The Lost Poise

Mark Sanchez threw three picks in yesterday's loss to the Saints, and on the season he has five interceptions against four touchdowns, all of which means that sportswriters must now address the grave matter of Sanchez's inexplicable lack of poise.

In due time, of course. Before the game, however, things were as normal:

Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune:

... the poise of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune:

... impressive poise in the pocket and in the spotlight.

Dan Parr, Pro Football Weekly:

... showing ... poise, intelligence and adaptability.

Rich Cimini, New York Daily News, quoting Jets owner Woody Johnson:

... the young man's poise.

Photo caption, ESPN.com:

... has played with poise.

Deke Bellavia, WWL-AM/FM, quoting Saints coach Sean Payton:

... has poise.

Richard Marsh, Bleacher Report:

... poise under pressure.

Dave Hutchinson, Newark Star-Ledger, quoting Jets coach Rex Ryan:

... clearly has that kind of poise ...

Jason Brown, Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

... legendary poise ...

Steve Serby, New York Post, after last week's victory over the Titans:

... never lost his poise ...

Before today, Serby's journalism had accounted for eight "poised"s, including this two-fer back in mid-August: "You name it — poise, swagger, moxie, accuracy, leadership — Sanchez brought it all to the table. ... Sanchez looked poised and decisive." He has out"poised" the New York Times' "poise" junkie, Greg Bishop. Serby is to "poise" what Reilly is to teeth. He deploys "poise" the way Hemingway used "and." And now? What have you to say for Mark Sanchpoise today, Steve Serby?

Steve Serby, New York Post:

... saved his poise and deadly accuracy for the postgame press conference.

Photo via GQ