Why Tim Tebow Could Make New York Jets a Dangerous Team

Ever since the Tim Tebow trade to the New York Jets became official late last week, there's been a lot of pointing and laughing at the Jets for their willingness to send a pair of draft picks to the Denver Broncos for a guy that is likely to be a backup quarterback behind Mark Sanchez.

While there is plenty of merit to the head-scratching over the deal, this trade doesn't come without some sense from the Jets' side.

If you can dig past the media circus—Tebow's introductory press conference is big TV today—there's value here that can make the Jets a better team in 2012 and beyond. 

Scheme fit

The Jets are planning on giving Tebow up to 20 snaps a game as the Wildcat quarterback, which gives him a chance to replicate some of the success he had in Denver leading the read-option.

That's a good revelation for Tebow, because if there's one thing we found out early on in 2011, it's his lack of readiness to play in a standard, drop-back offense. Giving him the chance to move around and be mobile should allow Tebow to be the most effective.  

Coach experience

It should be interesting to see which offense the Jets use Tebow in. He showed a dangerous side in the read-option with the Broncos, but New York offensive coordinator Tony Sparano has experience using the Wildcat from his days with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in Miami.

The two offenses aren't black-and-white different, but they aren't identical, either. I'd expect Sparano to give Tebow a combination of the two with the Jets. Anything additional that defensive coordinators have to prepare for during Jets week is a positive for New York.

Lighting a fire

Most have only speculated on how shaky of move this is for a "fragile" Mark Sanchez. I see it the other way. While there's always going to be intense media scrutiny in New York, Sanchez has never really been pushed as the Jets' starting quarterback and likely needs this kick in the pants.

And let's not fool ourselves here: Sanchez is a professional athlete. Competition is a breeding ground for improvement. With Tebow biting at his heels, it may be just as likely that Sanchez takes a step forward next season.

Sparking the ground-and-pound play

The Jets have fashioned themselves as a smash-mouth, running team ever since Rex Ryan took over the team in 2008. With Tebow on board, that running game might get a huge spark. After last season's fall down the rushing ranks, New York needs that spark. 

LaDainian Tomlinson is gone for last year's roster, leaving just injury-prone Shonn Greene and young and inexperienced Joe McKnight as guys who have contributed in the Jets' current backfield. Tebow can bring a rushing package that will both move the chains on short-yardage plays and get the ball into the end zone near the goal line.

And let's be perfectly honest here: The Jets added another running back in Tebow much more so than they found a backup quarterback.