"A few weeks after several key Jets players and members of the organization made critical comments about Mark Sanchez in a Daily News report, one the quarterback's closest friends disputed some of the claims.

Tight end Dustin Keller told The News on Thursday that he firmly believes Sanchez is the team's long-term solution at quarterback. He also took exception to one player's claim that Sanchez was "lazy and content" on the practice field because he knew that Rex Ryan would never bench him.

"The truth: 100% . . . He is the hardest worker I know," said Keller, who believes that Sanchez unfairly shouldered the bulk of the blame this season even though there were plenty of other elements in play. "He's one of the most consistent guys on the team. But he won't get that recognition until he's surrounded by guys that have that same mentality and that know their jobs inside and out every single week.""