Boomer Esiason isn’t buying into Tebow-mania.
The former Jets quarterback called on the team to cut Tim Tebow on Monday, saying that the backup quarterback’s presence is not beneficial to the team.
“I’m just telling you right now, I would [cut Tebow], and I’ll tell you why I would,” Esiason said on his WFAN radio show. “[Tebow’s presence] is not in any way, shape or form – I think – benefitting this team.”
The Jets traded for Tebow this offseason, sending two draft picks to Denver, and have remained adamant that he will serve as Mark Sanchez’s backup as well as being used in punt, goal line and Wildcat formations.
Tebow shined in the “Tebow package” during practice last week, scoring three touchdowns in goal line scenarios, but otherwise has struggled throwing the ball. Tebow was 0-for-3 and was sacked once while Sanchez was 11-for-16 with 82 yards and a touchdown in the Jets’ annual Green and White scrimmage last Saturday.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Mr. Esiason,” Tebow said when asked about the comments.
“I know he was a great player here, and I just wish him nothing but the best in his announcing and God bless him.”
Tebow’s mechanics drew harsh criticism from Esiason.
“All you have to do is watch him throw the ball,” Esiason said. “Just watch him.”
Esiason has ripped Tebow in the past and even called for the Broncos to cut the former Heisman Trophy winner. Tebow appeared in 14 games for the Broncos last season, completing 46 percent of his passes while throwing for 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
“You can say whatever you want about Tim Tebow,” Esiason said. “He played some of the worst football that any quarterback has ever played in the history of the game last year at times.”
Tebow did lead the Broncos to six straight wins and the postseason, where his 80-yard touchdown strike to Demaryius Thomas in overtime eliminated the Steelers in the Wild Card round last January.
Tebow was also a leader in the Denver locker room and Esiason admitted his effect may prevent some of the team chemistry issues that plagued the Jets last season.
“You may want Tim Tebow on this team specifically for one reason and one reason only,” Esiason said. “And that’s the character issue.”
The addition of Tebow also puts pressure on Sanchez, who is entering his fourth season in the NFL and is coming off a season where he failed to make the playoffs after reaching the AFC Championship game in his first two years with the Jets.
“I just think this whole thing — at least from my perspective right now in relation to who Mark Sanchez is, your starting quarterback — is a major mistake,” Esiason said.
Sanchez has shown support for his new backup and his ability to run the ball.
“All over the field [Tim’s a weapon], but goal line especially,” Sanchez said last week. “If it’s him one-on-one with a defender and a tackler, my money’s on Tim. He can really run the ball. He’s got great vision. He’s got this will about him to put it in the end zone.”