NFL

Tebow’s pass off fake punt works for Jets

The Tim Tebow experiment is evolving, and yesterday the most-talked about backup in the NFL had his biggest moment as a Jet.

With 2:19 left in the first half and the Jets facing a fourth-and-11 on the Colts’ 40-yard line, Tebow took a direct snap on a fake punt and threw a 23-yard pass to linebacker Nick Bellore.

“That play just got put in this week,” Tebow said. “We’ve been working on some for a while, but that one was pretty new for us.”

The Jets scored just four plays later to extend their lead to 21-6 and suck the life from a Colts team that settled for just three field goals in a 35-9 thrashing.

“It felt really good [to convert],” Tebow said. “It gave us momentum, we were able to punch it in for a touchdown which is big.”

While Tebow had an otherwise quiet day offensively, just his presence on the special teams unit changed the game’s dynamic.

“That’s the key, being creative, keeping them off balance and having the ability to go through different things when we’re at the line,” Tebow said. “We have to be prepared for whatever they come out in … adjust and make the call.”

The 23-yard pass was the longest play for Tebow this season. The Jets have used Tebow primarily for his ability to run the ball, and opposing defenses are forgetting to drop men in coverage on fakes.

“I don’t know if I’m showcasing my ability with my arm,” Tebow said. “I think more than anything [opponents] are respecting the ability to run so that’s why the pass is there.”

The Jets have rolled the dice on fake punts with Tebow in the past, showing their willingness to take risks even on special teams.

“If it works, it’s never too big of a gamble,” Tebow said. “[Special teams coach Mike Westhoff] is pretty gutsy and I like that.”

On the other end of the play was a wide-open Bellore, who hauled in the pass and rumbled down to the Colts’ 17-yard line before getting tackled by Indianapolis punt returner T.Y. Hilton.

“I was saying before the game, ‘Man I have to catch this ball,’ ” Bellore said. “People were saying that they weren’t trying to jinx me, but they kept saying, ‘You’re going to be open.’ ”

Tebow had faith in Bellore, who had been talking the potential passing play all week.

“He’s got good hands,” Tebow said. “Nick’s very trustworthy. He was so excited all week. It was fun.”

The second-year player may even find himself working with the receivers this week in practice.

“I want to be targeted at least five times a game from now on,” Bellore joked.