Tim Tebow's Skills Still Provide Rex Ryan and Jets with Competitive Advantage

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets possess a specific advantage with Tim Tebow on their roster.

Despite Tebow's inability to pick apart defenses and shred a coverage like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees, his entire skill set is quite distinct.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com also writes of the Jets' need for Tebow:

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It would be better for the team if the rumblings I'm starting to hear are true. On the field, he still could be viable. It would help the team if the Jets were serious about keeping Tebow on the roster through training camp, amping up competition and trying to see if they can gain a return on their investment.

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For the most part, it doesn't matter where Tebow plays in 2013, because his repertoire allows an offense to open up the playbook.

There's less predictability offered to a defense as Tebow's improvisation cannot exactly be prepared for. His lack of polished mechanics and pre-snap adjustments only become an issue when constantly under center.

So, don't put him at the helm every snap of every series.

But having him line up as a tight end for fullback, though, will once again expand the playbook. The presence of Tebow's ability would also get stronger should New York bring in David Garrard. In an article by Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, Garrard felt he had a strong workout:

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"It was a great workout," Garrard said. "Every drill they had me do, I did great in. I felt like my old self again. They loved what they saw."

A source close to the situation told ESPN last week that the quarterback "anticipates putting a deal together" with the Jets once those cap issues are resolved. A source told ESPNNewYork on Sunday that the team has kept open the lines of communication with Garrard, but no deal is imminent.

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Garrard would definitely be the best option as a starter for the Jets over Mark Sanchez and Tebow. But having him at the helm only derives attention of a defense's focus from Tebow's capabilities.

Put Garrard in shotgun and let Tebow sit next to him like a running back. This simple example forces a defense to recognize the potential threat of a direct snap. In addition, Tebow could lead into the gut of the defense or off tackle for the regular ball-carrier.

From there, play-action increases as a threat and Garrard still brings the mobility to make plays out of the pocket. All this, however, is not emphatically presented to an opponent without Tebow in the backfield.

Include the potential of New York's traditional running game and Tebow's impromptu decision-making—when at quarterback—and the Jets could really manipulate a defense in 2013. In short, divvying up a diverse game-plan is to Gang Green's advantage.