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Mark Sanchez was hardly surprised when he was told he was starting the New York Jets' preseason opener at Detroit.
And, not only because he has been here longer than Geno Smith.
"You have to ask the coaches, but I feel like I'm putting together a good camp," Sanchez said Wednesday in Cortland, N.Y. "I think I earned the right to start this first game and we'll see how it goes from there. But got to keep playing well to stay on the field, and that's the plan."
Being under center when the real games start with Week 1 at home against Tampa Bay is also part of the plan.
"I mean, I just don't think about not playing ever," he said. "So, that really doesn't affect the way I approach things, the way I go to practice, [or] the way I play."
Around the league
Cowboys • Former New York Jets offensive lineman Brandon Moore backed out of a deal with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday and plans to retire.
The 10-year veteran called the team with a change of heart after agreeing to a deal Tuesday night, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. Dallas is looking for an experienced player at guard because of injuries to both of last year's starters.
Dolphins • Miami receiver Mike Wallace returned to practice Wednesday after being sidelined more than a week by a groin injury, and he expects to play in Friday's exhibition game at Jacksonville.
Saints • New Orleans lost receiver Joseph Morgan and defensive end Kenyon Coleman for the season because of injuries, depriving New Orleans of one of its top deep threats and a reliable veteran run-stopping lineman.