Tebow Versus "The Sanchise"

Anthony Constantino

As many as five teams waited patiently and watched other teams scoop up some of the best free agents on the market; the five teams were waiting on Peyton Manning’s decision. All that was missing was a one hour special on ESPN showcasing his choice a la LeBron James. As the smoke cleared the Denver Broncos became Peyton’s new team, and likely the final stop of his hall of fame career.

 Despite the fact that the Denver Broncos made the playoffs and won a playoff game, the Broncos went out and signed Manning. This forced Tim Tebow out of the starting lineup, which seems unwarranted. All Tebow did in his time as the Bronco’s starter was provide a spark to a 1-4 team and quarterback them during a memorable run for a division title and a playoff spot. After that show he gave an encore performance in the postseason with a remarkable playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  

One team that missed out on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes was the New York Jets. After missing on Manning the Jets gave their incumbent quarterback, Mark Sanchez, a contract extension of three years worth a reported 40.5 million dollars. The Jets then decided just days after giving Sanchez an extension that they would trade for Tim Tebow. What ensued after the trade for Tebow was a media firestorm. Reporters asked if this marked the end of Sanchez as starting quarterback for the Jets. Others wondered if this move was done to try and repair a tumultuous locker room that seemed beyond repair at the end of last season.

At first reports surfaced that Tebow was brought in to be used in the “wildcat” package. For those who don’t know, this is a package designed to create a mismatch in favor of the offense. The player who receives the ball at the snap in the “wildcat” is normally fast and shifty and tries to find a quick hole up the middle, or use his speed to the outside edge. Tebow does not possess the qualities needed to run a “wildcat” package effectively, at least not one the NFL has seen to date. So this became a poor explanation for trading to get Tebow on the roster.

The following day Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum addressed the media in saying that Tim Tebow was brought in to be the backup quarterback for the team. What seemed like an innocent remark that would explain everything to the fans and media alike only stirred the pot. The New York Jets must not have paid any attention to what was going on in Denver last season. Tim Tebow is one of the most polarizing players the NFL has ever seen. He is a lightning rod for controversy, criticism, praise, and everything in between. Not to mention he has a very loyal following; fans cannot get enough of this unorthodox quarterback turned superstar.

Now I’ve sat and watched this unfold and I realize that the Jets did everything wrong in handling this situation. First, the Jets chased after a future hall of fame quarterback in free agency and didn’t land him. This move was a major risk because Mark Sanchez is already well documented as a player with a noticeably shaky psyche. The attempt to sign Peyton Manning could not instill much confidence in Sanchez. Second, the Jets handed Sanchez a healthy contract extension as if to show their faith in him as a developing quarterback. This move came off more as the Jets got caught cheating on Mark Sanchez, so they felt bad and tried to heal the wound by buying Mark a diamond necklace or a new car. Lastly, the Jets brought in a quarterback that hijacked Kyle Orton’s job in Denver last year en route to a playoff berth and playoff win. Tim Tebow will do everything he can to rip the starting job in New York away from Mark Sanchez at the first sign of struggle from Sanchez.

Oh and by the way Mark, you can pick up Tim Tebow’s fan base at the baggage claim, they’ll be lined up there waiting for Tebow to show his face anywhere in the greater New York City area. If you don’t want to pick up that fan base it’s OK, they will see you at MetLife Stadium in September chanting “Tebow! Tebow!” after every mistake you make.

My honest opinion is that the Jets had good intentions. They know their locker room is a mess and they probably wanted to bring in a blue collar guy with a positive attitude. The problem is that this is the wrong guy. He divides locker rooms with his inability to throw the ball consistently as a quarterback and his unparalleled ability to motivate and lead. He is the only player this league has ever seen play a bad three quarters and one good quarter, while keeping his job, keeping his popularity, and winning games. Of course, I give a large amount of credit to the defense he worked with, but the Jets defense is an upgrade (Ranked 5th in 2011).

If the New York Jets were trying to get Mark Sanchez’s attention, the trade for Tebow will do that. Now Sanchez will either step his game up and become the quarterback Jets faithful do not deserve (after treating him so poorly), or Sanchez will succumb to the pressure and hand the starting job over to Tim Tebow. The Jets have the season’s first quarterback controversy before the draft has even taken place. This is exactly what an organization wants to avoid in March. One way or another, the controversy will be settled. The Jets will either remain the only “Sanchise” in the NFL, or we can expect “Tebowmania” to take over New York City.