Former New England linebacker Tedi Bruschi, now an ESPN analyst, joined the chorus of Mark Sanchez critics Thursday. Bruschi said Sanchez “tanks it” when things go bad.

“I’ve got a big concern with the New York Jets, and that’s the quarterback, and that’s a huge concern,” Bruschi said. "As you saw in the offseason, all the confidence that Rex Ryan has, it exudes to his team.

“But when Sanchez gets going and things are going well, I think he’s a great quarterback. His attitude is infectious. He’s a leader of that team. But when things go bad I think he tanks it. Right now I see Mark Sanchez as a front-runner, and that’s not something that you want at that quarterback position.

“A quarterback should have to lead his team when you’re down one point with two minutes left to go on Monday night. You should have that sort of aura about yourself that wants to lead your team down the field.”

Maybe part of that is leftover dislike of the Jets from Bruschi’s playing days, but that’s pretty strong criticism. It’s pretty much akin to saying the quarterback just quits on his team, which is about the worst thing you can say about any player.