Tim Tebow: Public Pressure Will Force Jets to Start Polarizing QB

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets may be the most bullheaded of bullheads, but not even they will be able to continue trotting out Mark Sanchez if they continue to lose ball games this season.

And, given what we've seen from Sanchez so far this year, who's to say the fourth-year pro will turn things around? What evidence is there? Or are the Jets simply going with blind faith at this point?

Was Sanchez better against the Houston Texans than he had been the past few weeks? Sure, both of his interceptions were tipped and he averaged a decent 7.4 yards per attempt against a stingy pass defense.

But "better" is the key word. He still went 14-of-31 in the game (45 percent) and has completed 48 percent of his passes through five weeks.

When comparing his numbers this season to those of Tim Tebow's last season it's frankly shocking.

Sanchez is averaging 6.56 yards per attempt. Tebow averaged 6.38 yards per attempt. 

Sanchez has thrown six touchdowns to six interceptions. Tebow tossed 12 touchdowns to six interceptions.

And that's not even counting Tebow's 660 yards and six touchdowns on the ground last season.

The Jets are also 2-3 and coming off a disappointing 8-8 campaign where they missed the playoffs under the harsh glare of the New York lights.

Sure, Sanchez and Co. could beat the Indianapolis Colts this week, considering the Colts have allowed 7.9 yards per pass attempt (25th in the NFL) and eight passing touchdowns this season.

But how far will that get him?

Sanchez still faces the New England Patriots the following week, as well as a Miami Dolphins pass defense that isn't half-bad after that (remember the Jets' final game last season?).

At some point, Ryan will have to get over his man crush with Sanchez, especially when the mathematical chances of the Jets making the playoffs get smaller and smaller. New York will continue to pile on the pressure and Ryan and the Jets will wish they never brought Tebow aboard in the offseason.

Despite all of Tebow's faults as a pocket passer, he led the Broncos to an improbable playoff berth last season, winning six straight games at one point, and the Jets are going to need a boost like that rather soon.

Of course, Ryan and the Jets could continue in a state of denial until they run the team into the ground. That's certainly an option.

But it's not a good one and I have to believe the Jets at least have a little sense. Right?