Photo via AP
It’s official. Announced in front of over 100 media members and 30 TV crews, Tim Tebow is the newest member of the New York Jets. And based on the permanent smile on his face and the umpteen times he mentioned the word excited, it’s safe to assume he’s happier to be here than Prince Akeem.
Despite not having owner Woody Johnson, GM Mike Tannenbaum, and Coach Rex Ryan by his side, Tebow was at complete ease. He cozied up to the podium, leaned in, and handled every question the hungry media types lobbed at him. He avoided the land minds they set and kept things 100% positive as he stressed his excitement and willingness to help the team achieve success regardless of the role he plays.
About four hours after the Tebow Show dominated every local and national media outlet, Mark Sanchez talked to the media. On a significantly smaller scale, Sanchez talked to the team’s same 10 usual suspects via telephone. And much like Tebow, he stuck to the script. Sanchez attempted to convince them, and himself, he’s secure in his position as the starting quarterback. He doesn’t anticipate a starring role in a quarterback controversy anytime soon, and happily welcomed Tebow to the team.
While it couldn’t have gone any smoother, I call bullshit.  Sanchez is approaching his fourth season as the starting QB for the Jets and his career arc has lulled. Signing Tebow completely negated any illusions of job security Sanchez’s three-year contract extension created. I don’t care what anyone affiliated with the Jets tells the media, actions speak louder than words. And right now, the Jets’ actions scream that it’s only a matter of time before Mark Sanchez is replaced by Tim Tebow.
By the Jets putting the arrival of Tebow front and center, Sanchez is forced to play defense, figuratively speaking (obviously). Yesterday, was the first of many times that Sanchez will take a reactive approach to Tebow. People are still interested in what Sanchez has to say, but only after they’ve heard from Tebow first. Man, if Sanchez’s mind was playing tricks on him before, there’s no telling how badly this will weigh on his fragile mental state.
If (or should I say when) Tebow replaces Sanchez, it’s safe to assume Sanchez’s erratic play of bad throws, untimely interceptions, and all around general cluelessness reared its ugly head again. As a result, the Jets have probably strung together a series of embarrassing losses, subsequent public feuds, and are likely in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the second season in a row. Enter Tim Tebow.
Now the remainder of the season is placed in the hands of a non-throwing, gimmicky out of position “quarterback” who finished last season with a 46.5% completion percentage. This sounds like a lose-lose situation or a potential plot for a Dumb and Dumber sequel to me. I wouldn’t even draft these two guys on my fantasy football team, so tapping both of them to lead a real-life pro team is a major head-scratcher. But yet, this is who I’m forced to ride with in 2012.
Awesome.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Sanchez only had one year of experience as a starter at USC… Now three years of Pro experience. Hopefully, this will be his breakout season. All we need is one great season, look at Eli! It can be done.
For everyone’s sake, it better be Sanchez’s breakout season because if it’s not, I think the organization will have a lot of turnover after the season. And you mentioning Eli also made me throw up. I don’t dislike him as much as I once did, but I’m still no fan, lol. Thanks for reading and commenting!