The New England Patriots made a huge splash Monday night, as the team is reportedly about to sign recently released quarterback Tim Tebow.
Prior to the Patriots announcement, Tebow’s future was looking fairly bleak. The former Heisman trophy winner was cut by the Jets early in camp, and multiple reports indicated that not one of the NFL’s 32 teams were interested in giving him a chance. Rumors of Tebow joining the Arena Football League even managed to sneak into the conversation.
The news comes as a surprise to many. Not long ago, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was forced to deny reports that he “hated” the former Jets quarterback. Tebow joins an already outstanding group of quarterbacks including the perennial pro-bowler Tom Brady and capable backup Ryan Mallet. Tebow is set to participate in mini-camp activities for the Patriots as early as today.
New England just may be a perfect home for Tebow. The organization is as stable as there is in the NFL, and Tebow’s former Denver coach Josh McDaniels is back as the Pats offensive coordinator. McDaniels was the architect behind the Patriots record setting offense in 2007. It is also worth mentioning that the Patriots have a habit of making treasure out of the Jets trash. Danny Woodhead and James Ihedigbo to name a few recent blunders, were released by the Jets in 2011 before becoming big factors for the Patriots that same season. Belichick himself is a former Jets assistant.
Belichick and McDaniels have always found ways of getting the most out of their players. It would not be hard to see the two offensive gurus figuring out a use for a player of Tebow’s unique skill set. The Jets, along with the rest of the AFC will have to be on their toe’s if they are to stop Tebow in his new system – whatever that may be.
While his time with the Jets was an undeniable failure on just about every level, Tebow won’t have to wait very long to show his former team what they missed out on. The Patriots are slated to face off against the Jets on week two in front of a national audience on Thursday Night Football.
