Since the beginning of time, NFL time that is, there has been one question on the minds of Tebowiites everywhere. Is the Tebow the second coming of the football messiah?
Is he Tom Brady two point zero?
There are two schools of thought on the recent signing of Tim Tebow by the Patriots.
The first by the doubters is that Tebow was signed for his commercial potential. Basically, he was signed to sell jerseys promote the brand through the media and increase the value of the franchise through his presence.
The second by the Tebowiites is that Tebow is the legitimate successor backup to Brady and that he will make the future of the franchise secure for the next decade.
Both are flawed, but both have an element of truth.
Tebow was indeed signed for his commercial potential. The money made from selling Tebow jerseys is astronomical. His media presence will ensure that the Patriots remain in the headlines for years to come. His presence will sell out stadium seats.
Robert Kraft likely had a hand in signing Tebow as it will improve the value of his franchise significantly.
Tebow’s impact off the field is undeniable but how about his on the field impact?
Tebow enters camp as the likely number three quarterback on a team anchored by arguably the greatest quaterback of all time in Brady.
With the cutting of Mike Kafka and the uncertainty surrounding Ryan Mallett there is a legitimate chance for Tebow to jump the depth chart to number two.
Tebow will have to work very hard for this opportunity but he is certainly capable of achieving it. How much impact he will have on the field is defined by how much playing time he will have.
He will likely be allowed to play in short yardage situations to give Brady a break. He will also get to play when the Patriots are up by a significant number of points.
This is when the audience will get to see Tebow actually play a traditional quarterback role.
Tebow will also be used in a variety of novelty plays as a halfback and tight end.
With Brady likely to retire in the next few years it could be Tebow that is the successor to the great football messiah.
Will Tebow lead the Tebowiites to the NFL promised land?
Simmo
Guest
He's a 3rd string QB. End of story
Steve
Guest
Well if they're Jets fans, their judgement can't be too hot at the best of times, but if they think the problems in *that* locker room come from Tebow, they're even dumber than I expected- dysfunctional and ill-disciplined doesn't even begin to cover it. I'd also like to point out that Rex Ryan has a tattoo of his wife wearing Mark Sanchez's jersey. How can you expect another quarterback to get a fair go under those disturbingly freudian circumstances? The fact is, Tebow did more for Denver than anyone on the Jets roster has done for the Jets, but they didn't think it was worth even giving him a chance. They traded draft picks for someone, then didn't use him, thus guaranteeing 100% failure. Belichick, on the other hand, has lost nothing in getting Tebow, stands to lose nothing if it doesn't work out, and actually has a solid chance of being able to make Tebow into something worthwhile. I know whose judgment I'd trust on this one.
LD
Guest
Is this like the Doug Fultie signing by the Patriots a few years back, Fultie didn't do much apart from being last player to kick a Drop Kicked Conversion in the NFL, some Jets fans might say Tebow hung around and acted like a Drop Kick in the Jets locker room.
peeeko
Roar Guru
i agree Steve, really i cant see many people from Boston buying Tebow jerseys at all
Steve
Guest
I liked it when the author wrote 'His media presence will ensure that the Patriots remain in the headlines for years to come' as if, 5 yrs down the line the Pats will be less well known than the Canton Bulldogs unless they do publicity stunts to desperately keep themselves in the limelight!
Steve
Guest
I thought he was famous for having the most unbelievable rookie year imaginable, and for being part of a sports story that Hollywood would write off as far-fetched. Pro-tip: if you think he's particularly unusual for being 'religious in a weird way' in the NFL, then you evidently don't know much about the NFL.
Steve
Guest
The 'two schools of thought' is a bit of a false premise isn't it? He's either there *just* to sell Jerseys or succeed Tom Brady? The first option wouldn't be worth Belichick's effort, or the disturbance to the tight ship he runs, and the idea that Tebow can only add on field value through becoming a top-flight QB is a total strawman.
B.A Sports
Guest
The Pats don't have Woodhead this year and their tightends while two of the best three in the league, have been plagued by injury. So if he can catch, they will have use for him given the way Bellichek uses backs and TE's out of the backfield and in no huddle situations. its also worth noting that McDaniel is the guy who drafted him in Denver, way ahead of where he was projected to go, and McDaniel is now back in New England. He won't get time as QB during blowouts because he isn't QB2 and he won't get many short yardage jobs because, while it isn't part of his game, Brady is actually really sneaky good in sneaks. I hope he does well, he seems like a good guy. He won't have the same circus around him in New England and if he scores a touchdown against the Jets in Week 2, the look on that tubby douchbag Ryan's face and the reaction of the New York fans will be worth every penny the Pat's pay him!
josh
Roar Rookie
No. They could use him in a flea flicker play variation.
Alfred Chan
Expert
Hurray for NFL! Tebow will not be playing QB though. He was signed to play FB in my opinion. The Pats have the best dual TE set in the league. Last year Hernandez played a considerable amount of downs as a receiving FB. The continual crash of the bodies slowed him down and he wasn't as effective as he was the previous season. It also contributed to his injuries. Hernandez will play the slot like Welker but as a 5-10y option only. Tebow will play FB because he has the speed to be a threat and is not as important as Hernandez. Don't expect Bellechick to ever call a Tebow-throw play though. He won't surpass Mallet either because Mallet has an excellent throwing action. Tebow to be the starting FB by week 3.
Kevin
Guest
If any organisation can make a peach out of a lemon the patriots can, I think he s useless but give him a years tuition under the pats staff and play books and who knows where he might be next year.. Bellechick is a genius And lastly if they make it work what an FU to the jets!
Elisha Pearce
Guest
Hahahaha. I love the Tebow trash talk, the hype. Everything. Such a funny weird situation. I've watched the guy play since his second year at Florida. Never thought he'd be amazing in the NFL and he's not. Still exciting to watch on his day. Brady 2.0? No. Saviour? No. Fun? Yes. He'll probably get transitioned around the field in funky Belichik schemes without ever being more than fun to watch and a great media attraction to the club.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
He is the 3rd String QB on this team. He is no lock to make the roster, as their is no guaranteed money in the contract, and the patriots only carried 2 QB's on the roster last year. So really he needs to make a case for his inclusion, and be prepared to play whatever role he is asked to, even if it's not as a QB. Doesn't matter. My Bengals are a lock to win the lot this year ;)
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
When Tebow can throw an accurate pass, get back to me about his position on a depth chart.
Blue
Guest
The fact that you could write this stopped me reading: "Is he Brady two point zero? " Bellechick has a history of converting players. If I had to wager he will use Tebow as a tightend and as you suggest in short yards but in wildcat plays that traditional rush. Either that ot a very expensive bookstop. To suggest he is a legitimate starting QB prospect is laughable. He does not posses the skills that QBs are born with.,
Australian Rules
Guest
Tebow is famous for being really really religious...in a weird way. The fact that his signing with NE will be a commercial boost for the club due to jersey sales is a sad indictment on America.