Breaking down the Jets, position by position, as they head into training camp:
Position: Quarterback
Projected starter: Mark Sanchez
Projected reserves: Tim Tebow, Greg McElroy
New faces: Tebow
Going, going, gone: Mark Brunell
Player to watch: Tebow will be one of the most closely watched players in the NFL. Why? Because he's Tim Tebow. Another reason is because of his role: What is he? The Jets say he's the No. 2 quarterback and will be used in the Wildcat package. They haven't divulged any specifics, but it'll probably be closer to the read-option offense he ran in Denver than a true Wildcat, which is a direct snap to a running back. Team insiders say the plan is to use Tebow in the red zone, where they can replace Sanchez with another player/blocker to bolster the running game.
Potential strength: Depth. For a change, the Jets have a legitimate backup instead of an delicate antique. (No offense, Brunell.) Sanchez and Tebow are proven winners with playoff victories on their resumes. That could be a big intangible -- assuming a quarterback controversy doesn't ruin everything.
Potential weakness: The obvious concern is the question of whether Sanchez and Tebow can coexist without dividing the locker room, but we're going to get technical here and raise the issue of ball security. Sanchez had 18 interceptions and 10 fumbles (eight lost) last season, Tebow six interceptions and 13 fumbles (six lost) -- way too many loose balls. Sanchez can reduce the number by cleaning up his mechanics while in the pocket.
Wild card: Sanchez's psyche. Comedian Rob Riggle nailed it during the ESPYS telecast when, referring to Tebow and his popularity, he looked at Sanchez in the audience and cracked, "Good luck with that all season." Sanchez laughed. Will he still be laughing in a few months? His ability to block out the Tebow distraction will go a long way toward determining how the season plays out for all parties. For the most part, Sanchez has been a mentally tough player, but his psyche was shattered by the end of last season. He needs to take a playoff mentality every week, because he's at his best in the big games.
We want to hear your thoughts on the Sanchez-Tebow drama.
Ed Mulholland/US PresswireWill Mark Sanchez be able to handle Tebow Time in New York?
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
It's early, but ... Rex Ryan not pleased with Mark Sanchez's 3 INTs today. #Jets http://t.co/lOaHWpdPWw
about 13 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Xs, Os and Z -- Jay-Z, that is. Geno Smith hires Roc Nation Sports. The story: http://t.co/C8Dhrgh1K4
about 16 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sanchez said QB coach David Lee is stressing footwork drills. He said Lee considers proper footwork "an art form." #Jets
about 16 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sanchez sounds like he's really bought into Mornhinweg's system: "I just really feel like this coaching staff will get the best out of me."
about 16 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Regardless of who represents him, Geno Smith will sign a four-year contract for $5 million, give or take a few thousand. #wagescale #Jets
about 16 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
I'm wondering if Jay Z makes it to Cortland this summer for training camp. I'm sure he'd be a big hit at Doug's Fish Fry. #Jets
about 16 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Geno on Jay Z's Roc Nation: "Being in NY, from a standpoint of what they can do in the city, connections they have, it's a good move." #Jets
about 16 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Geno Smith said he has hired Jay Z's Roc Nation as his agents. #Jets
about 18 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Some perspective required: #Jets are learning new offensive system, WR corps depleted, defense always ahead of offense this early.
about 18 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Early thought on #Jets QB comp: Ugh. Sanchez 6-for-11, 3 INTs, 1 sack. (1 INT may have been a sack.) Geno Smith 3-for-10, 1 INT, 1 sack
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sanchez intercepted by NT Damon Harrison on a screen. One play later, Sanchez picked by Jarrett on poor throw to Kerley on deep seam. #Jets
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
TE Hayden Smith, former rugby player, looks much improved. Has made a few catches. #Jets
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
In first team period, Sanchez and Smith get 6 reps apiece, Simms 2, McElroy 1. #Jets
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Geno Smith in first period: 6 plays, 0-for-4, 1 INT (1 drop), 1 penalty. #Jets
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Geno Smith intercepted by McIntyre. Came on deflection/drop by Mayo. #Jets
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sanchez intercepted by Cromartie on third play. #Jets
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Mark Sanchez drops back, looks downfield and throws to ... me? #Jets http://t.co/mXMXnsA94K
about 20 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Quinton Coples still working with DLM in positional drills. #Jets
about 20 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
As expected, RB Mike Goodson not at practice. Arraignment occurred this morning in Morris County Court. #Jets
about 20 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Injured players working on side: Holmes, Hill, Milliner, Garay, Jordan White, among others. #Jets
about 20 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini





TWITTER


You must be signed in to post a comment