First Te’o time. Now Tebow time?
The San Diego Chargers welcomed the media circus when they drafted Manti Te’o in the second draft of the NFL Draft. With still so many questions regarding their offense, could they bring in quarterback Tim Tebow?
In a move that surprised no one, the New York Jets released the 25-year-old unconventional backup quarterback on Monday, days after drafting Geno Smith in the second round. Though Tebow’s days as a starter are likely over, he could be a quality backup who can play in the Wildcat packages. If anyone knows how to utilize Tebow, it’d be San Diego’s head coach Mike McCoy.
Tebow’s only successful NFL season came with McCoy as his offensive coordinator while with the Denver Broncos. In Denver, McCoy installed a run-heavy, read-option offense specifically designed for Tebow, which he thrived in. Tebow could immediately improve the Chargers’ run game, which ranked 27th in yards last season and tied for last in touchdowns. The Chargers appear set to run the ball a bit more next season, with the additions of running back Danny Woodhead and run-blocking right tackle D.J. Fluker.
Despite drafting developmental quarterback Brad Sorensen in the seventh round of the draft, the Bolts could still use a backup quarterback. Current backup Charlie Whitehurst, an A.J. Smith guy, is already 30 years old and has little upside at this point. Though Whitehurst is probably the better passer, I’d be more confident in Tebow starting than Whitehurst if Philip Rivers ever went down with an injury. Tebow at least had some success as a starter, unlike Whitehurst’s flop with the Seattle Seahawks.
McCoy and General Manager Tom Telesco, however, appear committed to Rivers and probably don’t want to deal with the inevitable distraction and media frenzy that Tebow brings. Also, considering how his release was expected by the media and the fans, it should have been expected by Telesco and McCoy. If they really wanted to bring in Tebow, they probably wouldn’t have drafted Sorensen.
It may be just wishful thinking to believe that McCoy and Tebow can reunite and recreate the magic of their unbelievable playoff run in 2011. Still, anything can happen in the NFL.
Kevin Chan is a San Diego Chargers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
