In his most extensive comments on the locker-room turmoil that ripped apart the New York Jets, quarterback Mark Sanchez fired back at the unnamed teammates who criticized him in local newspaper articles after the 2011 season.

"It is a gutless thing to do," Sanchez said during an interview on "The Michael Kay Show" on ESPN1050 in New York, in reference to the anonymous attacks.

Later, in a 25-minute sitdown with the media, Sanchez added: "If you're not going to put your name on something, why waste anybody's time? Obviously, they had strong opinions about it, but not strong enough to say who they were. "

Sanchez also accepted his share of the blame for a feud with wide receiver Santonio Holmes, saying they recently cleared the air during a dinner meeting near Holmes' home in Orlando, Fla.

"I know it can work between us," Sanchez told the media prior to the Randall's Island Sports Foundation gala in Manhattan. "It's not a question of if, it's just a matter of when -- and that's now."

Sanchez broke his offseason silence last Friday night, when he signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension. Until then, he had avoided the media spotlight during the Jets' chaotic offseason.

On Thursday, he addressed the criticism that came his way after the Jets' disappointing 8-8 season, explaining why he decided to stay quiet for two months.

"Whether I come out and try to defend myself or not, it doesn't matter unless you go win games," he said. "That's the ultimate goal. That's the ultimate defense, winning games. Go win games next year and this is all a distant memory and a great lesson. That's the plan."

Sanchez insisted his well-documented rift with Holmes is history, saying they've been in "constant communication." They spent a couple of days together in mid-February, but he was guarded about providing details. He called it a "productive meeting."