FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Tim Tebow might add a new job title to an already-lengthy list.
The
do-it-all backup quarterback could see time at running back in the New
York Jets' banged-up backfield Sunday against the New England Patriots
on Sunday.
"That's a possibility," coach Rex Ryan said Thursday.
"The thing about Tim - with him being a football player like we've
always talked about - by playing quarterback, he knows all the
positions. So, can you plug him in at running back? Can you plug him in
at tight end or whatever?
"I think the answer is yes."
The
Jets are a bit short-handed at the position with backups Joe McKnight
(sprained left ankle) and Bilal Powell (separated right shoulder) likely
out for the game - although McKnight insisted, "It's for first place,
I'm in there." That leaves only starter Shonn Greene and rookie Jonathan
Grimes, who has yet to play, as the team's only completely healthy
running backs. Lex Hilliard is the remaining fullback after the Jets
waived John Conner on Wednesday.
Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano echoed Ryan's comments on Tebow, and was just as vague.
"There's a possibility," he said. "There's a possibility for a lot of things. We'll see."
But could Tebow actually make a good running back?
"I think Tim Tebow could be good at whatever he wants to be good at," Sparano said.
Tebow's
role has been limited in his first season with the Jets, but he has
carried the ball 18 times for 64 yards - all on direct snaps as the
team's wildcat quarterback or in the read-option package. He has lined
up at quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, fullback and running back
at times throughout the season, creating the element of surprise for
opponents.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said earlier in the week
that Tebow is "really a running back" for the Jets, so Ryan's
acknowledgement should hardly come as a surprise to him.
"He's a
good runner, he's a strong runner, very strong," Belichick said. "He's
mobile in the pocket, (a) smart player, he can do a lot of different
things. Different option plays and things like that, so you certainly
have to be aware of him when he's in there."
Greene ran for a
career-high 161 yards last Sunday against Indianapolis as New York
rolled up 252 yards on the ground. It might be tougher sledding in
Foxborough this weekend, though, with the Patriots ranked sixth overall
against the run. So, the Jets might be forced to change some things up
if Greene struggles early. That means Tebow could see some extensive
time in the backfield - and maybe even get a few carries.
"Who's that?" Greene said with a straight face.
You know, that guy the Jets traded for in March to give the offense a boost?
"No," Greene said. "Never heard of him."
Seriously,
though, Greene insists he would be OK if Tebow took some of his carries
in game - as long as it helps New York win. However, he wouldn't bite
on detailing what Tebow would bring to the position.
"I don't know," Greene said. "I guess I'll see, just like you guys."
Added Grimes: "Man, everybody loves to see Tebow get out there and do his thing, and I do, too. Whatever it takes to win."
While
there could be some gamesmanship going on, as there usually is between
the Jets and Patriots leading up to their matchups, putting Tebow in the
backfield makes some sense.
Many fans and media have questioned
the way Sparano has used Tebow throughout the first part of the season,
with the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback playing only 44 of
the Jets' offensive snaps. Tebow has shown an ability to make things
happen with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by him converting three
fake punts for first downs this season.
Tebow, knocked for his
inconsistency as a passer, thrived last season in Denver when the
Broncos made him the starting quarterback and restructured their offense
around him. He ended up running for 660 yards and was a threat for a
big gain at any time. The Jets would keep Mark Sanchez as the starting
quarterback, but by having Tebow lined up behind him, they could keep
the Patriots guessing: Will Sanchez throw it? Will Sanchez hand it off
to Tebow? Will Tebow throw it? Will Tebow get a direct snap and try to
make a play?
"I would be ready for whatever I would be asked to do, absolutely," Tebow said Wednesday.
Would that include playing extensively at running back on Sunday?
"I don't know," Tebow said. "It's not something that's been talked (about) or planned or worked on at all, so probably not."
Well,
Tebow certainly looks the part of a running back, or at least a
fullback after gaining muscle in the offseason to get up to nearly 250
pounds to handle the blocking on special teams. He has also been used to
block on offense at times, when he and Sanchez have been on the field
together.
"His skillset would be more based on power," Ryan said.
"I think he's not going to be a blazer compared to other running backs,
but he's got power."
The Jets curiously brought in free agent
quarterback Kevin O'Connell for a workout Tuesday, and Ryan wouldn't say
Wednesday whether a signing was imminent. New York already has Sanchez,
Tebow and Greg McElroy at the position, so the interest in O'Connell
sparked theories that perhaps the Jets were considering changing their
depth chart - and shifting Tebow's primary responsibilities to other
areas on offense.
Ryan said the team isn't looking to add a
speedier running back even with McKnight possibly out, joking that the
Jets aren't considering trying cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who has
played some at wide receiver, in the backfield.
"We're good," Ryan said. "We have some good backs, so I'm comfortable in our running back situation."
Grimes
was signed by the Jets from the Houston Texans' practice squad on Sept.
25, after being undrafted out of William & Mary. He's the school's
career leader in rushing, all-purpose yards, kickoff return yards and
rushing attempts, so he's ready to contribute in any way he can for the
Jets.
"I'm excited," Grimes said. "I think we could really do
something. People saw the potential last week of the kind of team we
could be and it's nice to be a part of that."
Source : http://www.adn.com/2012/10/18/2664280/tebow-could-step-in-at-rb-for.html
