Will Tim Tebow be a help or distraction for the Jets? [poll]

Tim Tebow was introduced Monday as the New York Jets new backup quarterback to shaky starter quarterback Mark Sanchez. We already saw a similar situation in Denver last year, with Tebowmania being more than former Broncos starter Kyle Orton could withstand.

Will the same thing happen with the Jets? Or will the extra pressure help Sanchez return to the form that helped him lead the team to back-to-back AFC championship games in 2009 and ‘10?

Writers from around the Tribune Co. discuss whether Tebow will be a help or distraction for the Jets. Check back throughout the day for their responses and join the conversation by voting in the poll and leaving a comment of your own.

Athan Atsales, Los Angeles Times

The New York Jets locker room already was divided, and now Tebow is added to the mix? Not a great ingredient. Star receiver Santonio Holmes openly complained about the play of starting quarterback Mark Sanchez last year (the rest did so behind his back).

This offseason the Jets make a pitch for Peyton Manning. Once that plan fails, the Jets decide to show Sanchez a sign of faith by extending his contract three seasons. Well, that stability didn’t last long, did it?

Now with “Tim-sanity” lurking over Sanchez’s shoulder, every incomplete pass, every flub, every loss will be followed by chants of “We want Tebow!” Can’t be very comforting for a young quarterback who has been constantly under New York scrutiny. Considering the Jets’ only direction seemed to come from finger-pointing last season, last thing they need is another sideshow.

And if Tebow does get his chance behind center, imagine his passes trying to reach the target through the infamous swirling winds in the Meadowlands. On the other hand, if anyone is a Jets hater, the Tebow move certainly helps.

Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune

Tim Tebow will be a help to the Jets. And he will be a distraction. That’s the paradox with Tebow. The Jets obviously believe the distraction he brings will be worth it because of what he can do to help them win.

The way Tebow can help the Jets most is by serving as a multipurpose player. He can be the No. 2 quarterback behind Mark Sanchez. He can run a wildcat package. He can line up at H-back at times. And he can play special teams, especially as a personal protector on punts and as a holder on kicks.

There is no doubt this is a talented athlete who can make valuable contributions. But there is doubt as to whether or not Tebow can be a full-time quarterback who passes his team to victory consistently.

Ron Fritz, Baltimore Sun

If used the right way, Tim Tebow can definitely help the New York Jets. He’s a winner and he’s a natural for the type of Wildcat offense Tony Sparano, the new Jets offensive coordinator, liked to run in Miami.

He should see somewhere between seven and 10 snaps a game. Inside the 10-yard line, he’ll be a great change of pace from Mark Sanchez, who doesn’t run the ball and is a target for opposing defenses when he can’t get the ball out quickly.

The media will be a distraction, but Sanchez has had to deal with the New York media for three years and has survived. Other than running the ball, Sanchez is a far more gifted quarterback than Tebow. It wasn’t a problem for Sanchez when Brad Smith ran out of the Wildcat, so it shouldn’t be a problem with Tebow. Let’s face it, Tebow gives the Jets another option to win games. Who wouldn’t want that?

Tom Yantz, Hartford Courant

Tim Tebow will be a distraction but he will help the Jets.

You can start with that lavish press conference Monday to introduce their “backup” quarterback. The Jets know the power of Tebowmania. That’s why the press conference, televised live on ESPN, was Monday. This could have happened Saturday or Sunday. But the Jets didn’t want to go against the NCAA Tournament.

The sports world Monday was all about Tebow.

A distraction isn’t new to the Jets. If you look up distraction in the dictionary, you’ll likely see coach Rex “Big Bluster” Ryan. He and his team were all about distractions last season. And most were disruptive, as the Jets fizzled late.

Tebow, the distraction, will bring immense attention. So what -- the same happened at Florida and Denver. Bottom line was his teams often won.

Starting Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will be forced to improve or he’ll lose his job. Competition is good. The Jets will deal with Tebow, the flawed passer, and Tebow, the distraction, because he can help them win from a wildcat set as a runner and, maybe, as a passer.

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Will Tim Tebow be a help or distraction for the Jets?