Tim Tebow produced less yesterday than he has all season.
The Jets’ celebrated backup quarterback touched the ball just one time in the Dolphins’ 30-9 rout at MetLife Stadium, rushing the ball for two yards on his only carry. Tebow appeared in just five plays on offense, only one as the quarterback, and the two yards he posted ranked as his season low.
That said, Tebow hasn’t done much, period, this season. Eight games in, the halfway point of the year, he has thrown a total of three passes (completing two for 32 yards) and run the ball a total of 23 times (for 78 yards). He’s accounted for a total of 110 yards on 26 touches in eight games and hasn’t scored a touchdown.
“You just try to make the most of the opportunities that I’m given,” Tebow said in evaluating his first half. “Just try to play as hard as I can. Try to get better every week.”
Asked if he’s OK with the number of chances he’s getting, Tebow gave an interesting answer, saying, “I’m a competitor and I love playing the game and I’m ready and willing whenever they call my number.”
Tebow also appeared to be at fault on the Dolphins’ blocked punt in the first quarter, seeming to go the wrong way on his block as the personal protector. Afterwards, TV showed Tebow going over things with special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff.
Tebow said he needed to look at the tape to determine what happened. However, it’s worth noting that when punter Robert Malone was asked who the protector is in charge of blocking, Malone said, “Just whoever comes free. But there were three guys who came free.”
Said Miami’s Jimmy Wilson, who blocked the punt, “They do a lot of tricks with Tim Tebow, but we wanted to take advantage of Tebow when they were in the regular punt set. … I knew that if Tebow blocked Jonathon Amaya, I would be wide open for the block and that’s how it happened.”
In the third quarter, fans chanted for Tebow, but coach Rex Ryan said he did not consider replacing Mark Sanchez.
Tebow also said that during the bye week he will not talk to Ryan or offensive coordinator Tony Sparano — who had said he could improve at getting Tebow more involved offensively — about trying to be used more.
“Oh, no. Just try to go work and get better and train and have two weeks to improve physically, mentally, study the games,” Tebow said. “Also, just rejuvenate yourself.”