FOX broadcaster and former quarterback Mark Sanchez fell victim to a brutal announcer jinx at the end of Sunday’s game between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
With the Falcons ahead 38-20 in the final two minutes, Sanchez and play-by-play announcer Chris Myers were filling some time and discussing the future of the Panthers’ quarterback position. Sanchez was trying to make the point that, in his mind, Bryce Young needs to benefit from sitting behind Andy Dalton and watching how an experienced, professional quarterback goes about his business. Unfortunately for Sanchez, he did not even get to finish his sentence, as Dalton picked that exact moment to force a pass that was intercepted by Falcons cornerback Clark Phillips.
Mark Sanchez was trying to say that Bryce Young needs to watch and learn under "a true professional," Andy Dalton.
He couldn't even finish the sentence before Dalton threw a pick. pic.twitter.com/hdlvJZUpiF
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 13, 2024
“I think he’s learning along the way,” Sanchez said of Young. “I think he needs to watch how a true professional — oh.”
Phillips would have had a pick six if he wanted it, but he went down shy of the goal line in order to prioritize running the clock out. The play had no bearing on the result, as the Falcons were already well on their way to a victory.
To be fair to Dalton, he took over as quarterback when the Panthers were 0-2, and the offense has been notably improved with him running the show. Some even seized on his initial performances and argued that he is a top-16 NFL quarterback, even at the age of 37. Sunday’s loss dropped him to 1-3 as the Panthers’ starter, however, and he only threw for 221 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday’s losing effort.
There is no question that Dalton has plenty of experience, and nobody doubts his professionalism. Unfortunately for Sanchez, he accidentally picked the wrong time to try to make that point on Sunday.
