6 Things I Learned From Week 9 of the NFL Season

It Could Be Worse Than Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia

With Nick Foles out for an extended period of time, the NFL world will again be watching Mark Sanchez hit the field on Sundays.

It...it could be worse.

Sanchez ended yesterday's game with a 4.38 Passing NEP total, which was actually higher than opponent Ryan Fitzpatrick's. And, according to our metrics, Sanchez actually outplayed Foles in the small sample.

Eagles' fans - at least it's not Brandon Weeden.

The numbers from Sanchez throughout his career aren't great - they're actually awful - but the weapons in Philadelphia and the system he's in should make him serviceable. Considering LeSean McCoy was the best running back in the game last year, the offensive line is coming together and Jeremy Maclin is playing like a top-10 wideout, there's reason to believe Sanchez will be fine.

Fortunately, too, he'll face the Panthers, Packers and Titans over the next three weeks as he gets familiar with being the Eagles' starter. Each of those teams entered Week 9 with bottom half ranked secondaries according to our metrics.