Apathy & Hypocrisy: A Tale Of Two Quarterbacks

– By Hans Keller –

Okay so, this issue that I’m going to talk about has really been bothering me for the last year or so, ever since the arrival of a certain person.  The big elephant in the room… Timothy Richard Tebow.

Before I go any farther, let me just state that I have absolutely nothing against Tebow the man, or the football player.  I think he’s a genuine person who truly cares about whatever he does and whatever he fights for.  I think that he’s a good teammate and, on a personal level, I’m sure that he’s a positive role model for people everywhere – from the folks at home to the guys in the locker room.  And let me also say that what I am going to talk about is not his fault at all.

Now, all of that being out in the open, I will begin…

There is a giant disparity within the fanbase and media of the New York Jets.  We all see what the media does every day, writing garbage articles filled with uneducated opinions and, lately, complete guesses that end up falling way off the mark.  The most glaring disparity of all is that between the treatment of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.  Again, this is not Tebow’s fault.  But the amount of trash that I’ve seen lately is just absolutely laughable.

Tim Tebow: On a pedestal?

Ever since he was brought aboard last spring, ESPN treated their air time seemingly as a Tim Tebow special. They took every chance to discredit everyone else and praise Tim Tebow – despite the fact that he was merely the backup quarterback.  They even devoted time to a segment that honored his BIRTHDAY!! When was the last time ESPN dedicated time to honor Joe Montana’s birthday? What about Peyton Manning? Tom Brady?  Terry Bradshaw?  No. They’re not good enough?  Just Timmy merits that kind of treatment.

Let’s take into account recent events:  Mark Sanchez decided that, in order to get a head start on acquainting himself with Marty Mornhinweg’s offensive system, he would seek the assistance of someone who has had experience within it – Jeff Garcia – to which I say, good on him.  The guy quite seriously had the worst season of his professional career, and he really needs to rebound.  Yet, you see social media comments such as: “Garcia should advise Sanchez to go to the CFL”; “I don’t think Sanchez is ready to admit he has done his best and he is not good enough.” And “Haha Sanchy! Quit trying bro, you’re garbage.”

Sanchez and Tebow at work in the 2012 offseason.

Nobody is denying that Sanchez had a horrible year and, quite frankly, should have been benched way sooner than he actually was.  Nobody is denying the QB situation was mishandled.  But the hypocrisy! No jokes for Tim Tebow doing Tai-chi with the QB coach of USC screw-up Matt Leinart and potential draft bust Matt Barkley.

The same people who said that they don’t care what Mark Sanchez does in the off-season because it won’t be enough, admire Tim Tebow for having “SO MUCH HEART!”

It’s sick.

Personally? I say good on both of them.  I don’t need to spite one to praise the other because frankly, for me, it’s never been about the name on the back –  I’m 24/7 about the name on the front.  I’m about what’s best for our team.  I think David Garrard has the potential to win this QB competition if he stays healthy, but if Mark Sanchez is the QB heading into week one of the regular season, I’ll support him because he wears a Jets uniform.

Other team’s fans do it, so why the hell can’t we?!

Do you think Jets fans are being fair to Mark Sanchez? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Or why not get in touch with Hans (@ItsOasus) directly on Twitter?