CORTLAND, N.Y. � Mark Sanchez ran exclusively with the first-string offense in Saturday�s morning practice, calling the shots under center with the starting crew. The rookie quarterback was back with the second stringers in the afternoon session � but it wasn�t because he did anything wrong.

The Jets unveiled a new plan for their quarterback competition Saturday, one that calls for alternating Sanchez and Kellen Clemens with each practice so they can distribute the reps with the first-team offense more evenly. Sanchez�s number with the first string was called first, followed by Clemens in the afternoon.
The plan will be in effect until further notice, and the duo learned of the coach�s decision when offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told the two quarterbacks Friday night. Still, Clemens will get the starting nod in the Jets� first preseason game against the Rams at Giants Stadium on Friday night.
But his grip on the depth chart�s top spot is slipping.
Sanchez ran the first-team offense extremely efficiently, completing 10 of 19 passes with two touchdowns and an interception. He was nearly flawless during a 55-yard, two-minute drill that was punctuated with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Chansi Stuckey.
After spending most of the first week of training camp working with the second string, he�s relishing the chance to get some time with the first team, and understands he�s got to show something on every snap.
�I knew last night, just as he said, �You get a chance to run with the ones tomorrow,� that if I didn�t make the most of it, I would be upset with myself,� Sanchez said. �So I just made sure I was as prepared as possible and treated it just like a game.�
The excitable Sanchez pored over the play-calling scripts �a million times� to make sure he got things right, and that preparation was evident on the very first play of 11-on-11 action. He connected with Jerricho Cotchery on a beautiful fly route for a 38-yard touchdown.
He displayed control of the huddle and took good care of the ball. His only turnover came in situational play. �He looked poised,� safety Jim Leonhard said.
Clemens, however, isn�t taking many steps forward. If anything, he�s moonwalking in the wrong direction. The command of the offense just hasn�t been there and his pocket presence continues to be a huge question mark. He completed 4 of 11 attempts with the second string and went 2-for-4 in the afternoon.
Clemens has seven interceptions through 11 practices. Sanchez has three through 11 practices.
Asked if he needs to start showing more than he has so far, Clemens said: �Well, Coach is the one evaluating us. I think we�ve laid a very good foundation, but we�re only a week in.�