Tebow And Jets Divorce Likely In Offseason
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Tim Tebow was sent to the New York Jets in the offseason in a much-ballyhooed trade and was the obsessive focus of ESPN during training camp. Since then, Tebow has fallen off the radar and may have lost the luster he once had as the ultimate team first player.
Over the weekend, ESPNNewYork.com reported that Tebow asked to be taken out of the Wildcat package of plays the Jets have put together for him. Tebow, who has always had the luster of being willing to do anything for a team appeared to be upset he was passed over for the starting job last week.
Tebow was technically the Jets' backup quarterback when starter Mark Sanchez was sent to the bench for horrendous play this year. But, head coach Rex Ryan decided to start Greg McElroy last Sunday instead of Tebow.
Tebow was apparently upset over this move. His frustration was understandable at a certain level after leading the Broncos to the playoffs last season, but being relegated to spot usage by the Jets this year.
However, Tebow himself benefited from a similar situation the year before. When the Broncos decided to bench Kyle Orton, the team elevated Tebow from the third string to the starter over then backup quarterback Brady Quinn.
Tebow took advantage of the situation and Quinn would later be released after the season. It's a situation that's likely to play out all over again in New York this season, except Tebow is likely to be the one who will be sent packing.
The question remains though if Tebow really said he didn't want to play for the Jets on Sunday, what kind of message was he sending to his teammates? It's a far cry from the quarterback who made an impassioned plea to his team and fans after they lost to Ole Miss a few years while Tebow was in college.
On the other hand, when other athletes have stepped forward and voiced their disapproval for playing time, they often are not held to as high a standard as Tebow is being held to in the media.
The Jets put together a miserable campaign in 2012 and head coach Rex Ryan may not be around next year to try to pick up all the pieces again. Tebow is also not likely to be retained in New York.
The rumor mill has Tebow heading to Jacksonville in one way or another to become a member of his hometown Jaguars team. But, the Jaguars already have Blaine Gabbert, who looks like a draft bust and Chad Henne, who Fins fans can tell people all about at the quarterback position.
Tebow in Jacksonville would almost force a head coach to start him due to fan outcries, which again would create a problem if Tebow's production fell short of expectations. If Tebow wasn't starting, fans would clamor for him at the first hint of trouble from whoever was ahead of him on the depth chart.
Whatever happens next, Tebow's career in New York is likely finished, which is better for both the Jets and Tebow going forward.
