New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has admitted that quarterback Mark Sanchez made a "huge error" during his side's pre-season match against the Detroit Lions on Friday.

Sanchez threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, reigniting concerns over his form after a poor season last year.

Ryan made no effort to defend the under-fire quarterback, saying that he should have thrown the ball away rather than trying to find teammate Tommy Bohanon.

"I said, 'Oh, shoot'. I said something with an S," Ryan told reporters. "He clearly made a mistake on the interception. It was a huge error. You've got to get rid of that ball."

Sanchez also admitted his mistake, acknowledging that he should have thrown the ball out of play.

"If it's a dead play, it's a dead play. Just let it go and dirt it," he said.

Sanchez is currently under pressure from rookie Geno Smith for the starting quarterback jersey ahead of the new season.