FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The future is now for the new face of the New York Jets.

Mark Sanchez was selected as the team's starting quarterback by coach Rex Ryan yesterday, making him the first rookie slated to open a season under center for the Jets.

"This comes with a lot of responsibility," a beaming Sanchez said. "As happy as I am, I know that this is just the beginning and I'm just excited, really excited, to get to play with such great players."

The fifth overall draft pick out of Southern California beat out Kellen Clemens for the job and will make his regular-season debut at Houston on Sept. 13.

"This is something I've always wanted to do and dreams are coming true now," Sanchez said. "It's a special opportunity."

Ryan, who made the announcement after practice, said early in training camp he'd like to make a decision on a starter by the Jets' third preseason game.

"I think Mark gives us the best opportunity to win," Ryan said, "and I think that's what I owe this franchise."

The Jets' next preseason game is Saturday night against the New York Giants.

Sanchez replaces Brett Favre as the starter after generally showing poise and solid decision-making skills during training camp.

Ryan met with Sanchez and Clemens yesterday morning and told them of his choice.

"I'm glad the decision was made earlier rather than later," said Clemens, who added he thought the competition was fair.

The last time a rookie started a season for the franchise was in 1960, when Dick Jamieson quarterbacked the then-Titans. Joe Namath didn't start until the third game of his rookie season in 1965. Matt Robinson was the last rookie quarterback to start a game for the Jets in 1977.

"I feel very comfortable and confident in my decision," Ryan said.

SHORT SNAPS

Bears: Chicago defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek will undergo arthroscopic surgery tomorrow on his right knee. The oft-injured Dvoracek sprained his right medial collateral ligament in Saturday night's 17-3 preseason victory over the Giants.

Bills: Buffalo running back Fred Jackson was breathing much easier knowing that his sprained left wrist shouldn't cause him to miss the start of the regular season. Tests showed no serious injury a day after he took a hit on his left hand during a running play.

Broncos: With backup Chris Simms hobbled by a high left ankle sprain, Denver bolstered its depth at quarterback by signing free agent Ingle Martin. The loss of Simms left starter Kyle Orton and rookie Tom Brandstater as the only healthy QBs on the roster.

Cardinals: Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin sat out practice with a sore right hamstring yesterday and will miss tomorrow's game against Green Bay. Coach Ken Whisenhunt says Boldin felt a problem with the hamstring in practice on Tuesday but an MRI showed no serious injury.

Ravens: Baltimore tight end L.J. Smith could miss the rest of the preseason with a pulled hamstring, and defensive tackle Kelly Gregg might also be sidelined for an extended stretch because of a shoulder injury. Both were hurt in Monday's 24-23 win over the New York Jets.