Could Hernandez's potential absence lead to Tebowtime at Tight End?
Yes, that's right. Let's channel our inner ESPN and link a story about a New England Patriots Tight End being questioned about a homicide to our Lord and Savior, Tim Tebow.
So as you all know by now, Aaron Hernandez could be in massive trouble. If you don't know why, read this. Oh, and this. Maybe read this too. After that light reading, I'm sure we're all saying "What the hell's going on?". So instead of trying to figure it all out, let's explore the possibility that Hernandez misses a fair chunk of the season, could Tebow fill the void and play some Tight End?
Firstly, Hernandez is a constant injury worry, so he might miss loads of the 2013 season anyway. We'll also work under the basis that Rob Gronkowski isn't healthy too. If Gronkowski is anywhere near 100%, then there's nothing to worry about - we've got Gronk. So, under those parameters, would Tebow be worth a shot?
Let me channel my inner Skip Bayless here and throw out a reason why. That reason is "why not?". It's just another thing for the defense to think about. He's a big strong guy who can be a body for blocking, he might not be taken seriously on pass routes, so there's potential for him to be wide open, then if he is covered, it opens up opportunities for our actual pass catchers. He could also end up as a runner on plays, as Hernandez has done before. That doesn't actually sound too bad does it?
Until you see this:
Oh, he may have the size, it might work on paper. But the dude's a Quarterback. He's hasn't got that instinct to be a receiver. I know he's got a reasonable excuse of "Mark Sanchez was throwing me the ball", but I think we've got the depth to cover our two starters. Jake Ballard was a #1 TE with the New York Giants, and maybe more reps & bigger roles for guys like Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui might make them better Tight Ends. Also, with Gronk and Hernandez out, what makes the 2TE set so attractive for the Pats? The reason they ran it was because they have two amazing Tight Ends. They wouldn't in this case, so using that formation wouldn't be in their best interest anyway.
So, can Tebow fill a potential Hernandez shaped gap in the offense? No. But who doesn't like to see him getting hit in the head with a football...
I'm on Twitter, find me @BrendanAnnely
So as you all know by now, Aaron Hernandez could be in massive trouble. If you don't know why, read this. Oh, and this. Maybe read this too. After that light reading, I'm sure we're all saying "What the hell's going on?". So instead of trying to figure it all out, let's explore the possibility that Hernandez misses a fair chunk of the season, could Tebow fill the void and play some Tight End?Firstly, Hernandez is a constant injury worry, so he might miss loads of the 2013 season anyway. We'll also work under the basis that Rob Gronkowski isn't healthy too. If Gronkowski is anywhere near 100%, then there's nothing to worry about - we've got Gronk. So, under those parameters, would Tebow be worth a shot?
Let me channel my inner Skip Bayless here and throw out a reason why. That reason is "why not?". It's just another thing for the defense to think about. He's a big strong guy who can be a body for blocking, he might not be taken seriously on pass routes, so there's potential for him to be wide open, then if he is covered, it opens up opportunities for our actual pass catchers. He could also end up as a runner on plays, as Hernandez has done before. That doesn't actually sound too bad does it?
Until you see this:
Oh, he may have the size, it might work on paper. But the dude's a Quarterback. He's hasn't got that instinct to be a receiver. I know he's got a reasonable excuse of "Mark Sanchez was throwing me the ball", but I think we've got the depth to cover our two starters. Jake Ballard was a #1 TE with the New York Giants, and maybe more reps & bigger roles for guys like Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui might make them better Tight Ends. Also, with Gronk and Hernandez out, what makes the 2TE set so attractive for the Pats? The reason they ran it was because they have two amazing Tight Ends. They wouldn't in this case, so using that formation wouldn't be in their best interest anyway.
So, can Tebow fill a potential Hernandez shaped gap in the offense? No. But who doesn't like to see him getting hit in the head with a football...
I'm on Twitter, find me @BrendanAnnely
