The Jets stunned the football world yesterday by acquiring the Denver Bronco’s 2010 first-round draft pick Tim Tebow. As is generally the case in matters involving Rex Ryan (and Tim Tebow, for that matter,) a great deal of controversy was created in the process.
But ready or not, New York City is about to become Tebow Central. One wonders why, of course. There is a legitimate question as to why the Jets would care to pick up another QB. They just signed Mark Sanchez to an extension—the largest contract in the franchise’s history. They drafted QB Greg McElroy, in the 7th round of the 2011 draft, and just signed Lions backup QB Drew Stanton to a one-year $ 1.25 million contract. They seem to be overflowing with QBs and short on cap room.
Not all of their players are on board with the idea, either. Antonio Cromartie tweeted his displeasure at the idea. “Y bring in when we need to bring in more Weapons for @Mark Sanchez let’s build the team around him. We already signed to 3 year ext.” But loath as the Jets management must be to annoy Cromartie, the deal is done.
What the world is wondering is how the Jets plan to use Tebow. But shouldn’t it be obvious? With Tony Sparano as the new OC, clearly the Jets are developing a nuclear-powered offense built around a sort of hyper-wildcat. I firmly expect the Jets to further rock the NFL world at the 2012 draft. They gave their 4th and 6th round picks to the Broncos as part of the Tebow deal, but picked up a 7th rounder. I think the draft will go down something like this:
1st Round (Pick #16) Michael Floyd, WR
2nd Round (Pick #47) Brock Osweller, QB*
3rd Round (Pick #78) Orson Charles, TE
5th Round Aaron Henry, FS
7th Round Vontaze Burfict, LB
7th Round (from Denver) Jordan Jefferson, QB**
* [From Walter Football] – Osweiler is big-armed pocket passer who has surprising mobility. The former basketball player has good athletic ability for being so tall… As a junior this year, Osweiler completed 63 percent of his passes for 4,036 yards with 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also ran for 298 yards and three touchdowns. Osweiler set the school record for yards, completions and attempts. In 2010, he had only two starts, but played well, throwing for 797 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions while also running for 168 yards and a score.
** [From Walter Football] – Jefferson does not have the skills to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he could be a backup who contributes in a wild-cat set… For the season, he completed 61-of-100 passes for 737 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. Jefferson also ran for 360 yards and three scores.
Are you getting the picture now? I don’t believe the Jets will address their offensive line woes because they aren’t really going to need a line. Nor will they bother to replace or supplement RB LaDainian Tomlinson, because that role will be taken by any and all of the QBs.
Sparano is going to field a center, two guards, two or three WRs, one or two TEs, and a minimum of three QBs. Opposing defenses will be in chaos as they try to decide who is going to be the target of Sanchez’s throw—a receiver or one of the other QBs. Or Sanchez, who can run well enough himself, might just keep the ball. Tebow might take the snap, run it, or toss it to, say, McElroy, who might throw it back to Sanchez. Numerically the possible combinations are large enough to give a headache to the defensive captain of the opposing team. Stick eight in the box and somebody will throw the ball eventually. Hang back and somebody will run it. It’s practically indefensible.
Yes, Ryan has done it again. Just when the NFL thought he was going to shut his mouth and just coach, he’s getting ready to unleash an offensive scheme no one is prepared for. I firmly predict the Super Bowl declarations will begin the day after the draft is over.
Thank heavens for Ryan and the Jets. Otherwise we would have nothing to talk about but Peyton Manning and the Saints. I expect the Saints are grateful for the reprieve. In fact, maybe someone should look into this and see whether any clandestine contributions were made to help the Jets pay their half of the $ 5 million Tebow is owed this season. Where’s Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein when you really need them?
Source: Behind the Steel Curtain
