Just when you thought Tim Tebow’s NFL career has passed him by, a juggernaut of a story hit the wire: The Patriots are signing the quarterback. Or something like that. Tebow, who was released by the Jets in late April, has had a (relatively) quiet offseason and has reportedly been working out at IMG Academy in Florida. Familiarity with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could have been the difference-maker on why the team decided to bring in the media magnet. One thing is for sure: If there is any place that could put the kibosh on Tebowmania, it’s New England. So, how does this move benefit the Patriots? Laces Out dives in face-first: Adding another dimension to offense The Patriots took a page out of Chip Kelly’s book last season, running the no-huddle offense at lightning speed. This season, they could add even more to the well-balanced offense. Tebow excels in an option-oriented offense and McDaniels could create a special package just for Tebow. Third-and-short is Tebow’s bread and butter. Joining former teammates Bill Belichick has a certain fascination with Florida Gators. Aaron Hernandez, Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes all played with Tebow on the 2009 BCS National Championship team. Can they regain the magic that had them atop the college football landscape? Possibly. Leadership in locker room On a roster that fields Tommy Kelly, LeGarrette Blount and Alfonzo Dennard, could trouble begin to seep inside the New England locker room? Probably not. But, Tebow leads by example. When his teammates see his first-one-in-last-one-out mentality, they could mimic his intense work ethic. Value on special teams? The Jets toyed around with the idea of using Tebow as a punt protector last season. Well, the Patriots could take advantage of Tebow’s unique skillset and do something very similar. Don’t be surprised if Belichick has Tebow lining up on the punt team. A physical ideal Who knows, maybe the Patriots just want him around so he can run sprints with his shirt off. That seemed to have been the highlight of his time with the Jets. Questions? Comments? Send them to lacesoutmail@gmail.com and we might respond in our weekly mailbag!
