Tim Tebow: Jets Must Keep Hybrid QB on Bench - Bleacher Report

The phrase "QB controversy" makes Mark Sanchez chuckle.

Should NY risk running the wildcat with Tebow?

Should NY risk running the wildcat with Tebow?

• Yes

• No

• Total votes: 335

Tim Tebow didn’t attempt a single pass in the New York Jets’ 48-28 win over the Buffalo Bills because Sanchez was on fire. He completed 19 of 27 passes on the afternoon for 266 yards and three touchdowns.

Until Sanchez’s hot streak comes to an end, Tebow shouldn’t take another snap. Sure, Rex Ryan should feel free to throw him on the field at receiver, on hands team, etc., but not in shotgun.

Two-quarterback systems don’t work in the NFL. Period.

As Tebow himself displayed on the Denver Broncos’ miraculous run last season, a starting QB isn’t just a passerâ€"he’s the leader.

Key word: the.

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

If a starting quarterback isn’t the most influential player on a football teamâ€"or at least on offenseâ€"a franchise’s hierarchy is out of whack. Against the Bills, Sanchez definitely looked like the most influential player on the Jets. But if Tebow starts stealing snaps, that’ll change.

While a well-timed wildcat appearance seems harmless, taking the ball out of Sanchez’s hands only leaves the door open for the media, fans and even teammates to assume No. 6’s job isn’t 100 percent secure. And if teammates don’t buy into the coaching staff being completely sold on Sanchez, he’ll lose his influence.

Prior to Sunday’s action, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN reported Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum said Sanchez would receive “80-90 percent [of snaps] over the 16 games.”

That isn’t enough.

Drew Brees isn’t given 80-90 percent of the snaps. Tom Brady isn’t given 80-90 percent of the snaps.

If the Jets’ coaching staff truly wants Sanchez to be their club’s unquestioned leader, he must receive just as much playing time as the Brees’ and Brady’s of the NFL.

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

This isn’t Ronnie Brown, a running back, stealing touches from Chad Pennington. A Tebow-run wildcat results in a quarterback stealing touches from a quarterback. It’s different, and far more dangerous to a team’s hierarchy.

And besides, it isn’t like Tebow was an effective rusher on Sunday anyway. He carried the ball five times and gained just 11 yards.

Tebow is a versatile enough competitor that he’s capable of helping the Jets win football games in many different ways. Unless Sanchez reverts back to his interception-machine form, New York must use Tebow in those other ways.

If not, Sanchez vs. Tebow will resurface on the first sign of struggle.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.