Tim Tebow is working out with the Arizona Cardinals, and there's proof, as photos are all over Twitter of the former New York Jet working out with the team. So if Tebow does land with the Cardinals as their starting quarterback, is Larry Fitzgerald up for another mediocre season?
This is all about the numbers. Let's look at Tebow's statistics as a Denver Bronco when he in fact received playing time and was a relevant playmaker in the NFL.
In 2011, Tebow started 11 games, completed 126-271 passing attempts (46.5 percent), threw for 1,729 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
These numbers point to mediocrity at the quarterback position. Tebow is a run first quarterback. Though the Jets really misused him on offense, running is Tebow's thing. That season, the Broncos rushed for over 160 yards and had the best running game in the NFL.
When breaking down total yards per game, Tebow averaged 157. As a team they averaged 152 passing yards per game, which placed them 31st in the league, the second worst team total in the NFL.
Poor Fitzgerald, Hall of Fame written all over his career, but they can't get him a decent quarterback to pass the ball. Let's look at the numbers he compiled in 2012 with an unsuccessful offense and passing game.
Fitzgerald led the team in receptions and total yards, he came second in touchdowns. He caught 71 passes taking them for 798 yards and finished the year with four touchdowns.
When looking at the Cardinals' offense, those numbers are impressive. The Cardinals couldn't do two things: keep their quarterbacks healthy or get quarterbacks who could actually throw. The position was split between four guys; John Skelton, Kevin Kolb, Ryan Lindley and Brian Hoyer.
This quartet was sacked 58 times and combined to only throw 11 touchdowns. That's five sacks for every touchdown. Quarterbacks are targets for defenders in Arizona.
Simply put, Tebow can't throw, though many were impressed with some of the things he did in 2011, Tebow improves running games. A guy like Fitzgerald is a target for opposing teams to shut down. When Tebow is quarterbacking, deep accurate passes are never a threat.
Ultimately, if the Cardinals land Tebow, it means they aren't trying to improve the team and aren't looking out for their biggest investment, which is Larry Fitzgerald.
Anyways, with the Seattle Seahawks' and San Francisco 49ers' young and talented teams, it's not like the Cardinals are going to compete regardless.
Fitzgerald should ask for a trade.
