QB Tim Tebow, Free agent

HT: 6-3, WT: 236, Born: 8-14-1987, College: Florida, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 25

2013 Projections

2013 Schedule

2012 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Tebow opened the game as a slot receiver/tight end, but mainly contributed as a runner out of the Jets Wildcat formation. He only saw a handful of snaps from under center as the Jets built a comfortable lead and were trying to run out the clock for most of the second half. Tebow did not attempt a pass and had minimal success running the ball with just 11 yards on 5 carries. He also saw time on special teams and recovered an onside kick late in the game.

Week 2 - Tebow saw three snaps on one third quarter series. He gained 22 yards on a run on the first snap and then handed to Joe McKnight on a read option for a 12-yard gain on the second. It appeared as though he had given the team a shot in the arm, but then a six-yard loss on his third snap put the team behind the chains and brought Mark Sanchez back into the game. Tebow lined up as the punt protector multiple times, once even motioning to the slot area and forcing Pittsburgh to call a timeout due to the potential for a fake. He’s not a great blocker, though, as he was pushed back each time.

Week 3 - While Tebow lined up as a quarterback, off-set full back, wide receiver, and tight end, his most memorable play occurred as the punter’s personal protector. Mid-way through the second quarter on a 4th-and-3 from his own 25-yard line, Tebow took a direct snap and ran off the left guard for a first down. This play gave the Jet offense some momentum and ultimately resulted in a field goal. Tebow also handled two designed quarterback runs, one read option and one goal line carry. Neither play resulted in positive yardage. Tebow was targeted once on a five-yard out route, but he did not turn his head around quickly enough and the ball ricocheted off his helmet. It’s worth noting that this was the second straight week that Tebow did not attempt a pass.

Week 4 - Once again, Tebow appeared as a ‘gadget’ player. On his team’s first drive, Tebow appeared in the shotgun and ran the ball for two yards. On his team’s third drive, Tebow completed a key 3rd-and-1 pass to Dedrick Epps. Epps secured the catch, but fumbled the ball away. Tebow would appear sporadically for the rest of the game. Twice in the shotgun, Tebow lined up next to Sanchez and made some nice blocks on free rushers. Tebow also served as the punter’s personal protector and made an impressive open field tackle.

With the Jets trailing 34-0, Rex Ryan refused to insert Tebow. The game was over, but Ryan did not want to see what Tebow could do. It’s apparent that Ryan does not want to start a quarterback controversy when his offense has so many other issues.

Week 5 - The Tim Tebow quarterback speculation ran rampant all week, but it was all for naught. Tebow appeared in just seven Jet offensive plays, six times as a quarterback. On one play, Tebow threw a seam route to the newly signed Jason Hill, but Hill dropped the pass. Tebow started only one series and lasted for two plays before being replaced by Sanchez.

Tebow’s most memorable play occurred during the fourth quarter. With the Jets in the red zone, Tebow took a designed run left for 12-yards before being wrestled down by J.J. Watt. As a football fan, it was entertaining to watch Tebow and Watt battle for the extra yardage. The Tebow run fired the Jet crowd up, but he was quickly corralled for a one-yard gain on his next carry before being supplanted by Sanchez. Sanchez failed to lead his team into the end zone and the Jets settled for a field goal. Throughout the game, Jet fans became extremely agitated when Tebow was taken off the field. Perhaps an extended series or two would allow him to get into the flow of the game.

On special teams, Tebow served as the punter’s personal protector and even took a direct snap for a four yard gain and a first down. Tebow’s energy and overall demeanor fired up his team, but he was quickly removed for Sanchez throughout the game.

Week 6 - Tebow appeared on just seven offensive plays, three of which came during garbage time. However, Tebow once again made an impact on special teams. During his team’s fourth drive, the Jets set-up their punt formation on a 4th-and-11 from the IND 40-yard line. Tebow took another direct snap and threw a jump pass to Nick Bellore for a 23-yard gain. The Jets rewarded Tebow during this drive, giving him a designed red zone quarterback run up the middle for three yards. This drive would result in a Mark Sanchez touchdown pass to Jason Hill. For now, it’s clear that the Jets have no plans to replace Sanchez with Tebow.

Week 7 - Tebow was basically a non-factor, appearing on just four offensive snaps. On two occasions, Tebow lined up in the backfield as a running back. The Jets motioned Sanchez out wide and Tebow took the direct snap and ran the ball up the middle. During the Jets’ first drive, Tebow took the snap from New England’s three-yard line and gained two yards. On the next play, Shonn Greene finished the drive off with a one-yard touchdown plunge.

During his team’s seventh drive, the Jets had a 3rd-and-2 play from New England’s three-yard line. This was the quintessential Tebow play, but the Jet chose to run a slant route to Chaz Schillens, which was incomplete. Tebow was able to pick up three yards in this same situation earlier in the game, but the Jets did not call his number. Overall, the usage of Tebow was perplexing.

Week 8 - Once again, Tebow saw single digit snaps on offense. Of his five offensive plays, Tebow lined up as a receiver on four plays and ran routes. Tebow was given one designed run up the middle, but only generated two yards. Tebow had a key first quarter miscue on special teams. Tebow missed a blocking assignment on the punt team and that rusher blocked the punt and scored a touchdown. Tebow clearly looks lost on special teams and cannot run correct routes. Given his usage, the Jets clearly view Tebow as a glorified special team’s player.

Week 10 - Tebow appeared on seven offensive snaps, his most to date. However, Tebow’s usage was perplexing. Tebow took his normal dose of designed shotgun runs, but was also designated as Jeremy Kerley’s ‘Personal Screen Pass Quarterback’. Tebow’s three completions all went to Kerley on a quick bubble screens. While it may be part of the game plan, the Jets clearly don’t trust Tebow throwing downfield.

As a runner, Tebow found some success, but a costly penalty negated an opportunity at a rushing touchdown. On a 3rd-and-Goal play from the Seattle 2-yard line, the Jets brought Tebow into the game, but a Dustin Keller false start penalty pushed Tebow back onto the sidelines.

As a gadget player, teams know what to expect when Tebow comes into the game. However, if the Jets give Tebow 60-70 plays, the results may change.

Week 11 - Tebow played just three snaps in this game, often coming into the game when the Jets had put together a nice drive, only to derail it with a no gain or loss. The Jets were standing by Sanchez in the midst of their losing streak so now that Sanchez played well in a game, it’s possible that we might see less of Tebow in the offensive gameplan.

Week 15 - Earlier in the week, Rex Ryan was unsure whether Tim Tebow would dress. Not only did Ryan allow Tebow to dress, he played Tebow for an entire series in the first half. It was a horrible decision on so many levels. Sanchez developed a little bit of rhythm in his first two series, so playing Tebow destroyed Sanchez’s confidence. In addition, Ryan played Tebow on two third-and-long passing situations. It was an odd time to let Tebow throw when he hasn’t been trusted to. The two plays ended with a sack and a throw away. Tebow was effective as a runner, taking three carries up the middle for first downs. However, Tebow is clearly limited as a passer.