Mark Sanchez has said that being named the New York Jets' starting quarterback for their first pre-season game was "the natural thing".

The 26-year-old has been competing with rookie Geno Smith for the role during the pre-season training camp.

Sanchez told reporters: "It felt good. I mean it felt like the natural thing, something I have been used to, so it didn't really change my approach or anything, but I feel good about. I'm ready to go.

"I feel like I'm putting together a good camp. I think I earned the right to start this first game, and we'll see how it goes from there. I've got to keep playing well to stay on the field and that's the plan.

"I think the offense is clicking right now, but we've just got to keep it moving. It's a different defensive look that we've seen this last whatever it's been, month or half a month or whatever. You know, we just need to stay sharp and prepare as best we can and get ready to play a tough, tough defense."

The Jets face the Detroit Lions tomorrow evening.