It doesn’t take a perfect Wunderlic score to comprehend Tim Tebow’s time with the New York Jets is winding down.
What initially seemed to be a bold move to add a new offensive dimension with Tebow — not to mention increased publicity in the same town as the defending Super Bowl champion Giants — contributed largely to creating a dysfunctional atmosphere that helped produce an embarrassing season for the entire Gang Green organization.
So, what’s next for Tebow?
Reports say he’ll be released by New York and will join the Jacksonville Jaguars to compete for their starting quarterback job next season.
Sounds plausible, though such reports simply could be people making educated guesses in today’s hotly contested media environment. Neither part of the storyline — Tebow leaving NYC, landing in Jacksonville — is far-fetched.
Does that mean Jacksonville is the right place for the former University of Florida star?
Answer: Only if the Jaguars invest in him fully. If not, it either will be a waste of time and/or another dysfunctional Tebow-mania nightmare.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan apparently wanted Tebow badly in March when the Denver Broncos were looking to trade the quarterback.
At the time, the Jags were committed to former first-round pick Blaine Gabbert as their No. 1 quarterback. Tebow opted for some promised playing time with the Jets rather than little-to-no action with the Jaguars, who signed former Dolphins starter Chad Henne to back up Gabbert.
While Tebow has many talents, knowing the future isn’t one of them. He clearly would have done things differently had he known then what he knows now.
If Tebow does go to Jacksonville, the situation will be different than it was in the spring.
First, there figures to be an organizational overhaul with a team that is sporting a 2-13 record.
On the plus side for Tebow, Gabbert’s status has changed — he failed to impress before his 2012 season ended prematurely because of injury. There figures to be an open competition for the Jaguars’ starting job next season.
But here’s where the Tebow-to-Jacksonville scenario gets dicey.
There’s little doubt Tebow is a winner. He won a state title in high school, two national championships at Florida and took Denver to the playoffs. But, his unorthodox style demands an unconventional offensive philosophy.
And while Washington’s Robert Griffin III and Seattle’s Russell Wilson have become rookie sensations as multithreat signal-callers, the physically bigger Tebow doesn’t exactly fit their molds.
What Tebow needs most to be successful in the NFL is a head coach who supports him fully. He could find that person in Jacksonville, if Khan hires a coach with the understanding that Tebow gets a real opportunity.
But few, if any, high-profile, experienced head coaches want to be told what to do when it comes to X's and O's and how personnel should be used. Does that mean Jacksonville will take a chance on an unproven head coach in the NFL? For Tebow, that’s probably the best option.
Tebow also likely would boost local popularity for the Jaguars, who already outdraw Florida’s other NFL teams. Jacksonville ranked 21st averaging 64,231 spectators through seven home games, while Miami averages 57,795 (29th) and Tampa Bay 55,612 (31st).
Those aren’t numbers that concern Tebow, though. He’s more concerned with games played and his team’s win-loss record.
Perhaps the only way Tebow ever will get a true shot in the NFL is if a team makes him player-coach.
Now that would be a bold move.
