Jets Management Changing Tune, Considering Tebow Time

When it comes to New York Jets’ quarterback/wildcat aficionado Tim Tebow, everyone has an opinion. Going back to the trade that brought Tebow Time to New York, Jets management’s opinion has consistently been that Mark Sanchez is the franchise QB, and Tebow is his backup.

That appears to be changing.

ESPN points out that shortly after the trade for Tebow, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson was very clear about the quarterback situation.

“I’m going to be very clear: Mark Sanchez is our starting quarterback. Period,” he said at the time. “That’s it. He’s our starting quarterback.”

That was before a 2-2 start, wherein Sanchez is completing less than 50 percent of his passes, and before last weekend’s 34-0 loss to San Francisco. Now, both Johnson, and even head coach Rex Ryan, appear to be singing a different hymn in regard to Tebow.

So Mr. Johnson, will Tebow become the starting quarterback for the Jets?

“(That is) a question that will be asked more frequently if this progresses because this is unacceptable playing,” he told ESPN, a marked departure from his preseason endorsement of Sanchez.

Ryan, for his part, is still on Team Sanchez, saying the more experienced and certainly more traditional player gives the team the best chance to win. But even his answer, as told to USA Today, left some room for Tim Tebow.

“I just know in my heart right now that this is not the time,” Ryan said. “I think Tim is an outstanding player. I think Mark is. Right now, I think Mark gives us our best opportunity to win. I will always do, in my opinion, what’s in the best interest of this team, and that interest is what gives us the best chance to win. No matter who it is.”

Sanchez is completing 49 percent of his passes and is averaging just more than 200 yards per game with five touchdowns and four interceptions through four games. Tim Tebow has completed his only pass attempted this season for nine yards, and he’s rushed nine times for 38 yards as the Jets have struggled to find a role for the versatile player.

It looks like the quarterback controversy the Jets wanted so badly to avoid, and that seemed so obvious to so many others, is finally here. Is it Tim Tebow’s time, or should the Jets stick with Sanchez?