MIAMI — The Jets ended up winning, so Tim Tebow said everyone can laugh all they want about his contribution to “NFL Follies” yesterday.
Tebow knows he will live on in blooper reels for years to come after having a Mark Sanchez pass bounce comically off his helmet in the third quarter, but the only thing that mattered to Tebow was the ending — a 23-20 comeback victory over the Dolphins in overtime at Sun Life Stadium.
“I’m all about the team and doing whatever it takes to help us win,” Tebow said.
Tebow, who unofficially got in on 14 snaps (including special teams), converted a fake punt in the second quarter that set up the Jets’ first points. But he knew all anyone would want to talk about after was the helmet play.
Facing third down at the Jets’ 27 midway through the third quarter, Tebow went in motion to the left from an H-back position and then ran a short out route to the sideline. But Tebow was too slow making his turn, and the timing throw from Sanchez bounced embarrassingly off his helmet.
“I wasn’t expecting it that quick,” Tebow said. “But I guess I’ll learn.”
Sanchez took the blame for the botched throw, saying it was one, in hindsight, he shouldn’t have made.
“Probably not the best read,” Sanchez said. “[The Dolphins] covered it better than I thought.”
Tebow said part of the blame for the botched play stemmed from a lack of practice as a receiver. He said it was the first time he could recall being thrown to in a game, and Tebow added that his preparation at the position since coming to the Jets last spring has been minimal.
Also minimal — again — was Tebow’s role in the Jets’ offense. He got just three snaps at quarterback and still has yet to attempt a pass in a regular-season game since coming from Denver.
Tebow’s only throwing opportunity yesterday turned into a 5-yard loss in the third quarter when he rolled into a blitzing Dolphins defender at the Miami 2, leading to a Sanchez interception on the following play.
Indeed, the Wildcat remains little more than a rumor with new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who used Tebow the bulk of the time at H-back, receiver and even running back yesterday.
Asked if he wants a bigger role, Tebow — as usual — sidestepped the issue.
“All that matters is that we get wins, and today was a big win for us,” he said.
Tebow was much more interested in talking about the fake punt he successfully executed as the punt protector from the Jets’ 25 midway through the second quarter.
Special-teams coach Mike Westhoff ordered the fake with the stipulation Tebow could call it off if he thought the Dolphins were ready. Miami was in its normal return package, but Tebow went ahead with it anyway and bulled his way up the middle for the first down.
“That play was definitely gratifying,” said Tebow, a Florida native who has never lost in this stadium (including high school). “I love contributing a big play that gives us a chance to win.”