Mark Sanchez: Tim Tebow is a backup quarterback first, then he’ll do other stuff

If Tim Tebow truly is heading into Jets training camp with the goal of becoming the starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez does not see it happening. Not only have the Jets’ owners and coaches made it clear that Sanchez is their starter, but they also say they intend to use Tebow in a number of different packages and that he will in some way impact the offense. Sanchez agrees that Tebow will be able to do all of that stuff, but he said on Thursday that it is not his top priority.

“I hope every backup quarterback wants the job of a starter,” Sanchez told reporters according to Pro Football Talk. “That’s the way you have to prepare. I’ve been in those shoes in college, anticipating the game setting like I’m the starter, and then getting to the game and not playing. Fortunately for Tim, he has the ability to do other things and that’s why he’s on board. He’s a backup quarterback first, and then he’ll do plenty of other stuff.”

The Jets are going to use Tebow as more than just a backup — there’s no question about that. Still, Sanchez’s comments are interesting. The fact that he felt the need to clarify that Tebow is a backup “first” says a lot in my opinion. In other words, this is still my team and my offense. You’re going to help us by throwing different looks at the opposition, but your primary role with this team is backup quarterback. If Sanchez wants it to stay that way, he’ll have to play better in 2012 than he did in 2011.

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