Tony Sparano Keeping Tim Tebow Role Close to the Vest
By Alan Schechter
Dec. 11, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano yells during a game against he Philadelphia Eagles at Sun Life Stadium. Eagles won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano talked to the media today via conference call, and other than what coach Ryan has already said, mum was pretty much the word regarding Tim Tebow.
“I won’t give you the vision on what I think his role will be in the offense,” Sparano said today on a conference call with reporters. “But I would just say that, to the best of my knowledge, I believe what Coach (Rex Ryan) said is he can play one to 20 snaps, somewhere like that, and I would say what coach said is 100 percent correct.”
He added that any other info would be kept within the team.
When asked about the Wildcat offense, which Sparano championed while the head coach in Miami, Sparano responded, “if that’s the direction that we go.” He did hint that a direct-snap package led by Tebow would be more diverse than the Wildcat plays run by former Dolphins running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.
“The element of being able to throw the football out of that brings a complete different dynamic into the picture here,” Sparano said, adding: “Whether we run Wildcat, or a version of, or something else, I’m not going to tie myself down to just one thing.”
He went on to say that other positions are in play for Tebow, the main goal is to make him a better quarterback. He’s also not worried about a problem between his two quarterbacks.
“We’re just excited to add another good football player to our team,” Sparano said. “Sanchez is one (heck) of a player, and I am so excited about the opportunity to coach with him, and the chance to work with him. And Tim Tebow is a good football player, too. I think when you put both of these guys in a room and they’re playing checkers, they’re going to compete at it, and they’re going to go like heck to win. I think the more of those people you can get around your football team and in this environment, the better off your football team is going to be. I think we helped our team tremendously. I don’t think it’s a problem, and the two of them right now, along with Greg McElroy, have done a great job.”
I don’t need to tell you that I disagree, I have made that clear. I am glad Sparano has a good attitude about it, and doesn’t think it will be an issue. I hope to be wrong, but I think there will be.