A Bigger Role for Tebow is Possible

July 29, 2012; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano (left) and head coach Rex Ryan (right) walk out to the practice field prior to the start of training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE

With Tim Tebow’s success scrambling with the football this past Friday night, the questions have started to surface. Will Tim Tebow have a bigger role during a game if pass protection is breaking down? It’s a legitimate question. Even the biggest cynics, like myself, had to give him credit for the way he could turn something into nothing.

So, the questions were posed to Tony Sparano, and Rex Ryan, and we received opposite messages. Which leads me to one conclusion.

An expanded role for Tim Tebow is ABSOLUTELY a possibility when the line is not playing well.

Let’s first take a look at exactly what they said.

When coach Ryan was asked, he advised that they were “Open to anything”.

Coach Sparano had this to say:

“No, not in that situation,” Sparano said. “Mark Sanchez scrambled for a first down the other day, too, which I was impressed with. Mark is a good athlete and he is our quarterback. I thought he has been playing well right now for us, and I don’t see that kind of scenario at all out there.”

Sparano went on the mimick fishing to the reporter that asked the question, as if to say they were fishing for a story. Turn the page and we will talk more about why the responses were the way they were.

First of all, do not take Tony Sparano saying not possible, at face value. He comes from a long line of coaches that are trained not to say anything. Remember whom he worked for, Bill Parcells. The mantra of being from that coaching tree is to say nothing. Never feed the media with something they can hold on to.

If you worked for Bill Parcells, if you are from his coaching tree, you know not to say anything. Henceforth, we get Sparano’s answer. The answer he gave is not necessarily evidence that it won’t happen, it’s just evidence that he learned well from coach Parcells.

Remember as well, that this is the preseason. No team, including the Jets is going to give away the entire story. If the coaches responded by saying, “Absolutely this will happen. Tim Tebow will play more if the offensive line falters.”, the teams would know what to prepare for. Not going to happen.

Finally, you know Rex, guys. Unless something is absolutely not going to happen, Rex Ryan will leave the door open. No matter if it’s the preseason, the regular season, or the playoffs, Rex will not give a direct answer, but will drop hints. His answer was a way to drop hints that this is very possible.

And it makes sense. The Jets offense undeniably received a jolt of energy when Tebow scrambled for positive yards the other night. Even myself, one of the greatest of cynics, got pumped up.

It’s the preseason, and these coaches are giving answers that are typical. The hints have been dropped.

Why?

Because there is a great chance that Tebow’s role will increase when the line isn’t playing well. Get on board Jets fans, it’s going to be a wild ride.