Jets QB Coach Cavanaugh 'Pleasantly Surprised' By Tim Tebow
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Nobody outside the Jets organization seems to know exactly how backup quarterback Tim Tebow will be utilized next season.
Special teams coach Mike Westhoff indicated the former Broncos starter would see time on his unit. There have been rumblings of Tebow coming out of New York's backfield. The 24-year-old himself said last week that he had been working only at the quarterback position.
As his 46.5 completion percentage and 72.9 rating from 2011 might indicate, Tebow could certainly use some work under center. Even though he led Denver from one comeback win to another, the scramblin' quarterback was criticized heavily last season for his not-so-traditional throwing style.
So far, Jets quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh has been pleased with Tebow's progress.
"I think he can be very good," Cavanaugh told the New York Daily News. "I was pleasantly surprised when I saw him over an extended period of time ... not just watching him play on film. I think he's certainly got the arm strength. He has good mechanics. They're getting better every day."
Cavanaugh, who recently made some critical remarks about the "poor decision-making" from starter Mark Sanchez, said he has been working on Tebow's mechanics inside the pocket.
"He doesn't let a day go by when he's not focused on trying to get better at something," Cavanaugh told the Daily News. "When you're in that role as a backup, you take every rep, every drill, every offseason practice or meeting to get better."
Headlines about a possible quarterback controversy began before Tebow's plane even touched down in New Jersey. Sanchez and his high-profile backup have since said they'll be able to coexist just fine.
The Jets expect Tebow to play up to 20 snaps per game, but it's unclear how many will come at the quarterback position. Either way, Cavanaugh doesn't see it "being an issue."
"I think any quarterback that plays doesn't want to come off the field," Cavanaugh said of Sanchez. "But that's the head coach's decision. Between Rex (Ryan) and Tony Sparano, the offense will be totally set and that will be their plan."
He added: "If you're a really good quarterback, you understand that you want to do what's best for the team."
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