The New York Jets are loaded at the quarterback position, but it's not necessarily a good thing. Why do they have five quarterbacks? Why are they still holding on to Tim Tebow? There are many questions at the quarterback position, but, this summer, there will be a fight as the Jets will look for the best option.
The five quarterbacks in order of preference are:
Mark Sanchez
David Garrard
Greg McElroy
Tim Tebow
Matt Simms
The Jets brought Garrard out of hiatus to "challenge" Sanchez, who was expected to be the franchise's quarterback in the long run. Garrard last played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010. He has thrown for 16,003 yards, 89 touchdowns and 54 interceptions in 89 games played during his nine-year career. He's had been in the league since 2002 and is going to be six years removed from his best year in the NFL. In 2002, he threw 18 TDs, INTs and 2,509 yards passing.
Sanchez struggled heavily in 2012 throwing 13 TDs and 18 INTs. It was definitely a step back after posting career highs in passing yards (3,474) and touchdowns (26). Sanchez was even benched this past season as Rex Ryan decided to give McElroy a chance to get some starting experience in the NFL.
McElroy won a game for the Jets after completing a touchdown late in the game against the struggling Arizona Cardinals. It ended up being the game-winning score as the Jets beat the Cardinals 7-6. However, McElroy, got a chance to start and didn't do as well throwing an interception completing 14-24 passes and fumbling the ball against the San Diego Chargers. The Jets lost 27-17 forcing them to return to Sanchez in the final game of the season.
Tebow was shocked as he was skipped over as a possible starter in Week 16. The Jets simply didn't not have adequate play calling to highlight Tebow's strengths. Instead of allowing him to improve on his first season as a starter with the Denver Broncos, he took steps back and performed the way many expected him to when first entering the league. Tebow, now, is being rumored to drawing interest from very few teams and supposedly was offered an Arenal Football League contract.
The final quarterback on the Jets' roster is Simms who is a true rookie. He has no experience in the NFL and has a long hill to climb if he's expected to be the 2013 started. However, rumor has it that he has a strong arm, which would give the Jets a different look behind center.
Fans will have a quarterback battle between the young guys, McElroy and Sanchz, against Garrard. As mentioned, Simms chances of making the starting position are extremely slim, but training camp will dictate who will be the Jets starter in 2013.