When it comes to leading the Green & White to success under center, few understand what it takes better than former Jets QB Mark Sanchez.

Selected No. 5 overall by the Jets in the 2009 NFL Draft, Sanchez started 15 games as a rookie and led the Jets to their first playoff appearance in three seasons. The team reached the AFC Championship Game that year and returned to the conference title game again the following season with Sanchez becoming just second quarterback in NFL history to reach the conference championship in his first two seasons in the league.

As the Jets now turn to newcomer QB Justin Fields to lead their next quest for success, Sanchez sees a lot to be optimistic about.

"His ability to run is unmatched," Sanchez said, specifically calling out Fields' impressive 13-yard scoring run vs. Green Bay. "He's one of the top rushing quarterbacks in this league. Still putting together his resume as a passer, but he looked sharp in the [Green Bay] game."

After leading an efficient 10-play 79-yard touchdown drive during his sole offensive possession against the Packers, No. 7 got his second preseason start vs. the Giants Saturday. The run-oriented offensive identity that HC Aaron Glenn has preached about throughout training camp came to life early, and Fields commanded the offense as the unit put together a field-goal scoring drive entirely on the ground. With RBs Braelon Allen and Breece Hall contributing 21 yards apiece, Fields rounded out the positive yardage with a 5-yard scramble up the middle of the field in Giants' territory.

"I love the run game," Sanchez said. "Those tackles up front, they've got to be solid. Those two young guys [ Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou] -- both first-round draft picks, stud players in college. Now you've got to prove it at this level, but they were drafted high for a reason. So, they're going to have to hold it down on the edge."

Fashanu, Membou and the Jets offensive line embraced the opportunity to get better last week, facing a talented Giants defensive line during two joint practices and in limited action during Saturday's game. But with one final preseason game on the horizon before the regular season gets underway, there is still plenty to work through. The young players continue to develop, Fields is finding his footing with new pass catchers, the competition at WR2 persists and first-year OC Tanner Engstrand continues to develop his system.

"You've got to play and cater your system to your players, to your personnel," Sanchez said. "If it's a run-first team, there's nothing wrong with that. If the quarterback run is a threat, there's nothing wrong with that. That's just a section of the playbook. Your playbook might be 12 inches thick, but we only need these 6 right here and that's what we're going to major in."

Through two preseason games and over three drives, Fields has rushed 3 times and had 9 pass attempts while leading the Green & White to 10 points.

"I love the rushing attack they're going to have," Sanchez said. "They're going to get a ton of that from [Fields]. Now it's about picking his spots – when it's time to take the shot, when it's time to check it down. And if he can do that -- if he can manage that -- I think we all know what a dynamic player he can be."