It started with a campaign to, uh, stink for Andrew Luck, then segued into a love affair with Robert Griffin III. In between Peyton Manning’s neck — and arm strength — became the dominant topic. And now it’s Tim Tebow’s turn — again — in the spotlight. This definitely has been the offseason of the quarterback. And it’s one in which several teams have gambled their future on the acquisition of one of those players.
The Redskins lost three draft picks in moving up to get the No. 2 pick (and likely Griffin). Denver did a sign of the cross, then handed Manning a megadeal, banking on the future Hall of Famer’s return to health.
Now it’s the Jets’ turn. But they didn’t trade for Tebow just to be a backup quarterback. They traded for him to fill a specific role, one that made a difference for them in the past. Few teams embraced the Wildcat formation like the Jets, especially when they had Brad Smith — ex-college quarterback — able to run the play.
There is a downside to Tebow’s presence, leading to confusion over what the Jets think of Mark Sanchez. The Jets first chased after Manning, then traded for Tebow. All this while having a former No. 5 overall pick entering his fourth season on the roster. After three years, Sanchez has inspired moments of glee (four playoff wins) and frustration (mediocre stats: 55 touchdowns, 51 interceptions, 55 percent completions). But consider that after three years the Giants’ Eli Manning had 54 touchdowns, 44 interceptions and 54 percent completions. Since then: two Super Bowls.
Will this hurt Sanchez’s confidence? If it does, he shouldn’t be starting. Maybe it has the opposite effect, pushing him in a way he has yet to be pushed in the NFL. But playing at USC and then in New York, he’s used to pressure. Will this further divide their locker room? It wasn’t united; some of the characters who helped divide it remain. So with or without Tebow this is an issue.
But there’s no doubt, just like Manning in Denver and (likely) RG III in Washington, it is a defining move for the Jets.
– John Keim
