Third-stringer Greg McElroy stepped in for a struggling Mark Sanchez and energized the  Jets to a 7-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Greg McElroy celebrates throwing his first touchdown in the NFL
Greg McElroy celebrates throwing his first touchdown in the NFL (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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With Tim Tebow inactive as he heals from two broken ribs, coach Rex Ryan pulled Sanchez for McElroy — as the crowd at MetLife Stadium cheered wildly — late in the third quarter. McElroy led the (5-7) Jets to their only points of the day with an impressive drive, connecting with Jeff Cumberland on a 1-yard touchdown. That ended up being the winning score.

Fans chanted "Mc-El-roy!" throughout the first three quarters as Sanchez went 10 for 27 for 91 yards and three interceptions.

While the Jets' quarterback situation is unclear, the sagging Cardinals (4-8) have their own troubles at the position. Ryan Lindley was ineffective in his second NFL start as Arizona lost its eighth straight game after a 4-0 start.

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