Averaging fewer than seven snaps per game and having failed to notch a touchdown this season, Tim Tebow isn’t thrilled with how the Jets are using him.
Typically upbeat and enthusiastic, Tebow told reporters Wednesday that he “loves playing,” but it’s “hard” to only see action in spot duty.
“I think when you’re getting the ball a lot during the game you can get the rhythm of the game and I think that makes it easier,” Tebow said, via ESPNNewYork.com. “You get a feel and a rhythm. I think spot play is fun because you’re in different roles, but at the same time it’s hard to get a feel. Sometime even if it’s just a few plays on a drive, it gets easier. Sometimes that’s the harder part of spot playing, but it is fun. I just love playing period.”
Tebow has played just 55 offensive snaps — almost exclusively in the Wildcat — rushing for 78 yards and attempting three passes.
How has that measured up in his mind?
“I feel like there’s times we’ve done some good things, times it definitely hasn’t been as effective as I would have liked it sometimes,” Tebow said. “I feel like we’ve had some good plays now and then.”
Not exactly a glowing endorsement, which isn’t too surprising. Tebow is a fierce competitor, having only known the spotlight from his days with the Gators and Broncos. He’s the epitome of a team player, however, so he’s unlikely to ever make a huge stink over the situation. Still, standing on the sidelines and watching an ineffective Mark Sanchez week in and week out must be frustrating.
Frankly, the Jets have completely misused Tebow thus far, and the once-heralded Wildcat has been a mere afterthought in coordinator Tony Sparano’s offense.
Obviously, with the trade deadline passing (and a rumored deal falling through), he’ll ride out the 2012 campaign in the Big Apple. But, as beat writer Rich Cimini predicted, Tebow may be moved in the offseason to a team like the Jaguars, where he’d play significantly more in front of his hometown fans and for an owner who’s dying to bring a spark to the lowly franchise.
It would be an opportunity Tebow wouldn’t think twice about and, compared to now, he’d probably much prefer.
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