Teammates don’t back Jets’ Tebow
Tim Tebow inspired legions of disciples during last season's playoff run with the Denver Broncos, but he hasn't made believers out of his New York Jets teammates.
Despite Mark Sanchez's NFL-low 52 percent completion rate for the Jets (3-6), more than a dozen players and other members of the organization agreed in a New York Daily News article that Tebow is not the answer to the squad's struggles.
"He's terrible," an unnamed defensive starter said.
Left guard Matt Slauson had no problem identifying himself as a staunch Sanchez supporter, saying he's by far the Jets' best quarterback.
"It's not even close," he said. "We don't really have a choice."
When asked about Tebow and Greg McElroy, the other quarterbacks listed on New York's depth chart, Slauson didn't even utter Tebow's name.
"We have Greg and we have an athlete," he said.
That's the type of teamwork, winning attitude and family atmosphere that has carried the Jets to last place.
When asked if New York could win with Tebow as its top quarterback, one veteran starter said, "Do I have to answer that question?"
Oh, ye, of little faith.
Tebow's playoff game-winning, 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas did little to dispel doubts about his ability.
"Now we're depending on miracles?" a member of the organization said.
It looks like the Jets are going to need a miracle, anyway, to turn around their season, so why not give the ball to someone who knows a thing or two about them?
In Tebow's defense, he's averaged only seven offensive snaps per game. What does he have to do to earn more playing time, wash coach Rex Ryan's feet?
Tebow wasn't quoted in the article, but after getting crucified by his team, we're guessing he would've said, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
■ VOLUNTEERING INFORMATION - In a quote sure to attract the NCAA's attention, Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray told reporters Tuesday, "I'm paid to win football games."
The junior then quickly tried to clarify his remarks, saying, "I mean my education. That's what the SEC likes to call 'getting paid.' "
While we're pretty sure the Southeastern Conference never has referred to a scholarship as "getting paid," we're positive former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and his father never did.
As for Bray, he's apparently overpaid. The Volunteers are 0-6 in the SEC.
■ CHRISTIAN WHO? - While most Kentucky fans wish they could forget Christian Laettner's game-winning shot for Duke in the 1992 NCAA East Regional final, Wildcats freshman center Willie Cauley-Stein conceded Tuesday he had no clue about the shot or Laettner.
"I don't even know who that is," said Cauley-Stein, who was born a year after the shot. "It's before me. I don't know. I don't keep up with it."
Cauley-Stein, who we're willing to bet isn't a history major, also likely would be surprised to learn Kentucky won a few national championships before last season, man has walked on the moon and dinosaurs once roamed the earth.
COMPILED BY TODD DEWEY
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
