Leave it to Tim Tebow, the Pollyanna of the NFL, to make lemonade from lemons.
Through the first three games of the season, Tebow’s role with the Jets has been limited to a handful of runs out of the Wildcat, playing decoy at receiver and lining up on special teams as the Jets’ personal punt protector. Tebow has been primarily used on the Jets’ sideline, carrying a clipboard and rooting on the defense.
But when compared to where he was this time last year, Tebow is thankful to be a Jet.
“This time last year, I was kind of hanging out on the sidelines. I have to say I have a lot more of a role than I did this time last year. Obviously everything from then to now has been a rollercoaster and has been fun,” Tebow said. “I’ve been so blessed and excited to be here and the road we’re about to travel. Two-and-one is a good start; hopefully we’ll be 3-1 at the end of this week.”
During his introductory press conference in March, Tebow was mocked by the media for using the word “excited” as much as he did. But he is more than the backup quarterback with the Jets. It may be small now and arguably, might be smaller than it should be, but at least it is a role.
He was asked by Metro if the grind of answering questions about his status with the team is getting to him.
“I’m doing great. We’re 2-1 and I feel like we’re getting better as a team; we’re constantly improving,” Tebow said. “I feel like we had a day today where we improved on things. We have to keep that going and keep continuing in practice what we’re doing.”
Cliché, but it is the answer of someone who this time last year wasn’t even playing.
The Jets have been deplorable rushing the football this year, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and their time of possession is No. 20 in the league. If the Jets want to be the 49ers and get that third win, they’ll need to run the ball better. In other words, it could be Tebow time.
“They are a very good defense. We’ll have to control the ball, keep it away from their offense, keep our defense off the field. That’s definitely a key for us,” Tebow said. “We want to be able to possess the ball and if that’s what they ask me to help with, I’m excited.”
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
