Mark Sanchez may not like it, but the Jets didn’t acquire Tim Tebow with the intention of simply stashing him as an insurance policy. New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano intends to use him. Those who have criticized New York for holding a press conference to introduce a backup quarterback are forgetting one thing: Tebow is not exactly a backup. In fact, Rex Ryan insists opposing defenses had better be on their toes when facing the Jets this season.
“We’re going to use both,” Ryan said according to the NY Daily News. “It’s not going … ‘Second down … Tebow, you’re in.’ … The great thing is that nobody has any idea how many snaps it’s going to be. But you better be prepared.
“I feel better about our quarterback situation than I ever have since I’ve been here. Tim Tebow is a good football player. Mark Sanchez is a good quarterback.”
Rex added that Sanchez is undoubtedly still the starter and that the Jets would have signed him to an extension with or without Tebow. He also said he believes having Tebow on board will benefit Sanchez, but nobody is going to believe that until the season is underway — especially since Ryan wouldn’t rule out Tebow playing 20 snaps a game.
“I’m absolutely putting it out there,” he said. “I think the wildcat is alive and well.”
Sanchez hasn’t exactly proven himself to be a top-flight NFL starter, but he still believes he can be one. He wants to win like anyone else, but I doubt he envisioned watching from the sidelines as another quarterback splits time with him and runs a couple dozen plays. My gut feeling is that this won’t end well.
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