Dean Michaels

New York Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez has a reason to be concerned.

With good reviews being thrown back-up quarterback Tim Tebow's way, Sanchez must be losing sleep the past few days.

Tebow, acquired by the Jets from the Denver Broncos, has been reaping good comments from team coaches lately as he prepares for the coming National Football League (NFL) season.

Quarterbacks coach Tim Cavanaugh was the latest mentor to heap praises on Tebow's dedication and good work ethic.

"I think he can be very good," Cavanaugh told the New York Daily News. "I was pleasantly surprised when I saw him over an extended period of time . . . not just watching him play on film. I think he's certainly got the arm strength. He has good mechanics. They're getting better every day."

Cavanaugh's comments came after Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano maintained that Tim Tebow has made "eye-opening" progress over the past couple of seasons.

However, Cavanaugh said there's more work to be done with Tebow, especially with his footwork and delivery. The coach has started working with Tebow on adjustments when the pocket collapses.

"I think with Tim, he's more focused right now in the offseason on just working on the fundamentals of trying to be rhythmic in the pocket," Cavanaugh said.

"We started to toy a little bit with some of the other things that will happen to you . . . And he's shown great progress. I'm real pleased with him," he added.

While he praised Tebow, Cavanaugh only has harsh words for Sanchez, criticizing the starting quarterback's poor decision making. Sanchez committed 26 turnovers last season, consisting of eight lost fumbles and 18 interceptions while throwing 26 touchdowns.

In 14 games for the Broncos last year, Tebow completed 126 of 271 passes for 1,729 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 660 yards and six touchdowns.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan has declared that Sanchez is the team's starting quarterback but said that Tebow could be involved in 20 snaps a game, especially in Wildcat formations. This mans that Sanchez will come off the field in these situation during games.

"I think any quarterback that plays doesn't want to come off the field," Cavanaugh said. "But that's the head coach's decision. Between Rex and Tony Sparano, the offense will be totally set and that will be their plan.

"If you're a really good quarterback, you understand that you want to do what's best for the team," Cavanaugh added. "So I don't see it being an issue."

Jets Coaches Continue to Praise Tim Tebow - NFL Football 2012