Those two names have been stealing the headlines every single day thus far in training camp. The New York media has fallen in love with Broadway Tebow and the so-called "controversy" at quarterback for the Jets. The problem is that Gang Green's issue does not come at that position. The real concern right now should be who these two quarterbacks will be throwing to this season.
After Santonio Holmes, the Jets depth chart is fairly depleted in terms of proven, experienced wide receivers. Antonio Cromartie's controversial statement claiming himself to be the second best wide receiver on the team may actually be 100% correct. The receivers behind Holmes consist of Jeremy Kerley, Chaz Schilens, Patrick Turner, and rookie Stephen Hill. Kerley is entering just his second season where he caught just 29 passes for 314 yards last season. Schilens had 23 receptions for 272 yards with the Raiders last season. Turner also did not do much in limited playing time last year catching 8 passes for 96 yards. Hill, a rookie out of Georgia Tech, has a lot of upside and could play a major role in the Jets offense, but is still unproven. Cromartie is definitely going to see some playing time on offense. Having the stamina to play cornerback and come back out and play receiver is not easy though. Gang Green also has Dustin Keller at tight end who will have a chance to have his best year becoming a huge part of the offense now.
There is not much to write home for Sanchez and Tebow there. Everyone seems to be worried about who the quarterback will for this team and whether Tebow will take Sanchez's job. The Jets starting quarterback is Mark Sanchez. That is not changing barring an awful start to the season. Tebow will come in for the wildcat and certain package plays as well as help out on special teams. This is Sanchez's job to lose after signing an extension this offseason that brought his contract to a hefty 5 years and $58.25 million.
The Jets need to go out and get a wide receiver before they open the season September 9th at home against the Bills. Chad Johnson is completely out of the question. This team has enough distractions already with local and national media in Cortland every day. A guy they could use is someone like Percy Harvin. The Jets have been rumored to be interested in acquiring Harvin, but nothing appears imminent as of now. The Vikings star wide out had an impressive year last season in Minnesota catching 87 passes for 976 yards to go with six touchdowns. Harvin would completely change the Jets offense giving them a second deep threat to keep the defense from double covering Santonio Holmes.
This team needs another veteran wide out to complement Holmes and teach the younger receivers. With an improved defense, but a suspect pass rush, the Jets are going to need some help from an offense that was not very explosive last year finishing 25th in the NFL in total yards a game. The ground and pound will be in full effect this season, but Shonn Greene, Joe McKnight, and Tim Tebow cannot carry an offense themselves. Sanchez needs guys he can trust to get the ball to if he wants to improve on his 2011 season where he missed the playoffs for the first time in his three years in the NFL.
Right now, Rex Ryan's squad has the talent on defense in their secondary, and an offense that is going to run the football a lot this season. That is enough for them to possibly see a 9-7 season. If GM Mike Tannenbaum can go out and get a proven receiver, it turns the Jets into a playoff contender that can be a threat in the playoffs. The Jets are going to need to win some games if they want fans filling their seats at MetLife Stadium. They have already dropped some season tickets to just $50 a game.
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