The New York Jets' signing Tim Tebow has been welcomed by many and has left a large number scratching their heads in disbelief. One must question exactly what the Jets' were thinking when they pursued Tebow or were they thinking at all, primarily the effects that Tebowmania along with the much publicized Tebowing would bring to New York. Setting aside my normal scrutiny of the Cleveland Browns I felt compelled to address what will surely pan out to be a self inflicted wound for the Jets' front office.
The Jets' failing to land a contract with Peyton Manning must have been good news to Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez, who just recently received a $58 million, five-year contract extension--a sign of job security. Now he must deal with the media explosion and fan worship that will surely find its' way to New York, yes--the media and fan anointed "Mile-High Messiah" will grace the Jets' sideline--but for how long?
One can only image the magnitude, the deafening screams of "Tebow, Tebow" that will rock the stadium in epic proportions the first time a Sanchez pass is either intercepted or he throws a wounded duck at an open receiver. Fans will be livid, demanding that Sanchez, who had a 56.7 completion percentage last season be replaced by Tebow with his percentage rating of 46.5--doesn't matter, Tebow wins!
Nothing against Tebow, he has shown himself to be what can be considered a fine young man, however as far as his ability to be an effective NFL QB--he is a work in progress. It is baffling why the Jets brain trust would choose to throw Tebow into the mix, a mix that already includes a locker room that lately can be considered a soap opera, that is unless this is merely promotion--increasing the fan base without any thought of the shock-waves it may cause.
Before the chants demanding I be tar and feathered for such a thought, there are others questioning this move, one of the most notable being Joe Namath who knows a "tad" bit about being a quarterback in the NFL.
"I'm baffled. I just think they're kind of mixed up over there," Namath said. "I'm talking about the folks that are making the decisions."
And of course--this little beauty:
"It appears the Jets are trying to grab headlines again just by making noise," Namath said.
So, Namath thinks this is merely promotion, grabbing headlines and thinks the Jets' admin is 'Kinda Mixed Up" and I would agree, however Mr. Namath and I are missing one valuable and crucial point--Tim Tebow can control the weather!
Now that's hard to argue with, sunny and 80 degrees in N.Y. middle of December--maybe now we can see the true reason for snagging Tebow--The Weather!
Tebow is a talented young man and a gifted athlete, so this is not to slam the young man. This is merely about the media hype that follows Tebow and the great expectations that have been placed on his shoulders. One can only believe that this attention at the massive proportions is one thing Tebow wishes would calm down and let him pursue his career without such high expectations! What about you--what do you think!
A.J. Hunley ( Senior Writer, C.B.R. )
Quotes from the New York Post
