







EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Jets' first- and second-string quarterbacks stood in front of their adjacent lockers. It was a quiet moment amid the victorious frenzy of a postgame locker room, no cameras on Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow, no expectations for a show of support.

That's when Tebow, the backup, extended a hand to Sanchez, the starter. They shook as Tebow patted Sanchez on the lower back.

"Nice job," Tebow said, warmly and emphatically.

View photos Two of Mark Sanchez's three touchdown passes Sunday went to rookie Stephen Hill. (AP) More

"Nice job by you," Sanchez responded with a smile.

"No controversy at all," Shonn Greene declared later and after the Jets' 48-28 dismantling of the Buffalo Bills.

The great New York quarterback experiment was a success – thus far – with Sanchez delivering a terrific 19-of-27, 266-yard, three-touchdown performance. Tebow subbed in for five rushes for 11 yards and did everything else that was asked of him – lining up as a slot receiver, blocking on punt coverage, recovering an onside kick, etc.





[Related: Total collapse for Bills in Week 1]



Winning tends to smooth everything over. The Bills were not ready for the opener and no one expects the season to run this smoothly. That said, this came after a preseason where the Jets failed to score an offensive touchdown with either Sanchez or Tebow running the show. It came after the team was mocked and questioned in every conceivable way, including a New York Post cartoon with Sanchez, Tebow and Rex Ryan driving a clown car. It came even with some empty seats at MetLife Stadium despite beautiful weather, suggesting fans weren't sold on the team's potential.



There is by all accounts, genuine respect, support and even a level of friendship between Sanchez and Tebow. It's from there everything seems to be working. Both are focused on winning games together over competing individually. Whatever rivalry was possible just hasn't arisen.

Initially, Sanchez was "rattled" when the Jets brought Tebow in from the Denver Broncos, at least according to Santonio Holmes. Since then he's handled the presence of this cultural icon of a QB with aplomb.

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There have been no shots at Tebow. No complaints to management. No frustration with the media that keeps bringing up the back-up. And yet, there hasn't been any phony praise either, no canned answers and forced smiles.



It's just been real.

View photos The Jets showed they were serous about using Tim Tebow on Wildcat sets. (Reuters) More

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