FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- From all indications, Mark Sanchez has embraced Tim Tebow as a teammate, saying all the right things about the New York Jets' unusual quarterback dynamic. But Sanchez initially was floored by the Tebow trade, Santonio Holmes revealed Wednesday.

"I think since Day 1, it was a focus that kind of rattled him a little," the veteran wide receiver said. "I use that word only to say that, 'Wow, how did this happen?' Those were words that came out of his mouth."

Holmes said Sanchez shared that sentiment in a conversation they had in late March, the day the Jets stunned the league by acquiring Tebow. That Sanchez confided in Holmes is ironic, considering they barely spoke to each other during the final 12 weeks last season -- a strained relationship that has been repaired, according to both players.

On Thursday, Rex Ryan was asked if he felt Sanchez was "rattled" by the trade. He said no, and proceeded to praise Sanchez for the way he prepared for the season.

"His motivation is much more than having Tim here," Ryan said. "This is a competitor, No. 1. He wants to be great. I think he's making strides to be that quarterback that we want here."

How Sanchez reacts to Holmes' disclosure remains to be seen. Sanchez wasn't available for comment; he addressed the media about an hour earlier. Since the trade, he has guarded his personal feelings, sticking mostly to the whatever's-best-for-the-team company line.

Actually, Holmes made the comment in the context of a compliment, praising Sanchez for the way he has handled Tebow Mania. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of the story is that Holmes, of all people, gave Sanchez a pep talk on that fateful day.

"I basically said to him, 'This is (your) team. You're the starting quarterback. Tebow is here to help us win games,'" said Holmes, claiming he was repeating what coach Rex Ryan had told him about the trade.

"Those were the exact words I gave to Mark, to give him a sense of security ..."

The Jets never cease to produce soap-opera storylines. Four days before the season opener against the Buffalo Bills, the Sanchez-Tebow drama and the Sanchez-Holmes saga were raging.

"I'm going to ride with him until the end," said Holmes, claiming he and Sanchez are cool.

Sanchez is under tremendous pressure as he prepares for his fourth season as the Jets' starter. On Wednesday, he talked about demanding accountability from his offensive teammates, an indication he has grown as a leader, but the Tebow factor keeps coming back at him.