NEW ORLEANS - A vastly improved defense with a penchant for big plays has the New Orleans Saints undefeated through four games for the first time since 1993. Former William and Mary star Darren Sharper returned one of his two interceptions of rookie Mark Sanchez a club-record 99 yards for a score, Will Smith forced a fumble in the end zone to produce a second defensive touchdown and New Orleans handed the New York Jets their first loss, 24-10 yesterday.

UTHERFORD, N.J.—After looking vulnerable for the first time this season, the New York Jets’ top-ranked defense came up big in the end. David Harris had an interception and a big sack on consecutive drives, and Mark Sanchez threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as the Jets stayed undefeated by holding on for a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans yesterday

The future is now for the new face of the New York Jets, Mark Sanchez. 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,“ 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.“

RENTON, Wash.—Seahawks coach Jim Mora says Michael Vick deserves to be reinstated to the NFL, though that second chance apparently wouldn’t come in Seattle. Mora, who coached Vick when he was the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback, said yesterday during the Seahawks’ mandatory minicamp: “I believe he’s paid his debt to society.“ But Mora said Seattle won’t be adding any quarterbacks.

Despite the great hullabaloo of the weekend’s draft, the NFL has a money problem. Too much goes to the players selected in the first round. Way too much goes to the first player selected. Congratulations to Matthew Stafford on the $41.7 million in guaranteed money he earned when the Detroit Lions selected him with the first choice Saturday.

Defending national champion Florida said goodbye to one star while welcoming back another. Mark Sanchez dropped some bad news on Southern California. The deadline for underclassmen to make themselves eligible for the NFL draft was yesterday. Sanchez made the biggest news, deciding to go pro after starting only 16 games for USC. Versatile receiver Percy Harvin (Landstown High, Virginia Beach) gave up his senior season at Florida, no surprise considering he stands a good chance to be picked early in the first round.