Fitzgerald Cecilio
New York Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano refused to pin any fault on Tim Tebow as they failed to make the playoffs.
Tebow was passed over for the starting role after the benching of Mark Sanchez in favor of third-stringer Greg McElroy in the loss to the Titans that ended their playoff chances. Jets head coach Rex Ryan said McElroy gives the team the best chance to win.
Sparano admitted giving the advice to bench Sanchez and start Greg McElroy, when asked by coach Rex Ryan.
He pointed out that they were efficient with Tebow when he could get a first down but there weren't many high-yardage packages built in.
Tebow has 10 rushing first downs on 32 carries this year.
Sparano explained that it was more of the team's failure to capitalize on Tebow's presence, and formulate the 15 plays a game that were part of his weekly practice.
"It's a combination of things," Sparano said.
He added that Tebow's role varied and was just predicated on what the coaching staff saw.
"Tim has worked really hard out here, he's done a good job, he's worked hard on the practice field," said
Sparano."Whether or not it's talent or whether or not it's coaching staff or whether or not it's this or that -- there can be a million excuses."
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Tim Tebow Did a Good Job, Says Jets Offensive Coordinator - NFL 2012