The Jets didn't sign a running back this week because of Tim Tebow's ability to play the position, sources tell ESPN New York. Both Bilal Powell (shoulder) and Joe McKnight (ankle) are out, leaving only undrafted rookie Jonathan Grimes behind starter Shonn Greene. Beat writer Rich Cimini takes that as a "sure sign" Tebow will be involved. Look for him to top his season-high of five carries and handle the short-yardage work. The Jets are going to have to pull all the tricks out of the bag to hang with the Patriots in Foxboro. Source: Rotoworld.com via Rich Cimini Twitter.
I hope they are not planning on using him too often at Rb. I am not sure how well his QB running skills will translate to RB
This pisses me off. Kahlil Bell could've been brought in to at least be an insurance policy in case Greene gets injured. He is a competent RB with good hands.
I like the move. If Greene gets hurt I don't think we can beat the Pats anyways, may as well use our roster spots more efficiently to back him up.
I hope you're right on this. Shonn Greene tends to go out at the worst times. I think Tebow might see much more action than we anticipate if Greene comes up holding his ribs at some point in the game.
well if Green gets hurt that is a different story at that moment he would probably go in as much as grimes.
So as I take this - Ciminininini has observed that the Jets didn't sign a RB this week so he has looked at his crystal ball and determined Tebow is now at RB. No sources - no personal observations just a "sure sign". If they had signed a RB this week how likely is it he/she would have been in the offense this game?
I have no problem with it. Personally I think they should be lining him up all over the field at random times to throw off the defense. Even if you put him out there in RB position and it's a passing play it could still throw off the defense. Assuming he can block worth a damn, as the PPP I would hope he can. They did it last game when they put Cromartie out as WR but then did a rushing play, it threw off the defense because the instinct is they are subbing in a receiver for a receiving play. Won't work every time, especially against BB, but it wouldn't be terrible to at least try. I'm not saying he should get 20 carries but as long as Greene doesn't go down hurt he won't be relied on too much in the RB role. More just to switch things up and rest the other two RBs.
I don't take anything more than Cimini just making an educated guess that's what they'll do. It wouldn't be a terrible idea though.
It's highly questionable as to how effective Tebow would be running from the RB position, as opposed to taking direct snaps and/or running read/option.
Really? I'd love to hear a couple of examples of that. They hit him hard and he coughed up the ball numerous times.
Tebow in first game against the Pats. 12 carries, 93 yards, 7.8 ypc, 2 rushing TDs, 30 yards longest carry.
He didn't gain shit on planned runs or option runs, which are the closest thing to acting as a RB. His yards were of the QB draw and scrambling variety, like he did to the Jets earlier in the year. He also fumbled 3 times in the 2 games.
Brandon Spikes must be licking his chops right now, legends has it that Tebow and Spikes sometimes didn't get along at Florida.
