Why Tim Tebow's New Red-Zone Role Makes for Pointless Addition

Tim Tebow is a 6'3'', 245-pound bulldozer of a quarterback, and has scored 12 rushing touchdowns in first two NFL seasons, but that doesn't mean he should be used as the red-zone signal-caller for the New York Jets in 2012.

Actually, the idea is downright stupid.

Why? 

Well, the numbers tell the story. 

According to ESPN.com's Richi Cimini, "Team insiders say the plan is to use Tebow in the red zone, where they can replace Sanchez with another player/blocker to bolster the running game."

Yikes. 

To begin, the Jets will be attempting to fix something that isn't broken. In 2011, they ranked No. 1 in red-zone scoring efficiency and were second in the league in touchdowns per red zone attempt, scoring in 65.3 percent of their trips to the red zone.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos finished last year 26th in touchdowns per red zone attempt, reaching the end zone only 44 percent of the time.

Furthermore, Mark Sanchez, the quarterback they reportedly plan to replace in the red zone, was at bat his best inside the 20-yard line last season. 

He posted an 89.1 QB rating from the 19-yard line in, the highest number of any portion of the field. He threw an astounding 21 touchdowns to a mere three interceptions. Sanchez's second-highest QB rating was 81.1, which came from the 10-yard-line in. 

Conversely, what makes this decision even more idiotic is Tebow's red-zone numbers from a year ago. 

He was statistically at his worst when his offense reached the opponent's 20. Based on field position, Tebow's two lowest QB ratings came inside the red zone. From the 19-yard line in, his rating was a paltry 61.9, and it got worse inside the 10, where his rating dropped to 47.9. 

So, in theory, a punishing, straight-forward runner like Tebow would work wonders as his offense nears the goal line, but actually, he doesn't. 

Not compared to Mark Sanchez, the guy who should not be replaced inside the red zone for the Jets in 2012. 

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