Tim Tebow: Polarizing Jets QB Should Have Mark Sanchez Worried About His Job

Mark Sanchez recently came out and said that he wasn't worried about losing his starting job, per Mike Vorkunov of the Star-Ledger.

Either he's in denial or he's trying to keep his feelings secret.

To say Sanchez has been bad this season would be an understatement. He's completed 49 percent of his passes, last among qualifying quarterbacks, while averaging 6.35 yards per attempt (29th).

Yes, the offensive line has performed poorly (particularly center Nick Mangold), but that's no excuse for what Sanchez has done so far (or hasn't done). He was 1-of-7 for eight yards under pressure against the San Francisco 49ers last week, and 1-of-6 for five yards and an interception against the blitz, per ProFootballFocus.com. His QB rating when blitzed was exactly...zero.

Of course, Sanchez has to cope with a nightmare behind him on the depth chart. That nightmare is a man named Tim Tebow, who lifted the Denver Broncos from the doldrums and threw an 80-yard touchdown to stun the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round last season.

Tebow was 7-4 as starter that season, elevating the Broncos to the AFC West title and the playoffs. He led the Broncos to six straight victories at one point.

The Jets, like the Broncos last season, are in dire straights right now. You can look at their modest 2-2 record and say it's not the end of the world, but the reality is they have looked pathetic against the only two playoff contenders they have faced, getting outscored by a combined 51 points in two games against the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

On top of that, elite cornerback Darrelle Revis is out for the season, and No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes has been placed on the injured reserve, via USA Today.

The Jets need a jump-start. Based on talent alone, Tebow is a backup-caliber quarterback. But based on what he did for the Broncos last season, he may as well be the starter for the Jets at this point.

To be real, Sanchez has had plenty of opportunities to prove himself, and he continues to flounder under New York's harsh glare. That isn't going to change against another strong squad in Houston this week.

After Sanchez inevitably fails against the Texans on Monday night, it will be clear that Tebow is the Jets' only shot of making the playoffs. 

What a nightmare for Jets fans.