Each “skill position” player can use their skills to complement their team members to make each perform better (think Brady:Branch; Manning:Harrison, etc.). On the flip side, the lack of skill in one teammate can expose the other individual’s shortcomings.
So when Sanchez, or any QB, has talent around him he can look great. But even Manning or Brady won’t have good QB ratings when they are continuously pressured and sacked.
For those who say that after Sanchez’ first INT that Tebow should take over, they are crazy. There is a reason why Tebow threw so few passes/game… he is not a very good QB. Why wasn’t he the first QB selected in the draft? Why did Denver limit his passing attempts to such ridiculously low numbers/game (less than 20 attempts and only 9 completions/game)? Does anyone think he would do well if he had to throw 30-40 times per game?
Here’s an independent review of Tebow prior to the 2010 draft:
“He was recently named a second team All-American but despite ideal arm strength Tebow doesn’t throw a consistently tight pass. If he ever loses his elusive running capabilities a long career as a solid backup could be in store. His best bet is to learn the playbook for a couple years and ease his way into NFL action since commonalities with the system ran at Florida won’t carry over much to NFL teams. Despite the blemishes Tebow is a warrior on the field and has the natural leadership characteristics coaches want…”
Where Tebow fits in is as a runner who can pass. And Sanchez is a passer who can run. For both, their primary role is so much more effective than their secondary role. By definition, a complementary player is one whose skills counterbalance another’s weaknesses, and vice versa. The team will not improve with either person playing full time. By using their complementary skill sets, the Jets will be able to improve if they play them both at the same time.
I know this was supposed to be a 2 part piece but I’ve got some stats which will show how they can complement each other and hopefully calm some of the QB “controversy” hysteria. But since all of our attention is fading by now, there will be a part III.
I promise, however, that this will not become like Star Wars……
About Jeff F.
Jeff is a lifelong Jets fan (no other option when you grow up on Long Island, is there?). He's lived through the good (Namath Super Bowl), the bad (the Heidi game), and the ugly (the Kotite era).