Greg McElroy Replaces Mark Sanchez, Throws Touchdown To Jeff Cumberland (VIDEO)

Benched

Mark Sanchez' errors may have finally ended the Sanchize Era in New York.

With the Jets held scoreless through the better part of three quarters by the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Rex Ryan finally made the move that fans have been calling for: He benched Sanchez. But it wasn't Tim Tebow who took his place under center, as the popular back-up was inactive with a rib injury. Instead, second-year quarterback Greg McElroy handed over his clipboard and strapped on his helmet.

The fans who had already watched Sanchez throw his 11th, 12th and 13th interceptions of the season on a blustery day in New Jersey roared at the sight of No. 14 taking the field.

The former Alabama signal caller didn't disappoint on his first drive. With help from a late hit penalty on Arizona, McElroy marched the Jets into the red zone. On 3rd and 1 from the 1-yard line, McElroy found Jeff Cumberland for the first touchdown of the game.

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With Ryan Lindley slinging the ball for the Cardinals, that one score would be enough to lift the Jets to a 7-6 win. After the scoring throw, the green 24-year-old really, really wanted to get his hands on the ball. Whether or not the team goes back to Sanchez or promotes Tebow, McElory has one terrific souvenir.

"I thought I needed to make a change," Ryan told reporters after the game, via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

Is this change for good?

Ryan wouldn't commit to a starting quarterback, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. As 49ers fans can attest, it will be an interesting few days in the Big Apple.

Not surprisingly, the removal of Sanchez (while Tebow was conveniently deactivated) and the early returns from McElroy had Twitter buzzing.

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