep playing. The 7-foot-6 center from China may need upwards of a year to heal his broken foot. The Rockets team physicial Tom Clanton even went as far as to call the latest injury “career threating”. Even if Yao can get back into playing shape, his ankles and feet will always be prone to injury due to his size. The Rockets acquired three guards from the draft: Jermaine Taylor, Sergio Llull, and Chase Budinger. The Rockets have the luxury to trade or drop two of them, and seem to have made smart and cheap decisions.

Sign up to be notified as soon as 2009-2010 Houston Rockets tickets are available.