Rex Ryan has been explaining his decision to replace starting quarterback Mark Sanchez with third-string man Greg McElroy.

McElroy led the New York Jets to victory over the Arizona Cardinals, after Sanchez had struggled in the first three quarters.

The head coach told reporters: "It's just something I sensed and felt. When you're around this game long enough, you get that feeling that 'I've seen enough and it's time to make that change'.

"Mark is a great competitor. He understood that it was my call. He's a man. Nobody wants to leave the game, but I just felt it was right for our team.

"Right now I feel comfortable with Greg. I like some of the things he does. The first thing you say about him is that he's smart and tough. He did a good job today, as did all of his teammates."

Regular backup quarterback Tim Tebow missed the game with a rib injury.

Ryan refused to say who would be the starting quarterback in next Sunday's game at the Jacksonville Jaguars.