Tim the Enchanter

At times like this, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself. I’ve already pictured the Patriots crushing the Jets in the Meadowlands with Tim Tebow scoring three touchdowns as Rex Ryan can only stand helplessly by, the boos swelling up, filling the stadium and spilling out over the swamps of Jersey. I really should wait to see if Tebow makes the final 53 man roster before indulging in such fantasies.

So, it’s been reported that Tim Tebow will sign with the Patriots as a quarterback. The consensus chatter from the Pigskin Pundits and Bobbleheads is that (a) if any team can handle the media circus that follows Tebow wherever he goes it’s the Patriots and (b) Tom Brady will not be affected by Tebow’s presence in QB meetings. More importantly, unlike Rex Ryan and the Jets, Bill Belichick, Josh McDaniels and the Patriots actually have a plan for Tebow.

Personally – as noted in previous posts – I hope that plan features Tebow as Paul Hornung 2.0; as a halfback lining up in the shotgun next to Brady where he can take a direct snap or come off a fake and catch a pass in the flat or even throw the occasional halfback option pass. At minimum, Tebow provides the Patriots with a QB who can run the pistol or read option on the scout team; given his willingness to play special teams, he gives Belichick a third QB on game day who can do something other than hold a clipboard. Has he ever returned punts?

I do believe Tim Tebow can play quarterback in the NFL. I also believe he’s a better football player than a quarterback. He may be the best short yardage back – the best Two-Point Conversion option – in the NFL. When the Broncos had the ball inside their opponent’s five-yard line, everyone on the planet knew who was going to get the football and all Tim Tebow did was score.

Well, like I said, I really shouldn’t get ahead of myself. Tebow hasn’t made the team. Yet. Tebow’s opportunities will be limited as long as – knock wood – Tom Brady stays healthy but I can’t help but believe Belichick and McDaniels have something in mind for Tebow. A 245 pound Danny Woodhead?

I can picture Rex Ryan tonight, locked in his bathroom, lying on the cool marble floor (yes, of course he's naked), quietly sobbing.