New York Jets coach Rex Ryan defended Mark Sanchez on Friday after the quarterback received a bundle of criticism for his play during a 17-13 loss against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.

"This is our QB. He's going to be our QB as long as I'm here, which I hope is a long, long time," said Ryan.

Sanchez completed 24-of-40 passes for 252 yards, but threw an interception that Andre Goodman returned for a score and also failed to lead a drive that resulted in a touchdown. 

New York sports radio shows have been brimming with Sanchez critique following the loss to Denver. 

Thursday night, New York's only touchdown came on a fumble retcovery by guard Matt Slauson. The offense mustered just two field goals and the Jets fell to .500 for the season when Tim Tebow charged around the left end for a 20-yard touchdown with less than one minute remaining.

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