The Tim Tebow train garnered immediate attention shortly following its arrival at Mile High Stadium, but Denver’s savior may have less than a New York minute to adjust to his newly acquired role with the Jets.
That role will be the exact same it was at the start of last season, when Tebow took a seat behind Kyle Orton before lifting the city of Denver to its feet and giving Bronco fans an AFC Divisional Playoff appearance.
Resistance of Tebowmania was rare and toward the end of the season even John Elway was giving into the craze that dominated Denver, the NFL and ESPN.
Any logical Bronco fan could have anticipated the departure of the Tebow train. When a Manning knocks on your door, you rush to open it with contract in hand, plain and simple. Elway saw Super Bowl rings over jersey sales, he saw experience and a golden arm over mobility and 155 passing yards-per-game.
Although Tebow didn’t have the same allure to most NFL teams that Manning did, his options certainly weren’t limited. At least they shouldn’t have been. Teams like Jacksonville and Miami might have been a major downgrade in terms of playoff potential, but a vacant starting job in the state that Tebow found unlimited college success in sounded appealing.
Yet New York of all places, found the homeless Tebow most attractive. This of course was after the Manning mob laughed at the Jets, who showed a slight interest in the 11-time Pro Bowler. That fiasco preceded New York’s offer to current starter Mark Sanchez, who received a three-year, $40.5 million extension.
Come fall camp, Rex Ryan’s faith in Sanchez will outweigh that of Tebow, who will undoubtedly turn to his own faith for motivation to earn a starting spot.
Ryan’s antics were frowned upon for what seemed to be the entirety of the 2011 season. If Ryan hopes hauling in Tebow and his bandwagon will help the team chemistry and mental state of Sanchez — he’s truly mistaken.
Most importantly, Tebow’s talents — yes, they exist — deserve attention from a team desperate for his leadership qualities and one willing to fine tune his mechanics. Ryan and the Jets staff will be doing just that, but the $40.5 million dollar man will receive more than twice the attention they’ll give their reserve quarterback. In addition, only so much is achieved in scrimmages, throwing drills and weight training sessions. The League’s elite quarterbacks enhanced their abilities during high-pressure circumstances, similar to the countless fourth quarter scenarios Tebow encountered in Denver.
Disregard his religious gestures and imperfect spiral — critics, players and fans have zero reason to refuse Tebowmania and they should appreciate his intensity, personality and dedication. All three are rarely seen in the NFL as of late.
While ESPN journalist Skip Bayless and I may not agree on everything, we understand that Tim Tebow’s potential is through the roof, his work ethic tops that of most professional athletes and when placed in the right situation he can prove his worth.
Tebow should be wearing a helmet this fall, not a headset.
Theo Lawson can be reached at [email protected]