Tim Tebow still has a few fans left in the New England Patriots organization despite his lack of productivity on the field. The quarterback is currently at risk of not making the final 53-man roster for the team. He survived the first cut-down to 75 players, but the question still remains whether he will make it till the end. If there is one person rooting for Tebow to succeed, it is Robert Kraft.
The Patriots owner likely played a large part in the reason Tebow signed with the team in the first place. Kraft has spoken out in favor of the quarterback, praising him for his attitude and willingness to work.
"I'm rooting for him big time," Kraft said, via ESPNBoston.com. "I'm in his corner, but I have the privilege of letting Bill make those decisions. He has a pretty good record doing it."
Kraft told reporters at the Patriots annual kickoff gala that he understands why Tebow has gained such a national following. While he may not produce on the field, he is a good presence off the field. However, the Patriots will likely not keep a player just because he has a good attitude. They are only in the business of paying players who produce on Sundays.
Tebow has yet to show anything on the field. In his most recent preseason appearance back on Aug. 16, he went 1-for-7 in passing, recording -1 yard and throwing an interception. That is not the kind of results that will get a player to the regular season. The Patriots opted not to play Tebow in the blowout loss to the Detroit Lions. That could be a sign that the Patriots do not plan on keeping the quarterback around.
"Week to week [in the regular season], you're going to ask the questions, if we don't perform up to standard, why we didn't [perform]," Kraft said. "I think you want to make sure we have the best 53 people to help us win games during the year."
The Patriots history of carrying more than two quarterbacks on the final roster does not work in Tebow's favor. Right now they have premier quarterback Tom Brady and a quality backup in Ryan Mallett. Tebow's talent level is nowhere near those two. The quarterback could help run a specific package of plays, a plan that failed in New York, but it depends on Belichick's willingness to do so.
Kraft is happy with the position the team is in. Given what is happening in Buffalo right now, the owner is thankful to have three healthy quarterbacks on the roster. Just because Tebow has a fan in Kraft does not mean he will be in New England on Week 1. He has to have a fan in Belichick for that to come true.
