Tim Tebow's Versatility Makes Him Perfect Weapon for Jets' Struggling Offense

The Jets' acquisition of Tim Tebow has the potential to create a quarterback controversy in the Big Apple, one the media will absolutely love. But in terms of on-field presence, his versatility may actually be a great weapon for New York's vapid offense.

The keyword is versatility.

Tebow won't be a dynamic throwing option—that was made clear in 2011—but he can be utilized in a variety of ways by Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano to bring new life to New York's attack.

Being able to accentuate the power running game Rex Ryan features while always providing the threat of throwing a pass on a bootleg will give the Jets more offensive freedom.

Remember, Tebow scored six rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2011. Gang Green struggled to get their aggressive running game going and finished the year averaging only 3.8 yards per rush, which was 30th in the league.

In a recent column, SI's Peter King, after listening to head coach Rex Ryan talk at the annual owners meetings, speculated on how much and in what ways Tebow will be used next year:

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I thought Tebow was going to be used five to eight snaps a game, but listening to coach Rex Ryan in Florida, he sounds like he's open to more -- up to 20 -- with the field spread, near the goal line, on two-point conversions, and maybe even using Tebow as the personal protector on the punt team. Having a defense in alert mode for Tebow will be a benefit no matter how accurate he is. Or isn't.

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The punt team? The punt team!

Special teams coach Mike Westhoff is one of the best in the business, and we know Ryan isn't afraid to throw in some quirky plays from time to time. The team used Brad Smith on a few fake punts before he was signed by the Bills last season. 

King's right. Whenever Tebow's on the field, the opposing defense will take notice. No question about that. Tebow can be effective even as a decoy.

In a perfect situation, when the Jets' offense is struggling and is totally out of sync, or when they need to pick up a critical third-and-short, Tebow can enter the game and reliably accumulate positive yardage. He'll be that spark the team desperately needed on many occasions last season but rarely found.

While all the PR hoopla and media frenzy will probably take center stage, in terms of what Tebow brings to to the football field, in a sub-package role, the Jets' use of Tim Tebow could work.

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