FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Same head coach. Same coordinators. Eighteen returning starters.

And, of course, same swagger.

The 2011 New York Jets are a lot like last season's version, which isn't a bad thing, but there has to be something different about this team -- something better -- or else they will fall short again of the Super Bowl.

That "something," according to players and coaches, is Mark Sanchez -- specifically, his command of the offense.

It hasn't been advertised, but the coaching staff quietly has given the third-year quarterback more freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage. Sanchez has come a long way from the color-coded wrist band, circa December 2009.

"He's becoming more of a Peyton Manning-type," guard Matt Slauson said. "We get up to the line and he has the ability and know-how to just change everything. ... He's going to be a totally different player this year."

When he faces the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium, Sanchez will be able to read the defense and make adjustments, if necessary. It will be a dramatic departure from last year's opener against the Baltimore Ravens. In that mess of a game, he was a Stepford Jet, brainwashed by the coaches into following their conservative script.

Look out for the new Sanchez.

"He's calling plays in the huddle by himself," said wide receiver Santonio Holmes, taking it one step further.

Make no mistake, Brian Schottenheimer still is calling the plays, but his confidence in Sanchez has grown immeasurably. It's part of the natural evolution between coordinator and quarterback. This is their third year together, and Schottenheimer recognizes it's time to give more slack.