Is Tim Tebow's Only Future with the New York Jets at RB?

Watch out for Tim Tebow in the New York Jets' backfield.

According to Mark Sessler of NFL.com, Jets head coach Rex Ryan stated just that:

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"That's a possibility," Ryan said. "The thing about Tim, with him being a football player like we've always talked about ... by playing quarterback, he knows all the positions. And so can you plug him in at running back? Plug him in at tight end? Whatever ... I think the answer is yes."

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To put more emphasis on Tebow's odds at lining up in the backfield, ESPN New York's Rich Cimini tweeted this:

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#Jets didn't sign a RB this wk, with Powell/McKnight injuries, because of Tebow ability to play RB: sources. A sure sign TT will be involved

—Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 18, 2012"

With all that said, does this mean Tebow's best chances to contribute for Gang Green are at running back? Well, yes and no.

To decipher this conundrum, let's move ahead and sift Tebow's overall situation with the Jets out.

Why RB Is a Great Fit

Tebow is 6'3" and nearly 240 pounds, so he definitely fits the mold for playing running back. The man can dish out contact quite well, and it's not like he'll get steamrolled play after play.

This only adds to his dynamic, because with Shonn Greene getting back on track last week, the Jets now present a stronger ground game. Tebow's presence only forces a defense to bring one extra defender in the box, which takes pressure off the receivers when trying to get open.

This in short, creates more reliability and consistency to New York's offensive balance. Moving the chains cannot always be left up to Mark Sanchez, because the passing game must still improve and Tebow has to make an impact.

For any short-yard situation or additional pass protection, Tebow in the backfield only helps Gang Green. Plus, no linebacker will totally blanket him in coverage, and it's not like Tebow is easy to tackle either.

Mark Sanchez vs. Kyle Orton

Here's another reason for Tebow's lack of quarterbacking contributions. It's obvious or blatant, but Sanchez is better than Kyle Orton.

One thing to keep in mind about Sanchez is that he is fairly smooth and quick at making decisions.

This helps negate any sort of pass rush, and Sanchez is much more accurate than given credit. Since being under center for the Jets, New York has surrounded him with playmaking receivers that unfortunately have a tendency to drop the rock quite often.

Sanchez also possess a quick release and isn't afraid to leave the pocket. Every NFL team needs a true pocket passer, and although Sanchez has yet to really dominate from week-to-week, we have to remember this guy did lead Gang Green to two consecutive AFC Championship games.

As for Orton, the guy had some impressive talent around him when he was with the Denver Broncos: During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, a combination of Brandon Marshall as the standout target, Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley and Demaryius Thomas lined up out wide.

That's quite an array of targets. Although Orton saw solid numbers, his lack of arm strength was compensated for by these athletic receivers. Sanchez has the arm to make every NFL throw; however, the Jets do need to supply him with better receivers as well.

Tebow's Other Suitable Role

The appealing H-back position is arguably the position that fits Tebow's versatility the most.

Because he can line up virtually anywhere in any formation, that only makes preparing for Gang Green's offense more difficult. He can line up next to Sanchez in shotgun, in an offset pistol formation, at the wing, tight end and slot or out wide.

Altogether, that leaves New York the luxury of running a direct snap, power off tackle, tosses, read option and quick dives without having to change the skill-position personnel. Doing so then creates a little quicker game pace and the no-huddle offense becomes a more feasible approach.

The Jets can then catch more defenses off guard despite in-game adjustments and increase their odds of controlling the game tempo. Tebow's future with the Jets may not necessarily be at quarterback, but that doesn't mean he can't make a significant contribution to Tony Sparano's offense.

He's an eclectic athlete with an interesting skill set to impact a team's offensive balance. The H-back gives New York a distinct competitive advantage, so capitalizing on that capability must happen.

And if need be, Tebow can get under center if Sanchez fails to make strides. Regardless, this is a player Gang Green can't afford to have sitting on the sidelines.

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