nfl roundup

Jets: Mark Sanchez says he appreciates the way Derek Jeter and Eli Manning have handled the hot spotlight of being a team leader in New York. The Jets quarterback has been the target of criticism this season as his club heads into its showdown Saturday with the Giants. Sanchez says Jeter, the Yankees shortstop and captain, has “had the most amount of pressure of anybody” and has done “a great job.” He says the same of Manning, the Giants quarterback he’ll face in a game with huge playoff implications for both teams. Sanchez, in his third season, has already set career highs with 23 touchdown passes and five rushes for scores, but has been knocked for inconsistencies in his decision-making and overall play.

Ravens: Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh arrived for work in a good mood Tuesday morning following the San Francisco 49ers’ pivotal victory Monday night over the Pittsburgh Steelers. And with good reason: The Ravens moved back into first place with the Steelers’ loss. Baltimore Joe Flacco says all the Ravens should be excited because “we’re obviously in a better position because of what happened.” The 49ers’ win over Pittsburgh puts the Ravens (10-4) back in first place in the AFC North and seeded second in the playoff standings. The Ravens’ embarrassing 34-14 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night knocked them out of first place in the division for a day. They fell from the top-seeded team in the AFC to fifth. Baltimore hosts Cleveland on Saturday.

Associated Press