When Rex Ryan said that the Jets planned to use Tim Tebow for around 20 snaps a game, many of us were thinking of the wildcat formation and the spread offense. That will likely be the case most of the time, but what if some of those snaps weren’t even on offense? According to Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback column, the Jets are not opposed to using Tebow on special teams.
It is possible that the Jets could use Tebow as the personal protector on the punt team, which would leave open the opportunity that New York could snap it to him and fake a punt. We all know Tebow is an effective runner, but he also has the power needed to block or make a tackle. He could conceivably add another element to the Jets’ punt team, as opponents could never be sure of how Tebow is going to be utilized.
Of course, a couple of unsuccessful fake punts or a Tebow injury as a result of throwing a block could change the Jets’ plans. The point is Ryan and company want Tebow to touch the ball and have a chance to make plays. If those opportunities come on offense and he has success, they’ll continue to roll with it. If it means Tebow throws a few blocks and improves New York’s special teams, he’ll be willing to do that. One thing you can’t deny about Tebow is that he simply wants to win. Perhaps the Jets will surprise everyone and come up with creative ways to let their new backup help them do just that.
