Tebow’s presence gives the Jets’ offense options

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Each time Tim Tebow steps on the field for the New York Jets, defenses will know what to expect.

Well, the unexpected, of course.

The versatile and elusive quarterback with the flair for dramatic victories was acquired Wednesday from the Denver Broncos and will give the Jets’ offense a boost — for at least a few snaps a game.

“Instead of a team just preparing for our base offense, they will have to prepare for what we do and what we may do,” coach Rex Ryan said at LSU’s pro day Thursday in Baton Rouge, La.

Tebow won’t start as he did in Denver, not with New York committed to Mark Sanchez. But Tebow gives the Jets the option to run offensive coordinator Tony Sparano’s wildcat offense — the one that confused teams while in Miami with the Dolphins — and provides an intriguing presence when games are on the line.

“Tim is an outstanding football player, and we can use him,” Ryan said. “He’ll fit our wildcat package. As a defensive coach, I know how hard it is to defend the wildcat. We can take it to another level with Tim. We will have things for Tebow each week.”

Consider that fair warning.

“What we’ve seen from him, you’ve got to watch every time he’s in there,” Jets defensive end Mike DeVito said. “He has the ability to throw the ball and a great ability to run the ball, so any role we put him in, it’ll keep defenses on their toes.”

DeVito and the rest of the Jets know that from experience. Tebow led a 95-yard winning touchdown drive against New York last November, scoring on a 20-yard scramble with less than a minute remaining. That set off a string of stirring comebacks as the Broncos rode Tebow’s incredible late-game play — despite his ugly mechanics and passing stats — all the way to the playoffs, including an overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening round.

Long before all that, Tebow already had developed a faithful following that overlooked his flaws and focused on his leadership and ability to come through in the clutch. He’s bringing those same qualities to New York, but he’ll be in a different role.

“They want me to come in and compete and get better, and get better as a quarterback and to help the team any way possible,” Tebow said Wednesday night. “Whatever that role is, I will do my best every time I step on that field and give my heart and soul.”