"Were back with Sports Center on AG!"
"Tebow-Sanchez Experiment!"
"Lets go to you Bill"
"Ok thanks Bob! The New York Jets still have a quarterback controversy, even if the controversy does not concern which quarterback should start.
Despite the enormous attention given to Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez has been the far better quarterback during offseason workouts and training camp. A solid 11-for-16 performance by Sanchez during Saturday night’s Green & White scrimmage reaffirmed his status. Starting Sanchez clearly gives the Jets the best chance to win for now.
If there is a quarterback controversy with the Jets, it concerns whether Tebow, who was 0-for-3 passing during the scrimmage, can make a worthwhile difference as a non-starter. Will Tebow provide a consistent spark when used? Or will Tebow’s packages actually hurt the rhythm of Sanchez and the entire offense, especially if Tebow continues to struggle as a passer?
Almost any way the Jets choose to use Tebow will spark debate. Here is a capsule look at some of the potential pros and cons with Tebow, as the NFL’s most talked about backup quarterback gets ready for preseason action.
Tebow as a runner
The pros: Tebow’s ability as a runner is part of what made him attractive to the Jets. He rushed for more yards (660) than any NFL quarterback last season except Cam Newton (706). Tebow is big enough to run inside, strong enough to break tackles and he is often at his best when he adlibs after a play breaks down.
The Jets had the AFC East's worst rushing attack last season and was 22nd overall. Shonn Greene had his first 1,000-yard season in 2012, but he is not a top-10 NFL back, nor does he have breakaway speed. Green’s longest career regular-season carry is 33 yards.
Backup Joe McKnight had the best run of Saturday night’s scrimmage, but he is unproven, with just 82 carries in two seasons. Bilal Powell is challenging McKnight to be the No. 2 back, but Greene, McKnight and Powell don't strike fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.
Expect the Jets to use Tebow on option plays and direct snaps from center, taking advantage of his talents as a runner.
"He just adds an extra element for us," Greene said. "The defense has to worry about him. Putting him on the field along with our other talented playersâ€"it’s going to give defenses a headache."
The cons: The more defenses see Tebow, the more insight they will get on how to stop the packages devised by offensive coordinator Tony Sparano. The New England Patriots’ defense looked far more comfortable playing against Tebow in the playoffs last season, compared to the teams' first meeting during the regular season. If Tebow can't establish himself as an effective thrower, defenses will crowd the line of scrimmage and make him less effective as a runner."
Ok that's it for today!
