Really, that's about it.
He barely played at all for the Jets, who clearly didn't do any sort of clear-headed reasoning before they traded for Tebow, then quickly began asking themselves, "Uhh, what were we thinking?"
And now, with a hugely disappointing season all but done and Mark Sanchez finally banished to the bench, coach Rex Ryan officially signaled the end of Tebow Time in the Big Apple. He turned to Greg McElroy, a seventh-round pick in 2011, to start Sunday's now-meaningless game against San Diego.
No one thinks McElroy's the answer to what ails the Jets. But, apparently, he's more of an answer than Tebow, who will watch the game from the same spot he's spent nearly the entire season — the bench.
Tebow's career with the Jets will surely go down as a one-and-done flop. At this point, it would be easier to find Waldo on the depth chart than Tebow.
Shortly after this mess of a year comes to its merciful end, he will surely ask for a trade (politely, of course) or simply be released.
"I think it's where we are right now and I just think it's best for our team and for this game," Ryan said on a conference call Tuesday, explaining his decision to start McElroy instead of Tebow less than 24 hours after a hideous loss to Tennessee officially eliminated the Jets from playoff contention.
"That's how I feel."
He wouldn't get any more specific than that, repeatedly referring to it being a "gut" decision — nothing more, nothing less.
Not that there was much Ryan could say. The Jets backed themselves into a corner way back in March when they acquired Tebow from the Denver Broncos, and they never came up with a way out.
Supposedly, the plan was to let Sanchez remain the starter, with Tebow working two or three series a game as a change-of-pace option, running out the Wildcat or spread to give defenses another look. But there were a couple of big problems with that scenario.
For one, the Jets really didn't have the personnel on offense to change things up that drastically, even for just a few plays a game. Heck, as it turned out, they really didn't have enough talent around Sanchez to run a conventional offense, and they never thought for a moment that Tebow had the skill set to oversee anything resembling the norm.
Then, there's the dilemma that everyone could see coming before Tebow's jet even landed in New York. Everyone except the Jets, that is. If the team played a second quarterback, even while insisting he was just the backup, Sanchez's standing would've been undermined beyond repair (which might have been the case regardless, as it turns out).
It's called a quarterback controversy. If Tebow had been given the chance to do something — anything — all the fans and pundits and talking heads would have been screaming for a change at the slightest hint of success.
So, while Tebow raised a ruckus merely by stripping off his shirt to jog off the field on a rainy day at training camp, Sanchez remained the undisputed starter. He held on as captain of the Titanic right to the bitter end, the Jets resisting any urge to save themselves by jumping in a lifeboat piloted by Tebow.
"I know Tim is a tremendous competitor, and I don't doubt that at all," Ryan said, again explaining in the vaguest possible terms why it will never be Tebow Time on his team. "For right now, I think this move, it's a move that I made, is best for our team in this game. I believe that and that's why I'm making the move that I'm making."
Tebow has played in 11 games for the Jets, but if you blinked, you missed him. Outside of a 23-yard completion against Indianapolis back in mid-October, he's passed for a grand total of 16 yards. He's had just three runs longer than 10 yards. He's yet to reach the end zone with either his legs or his left arm.
Now, the Jets can't afford for him to play well — not even in their final two meaningless games.
As with all sinking ships, everyone is now trying to figure out a way to save himself. Ryan is hanging on by a thread. So is Tony Sparano, the offensive coordinator who was supposed to make this experiment work. Not to mention general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who has overseen the gutting of a franchise that seemed on the rise not so long ago.
If Tebow plays now — and plays well — those Jets fans still paying attention would undoubtedly wonder, "Hey, why haven't they been playing him all along?" Which would lead to all the above-mentioned figures finding themselves looking for work next season. They may be anyway, but they no longer have any chance of surviving on Tebow's back.
In hindsight, Tebow and the Jets were like love-struck teenagers back in March, all giddy over each other and not paying a lick of attention to what really mattered.
For Tebow it was a chance to spread his clean-cut, deeply religious brand in the greatest media market of them all. For the Jets, it was a chance to steal away some of the thunder from the team they share a city and a stadium with, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
In the end, the only winner was the Broncos, playing the role of the all-knowing parent. Even after Tebow guided the team to the playoffs in 2011 and a stirring overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round, GM John Elway knew he needed more skill at the most important position on the field. He jumped at the chance to land one of the best ever, Peyton Manning, and quickly dumped Tebow on the Jets, even picking up a couple of draft picks in the deal.
And look where they teams are now: Denver, the AFC West champion and headed to the playoffs with an 11-3 record; the Jets, already looking ahead to the offseason at 6-8.
So, it's time for Tebow to put the shirt back on and find another team. Maybe he'll wind up close to home with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Or maybe another team in desperate QB straits, such as the Arizona Cardinals. If those options don't pan out, he could even give the Canadian Football League a try. The game north of the border might be better suited to his unorthodox style.
No matter what, the clock has run out on Tebow Time in New York.
We all saw the end coming, what surprised us was the Jets didn't wind the darn thing up.
Paul Newberry in a national writer for The Associated Press. Write to him at pnewberry@ap.org.
Jets bench Sanchez, will start McElroy vs. Chargers
NEW YORK (AP) — Mark Sanchez is no longer the New York Jets' franchise quarterback.
He might not even be the backup.
Rex Ryan decided to bench Sanchez on Tuesday in favor of Greg McElroy after the fourth-year quarterback had another miserable performance in a 14-10 loss at Tennessee on Monday night that eliminated New York from playoff contention.
"I think it's best for our team, and for this game," Ryan said during a conference call.
So, it'll be McElroy under center for his first NFL start when the Jets (6-8) play the San Diego Chargers at home Sunday. Ryan hasn't decided whether Sanchez or Tim Tebow — listed as the No. 2 quarterback — will be the backup.
While Sanchez blew the second chance Ryan gave him a few weeks ago, Tebow was leapfrogged by a third-stringer, fueling speculation that the team has little confidence in him as a quarterback.
"I have to look at what I think is the best for the team and not necessarily the individual," Ryan said. "I'll say this about Tim and I've always said it: I know he wants to help this team be successful in the worst way and there's no doubt about that."
Sanchez threw four interceptions Monday night and wasn't able to handle a low snap with the game on the line, ending the Jets' hopes to get back into the postseason.
Things got worse after the game for Sanchez, who received a series of death threats from one disgruntled fan on Twitter. League spokesman Greg Aiello said the NFL's security staff was aware of the man's threats and was working with the Jets to assist on the matter. The team declined comment through a spokesman.
Ryan said after the loss that he wasn't ready to decide who would start against the Chargers, but told Sanchez he would be making a change at quarterback by going with either McElroy or Tebow.
"He respected my decision," Ryan said. "That's not easy, that's for sure."
After talking to his staff and members of the organization Tuesday, Ryan chose McElroy.
"This is my opinion, and I do believe that it's best for our team that Greg is our quarterback," Ryan insisted. "I'm the guy that's making this decision. Every decision I make is based on what I believe is the best decision for the team."
But Ryan was vague in his answers to why he selected McElroy above Tebow, choosing after being asked several times to not go into detail about what specifically factored into the decision.
"I can answer this question a million ways, frontward, backward, sideways, anything else," Ryan said. "It's my decision and I based it on a gut feeling or whatever."
McElroy, a seventh-round pick last year out of Alabama, helped lead the Jets to a 7-6 win over Arizona on Dec. 2 when Ryan pulled Sanchez from that game late in the third quarter. McElroy had modest numbers — 5 of 7 for 29 yards — but threw for the only touchdown of the game, and nearly led another scoring drive as the Jets ran out the clock.
Ryan decided to stick with Sanchez after that game, saying that the one-time face of the franchise gave the Jets their best chance at winning as they remained in the playoff hunt.
But Sanchez struggled in a 17-10 win over Jacksonville and again even more in the loss to Tennessee. McElroy, who gave the Jets a huge spark in his first NFL action, was inactive for both games. That hurt New York on Monday night when Ryan was unable to turn to McElroy since he was not in uniform for the game. Instead, Ryan went to Tebow for one series — which had been part of the game plan — but it was unproductive and Sanchez came back in for the next offensive possession.
Sanchez leads the league with 24 turnovers, including 17 interceptions, and has turned the ball over 50 times since the start of last season. His future with the team is uncertain because he signed a contract extension with New York in March that included $8.25 million in guaranteed money for next season.
Ryan would not commit to Sanchez beyond this season, and wouldn't discuss what the depth chart will look like.
"We have two games left and that's where my focus is going to be," he said. "What's past that will be determined later."
Sanchez was regularly booed during home games this season, falling out of favor with the fans who were excited when the Jets traded up to take him with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 draft.
"Has he had better days than (Monday night)? Absolutely," Ryan said.
There certainly were some good moments for the former Southern California star, particularly in helping lead New York to the AFC championship game in each of his first two seasons, but he failed to take the next step in his development.
While his frequent mistakes in reading defenses and miscalculating throws are a huge reason for his struggles, Sanchez also wasn't helped by a constantly changing cast around him. Several of the team's top offensive players — Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Jerricho Cotchery, Brad Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, Plaxico Burress, Alan Faneca and Damien Woody — have all been released, traded or allowed to become free agents since Sanchez's rookie season. He is also working with his second offensive coordinator in Tony Sparano after an up-and-down three seasons with Brian Schottenheimer.
Tebow, acquired from Denver in March, has had a minor role in the offense after being expected to play a major part. He is recovering from two broken ribs that sidelined him for three games, but returned Monday night and had little impact. It would seem unlikely that Tebow, who helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs last season, will be back next season.
When Tebow arrived in New York, he often said he was "excited to be a Jet," but there's little doubt that he no longer feels that way. He has done his best to hide his frustration throughout the season, especially when the wildcat-style offense was talked up by Ryan and Sparano as a highlight of the offense.
Tebow has instead just been a spare part on an offense that ranks 30th in the NFL. He is 6 of 8 passing for 39 yards, and has run 32 times for 102 yards — playing a more significant role as the personal punt protector on special teams.
"People can speculate anything they want," Ryan said. Obviously, as a football team, we're 6-8 and nobody's happy about that and ultimately, I'm the one accountable."
-- Dennis Waszak Jr.
Investigation into Chiefs LB killing complete
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher was apparently worried he would lose his baby and money to his longtime girlfriend before fatally shooting her and killing himself, according to newly released police reports.
Belcher also complained about Kasandra Perkins, the mother of the couple's 3-month-old daughter, in conversations and text messages sent to a woman he was dating on the side, the reports show.
In one text message sent in late October or early November, Belcher wrote he "would shoot" Perkins "if she didn't leave him alone." The girlfriend told police that Belcher said "his child's mother threatened to take all his money and his child if they split up" and "knew exactly how to press his buttons and make him angry."
Belcher shot Perkins multiple times in their home on Dec. 1 and then drove to team headquarters, where he killed himself in front of his coach and general manager after telling them he "wasn't able to get enough help."
The Jackson County prosecutor's office reviewed the police reports, which first were obtained by The Kansas City Star, before closing the case Friday. It formally ruled the deaths of Belcher, 25, and Perkins, 22, a murder-suicide, prosecutor's office spokesman Mike Mansur said Tuesday.
The reports provide new details about the final days and hours leading to the tragedy.
The night before the killings, Belcher went to a club with the woman he was dating while Perkins attended a concert with her friends, the reports said. A friend of Perkins has told The Star that the couple argued around 1 a.m., about Perkins being out late, although it wasn't clear whether the argument happened in person or on the phone. The police report, which doesn't mention this dispute, said that after Belcher kissed his girlfriend and she went inside her apartment, he fell asleep in his car.
About two hours later, police roused Belcher after someone called 911 to report his idling Bentley as suspicious. The report said Belcher was legally parked and didn't smell of alcohol, but officers asked if he could stay inside the apartment for the night.
Belcher tried to call the girlfriend, but she didn't discover the missed calls until the next morning and didn't hear him at her door. Two women who were up late invited Belcher to wait inside their apartment after he explained his plight. They said Belcher "appeared to be intoxicated" but "seemed to be in good spirits . laughing, joking."
After taking him to a gas station to buy a sports drink, they gave him a pillow and blanket and he slept on the couch for a couple hours, leaving at 6:45 a.m. so he could make it to a team meeting planned for later that morning.
Upon arriving at the home he shared with Perkins, the couple began arguing over "one or both of them going out as in to a club or partying," said Belcher's mother, Cheryl Shepherd, who had moved in with them about two weeks earlier.
When Shepherd heard multiple gunshots, she ran to the bedroom and saw Belcher kneeling next to Perkins' body, saying he was sorry. After kissing Perkins, his baby daughter and his mother, Belcher drove to Arrowhead Stadium, breaking off his Bentley's rear-view mirror on the way, the police report said.
Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli saw Belcher holding a gun to his head and jumped out of his vehicle so he could find out what was happening.
"I've done a bad thing to my girlfriend already," Belcher told Pioli, according to the report, adding that he wanted to talk with Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel and defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs.
When Crennel arrived, Belcher said, "You know that I've been having some major problems at home and with my girlfriend. I need help! I wasn't able to get enough help. I appreciate everything you all have done for me with trying to help ... but it wasn't enough. I have hurt my girl already and I can't go back now."
Belcher asked that Pioli and team owner Clark Hurt take care of his daughter. The Chiefs staff pleaded with Belcher to put down his gun, but he only lowered it to load a round. "You're taking the easy way out!" Crennel told Belcher, according to the report.
As a police officer approached, Belcher knelt behind a vehicle, saying, "Guys, I have to do this. ... I got to go, can't be here and take care of my daughter." He made the sign of the cross on his chest and fired a bullet into his head, the report said.
Crennel said Belcher had blamed Perkins for missing a team meeting a few weeks earlier, saying he had to watch the baby after Perkins didn't come home the night before. Crennel said he thought the couple had "trust issues" and Perkins expected "a better life" with an NFL player.
Crennel said Belcher, whose base salary this season was more than $1.9 million, "didn't live outside his means." He said he thought Belcher was talking to an attorney about getting custody of his daughter.
Shepherd, Belcher's mother, attributed the couple's relationship problems to "financial issues associated with Perkins' spending habits."
-- Heather Hollingsworth
Bills sign RG Urbik to four-year contract extension
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills took the first step in securing their offensive line's long-term future by signing starting right guard Kraig Urbik to a four-year contract extension on Tuesday.
The deal locks up Urbik through 2016 and is worth $13.3 million, including a $3.5 million signing bonus for this season, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team did not reveal the length or monetary terms of the contract.
It's a significant raise for a fourth-year player, who had signed a $1.26 million contract tender in April. Urbik is set to make a base salary of $2.05 million next year and $2.9 million in 2016, the person said. He's also eligible to make additional money through roster and workout bonuses, and playing-time incentives.
Urbik is completing his third year with the Bills, who claimed him off waivers in September 2010 after he was released by Pittsburgh. The Steelers had selected Urbik in the third round out of Wisconsin in the 2009 draft.
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds, Urbik has provided a steadying and versatile presence since moving into a starting role last season. He's played both guard and center, and has 26 starts — including 11 this season — in 34 games with Buffalo.
The signing came with Buffalo (5-9) set to close out its season with two meaningless games after being eliminated from playoff contention for a 13th straight year. The Bills play at Miami (6-8) on Sunday, and then host New York Jets (6-8) on Dec. 30.
Later in the day, the Bills made a number of roster moves, including placing starting receiver Donald Jones on the reserve/non-football illness list. The Bills did not reveal the nature of the illness.
Jones' agent, Cliff LaBoy, said the illness is not serious, and is related to a calf injury that forced his client to miss two of the past three games. Jones first began experiencing tightness in his calf last month, and was held out of a 34-18 win over Jacksonville on Dec. 2.
Jones is third on the team with 41 catches for 443 yards and four touchdowns.
His injury further depletes the Bills at receiver. Coach Chan Gailey has already ruled out reserve Marcus Easley from playing this weekend after he hurt a hamstring in a 50-17 loss to Seattle on Sunday.
The Bills also placed reserve linebacker Arthur Moats on season-ending injured reserve after he hurt his ankle last weekend.
Buffalo filled the two open roster spots by promoting receiver Chris Hogan and linebacker Greg Lloyd from its practice squad.
With Urbik locked up, the Bills can now turn their attention on securing two more starting linemen.
Left guard Andy Levitre, who has been the line's most consistent player, is completing the final year of his contract. Center Eric Wood has one year left on his deal.
Though open to re-signing with the Bills, Levitre said last week that he was unaware of any contract talks taking place.
The Bills have spent the past three seasons revamping their line, which also includes left tackle, Cordy Glenn, a rookie second-round pick.
The line allowed an AFC-low 23 sacks last season and helped the Bills finish with 1,921 yards rushing — the team's highest total since 2000. This season, the Bills are tied for seventh in the AFC with 28 sacks, and feature the NFL's sixth best rushing attack.
The Bills have also been in negotiations to re-sign starting safety Jairus Byrd, who is in the final year of his contract. With five interceptions, Byrd is tied for the AFC lead and is tied for seventh in the NFL. He's also forced three fumbles and recovered two.
Buffalo filled its two practice squad openings by signing receiver Kevin Elliott and linebacker Brian Smith. Elliott had 10 catches for 108 yards in 13 games with Jacksonville before being released last weekend. Smith played two games with Cleveland last season.
-- John Wawrow
Cruz visits home of Giants fan, 6, killed in Conn.
NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz has visited the home of the 6-year-old Connecticut shooting victim who was buried in a replica Cruz jersey.
Jack Pinto was among 20 children shot to death Friday in Newtown. Several elementary school-age children played touch football in the front yard of his family's home Tuesday. Many wore Giants jerseys or Newtown football or wrestling shirts as they laughed, smiled and hugged.
The children and their families left after several hours. Kids carried autographed Giants footballs and jerseys.
About 45 minutes later, Cruz left the home in an SUV and an escort of five police cruisers, sirens blaring. He later tweeted that he has "much love to the entire Pinto family. Great people with huge hearts."
Several people leaving the home confirmed Cruz was there.
-- Pat Eaton-Robb
NFL adds new post-career training programs
NEW YORK (AP) — NFL players can attend training sessions on culinary management, restaurant franchising, social entrepreneurship and sports communications this offseason.
The league is adding four programs to its offerings to prepare players for their post-football careers. With the longer offseason under the current collective bargaining agreement, there are now 10 such workshops.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn and free agent center Jeff Faine helped develop the social entrepreneurship program to be held at their alma mater, Notre Dame. Players will learn to apply market principles to address humanitarian needs.
New York's Institute for Culinary Education will host a workshop on the hospitality and culinary industries. Carolina Panthers owner and longtime restaurant franchisee Jerry Richardson will be the keynote speaker at a "boot camp" on franchising.
The training sessions take place in April and May. Other returning programs cover industries such as broadcasting, music and real estate.
Bolts place Mathews, Floyd, Wells on IR
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers have placed running back Ryan Mathews, wide receiver Malcom Floyd and tackle Reggie Wells on season-ending injured reserve.
All three were injured in a 31-7 loss to Carolina on Sunday that eliminated the Bolts from playoff contention.
Mathews broke his left collarbone, Floyd sustained an ankle injury and Wells had ankle and toe injuries.
Mathews, who broke his right collarbone on his first carry of the exhibition season, played in 12 regular-season games. He was the team's leading rusher with 707 yards and a touchdown on 184 carries.
Floyd led the Chargers with 56 catches for 814 yards and five touchdowns. Wells spent time on the Chargers' roster early in the season and then returned on Dec. 5. He started the past two games at right tackle.
The Chargers filled two of the vacancies on the active roster Tuesday by signing wide receiver Mike Willie and defensive end Damik Scafe from the practice squad.
Jaguars place two on IR, sign three off practice squad
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed defensive end Andre Branch and running back Jordan Todman on injured reserve and promoted receiver Mike Brown, linebacker Brandon Marshall and tight end Isaiah Stanback from the practice squad.
The team waived receiver Quan Cosby and fullback Will Ta'ufo'ou. The Jaguars (2-12) have one roster spot open, presumably to active linebacker Daryl Smith (groin) off IR. Branch (groin) and Todman (calf) were inactive for Sunday's game at Miami.
Jacksonville also signed offensive lineman Tommie Draheim and receiver Brittan Golden to the practice squad.
Brown spent the entire season on the practice squad. Marshall, a fifth-round draft pick, played in four games. Stanback was signed to the practice squad on Dec. 5. He has spent time with Dallas, New England, Seattle and the New York Giants.
DB Patterson awarded to Dolphins off waivers
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Defensive back Dimitri Patterson has been awarded to the Miami Dolphins one day after being waived by the Cleveland Browns.
The Dolphins also placed backup tight end Charles Clay on injured reserve Tuesday with a right knee injury. Patterson reinforces the secondary with the questionable status of cornerback Nolan Carroll, who hurt his left knee in Sunday's win over Jacksonville.
Patterson, who signed a $16 million, three-year contract last offseason, has appeared in seven games this season with four starts. He missed seven games after tearing a ligament in his left ankle, but has played the past two weeks.
Patterson had a career season with Philadelphia in 2010, when he made four interceptions. The Dolphins are his fifth team.
Battered Browns place LB Johnson, DB Ward on IR
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns have placed linebacker James-Michael Johnson and defensive back T.J. Ward on injured reserve with knee injuries.
Both Johnson, a rookie, and Ward are starters for a defense that allows 22.1 points per game. Johnson made eight starts, played in 10 games and finished with 35 tackles. His role expanded when Scott Fujita sustained a season-ending neck injury. Ward had 68 tackles and one interception.
With the available roster spots, Cleveland signed defensive back Prince Miller and linebacker Adrian Moten. The Browns also elevated defensive lineman Hall Davis from the practice squad to the active roster.
Cleveland (5-9) will close the season vs. Denver (11-3) and Pittsburgh (7-7).
Season's over for Bills WR Jones, LB Moats
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills receiver Donald Jones' season is over after he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list.
Jones' agent, Cliff Laboy, said the illness is not serious, and is related to a calf injury that forced his client to miss two of the past three games. Jones first began experiencing tightness in his calf last month, and did not play against Jacksonville on Dec. 2. The Bills didn't provide details in announcing the move Tuesday.
Buffalo also placed reserve linebacker Arthur Moats on season-ending injured reserve after he hurt his ankle in a loss to Seattle on Sunday.
The Bills filled the two roster spots by promoting receiver Chris Hogan and linebacker Greg Lloyd from its practice squad. The Bills (5-9) play at Miami (6-8) on Sunday.
Bears place Bush on IR with rib injury
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears have placed running back Michael Bush on season-ending injured reserve because of a rib injury and signed Kahlil Bell to take his place.
Losing Bush is another blow for the struggling Bears. They've dropped five of six after a 7-1 start and are coming off a loss to Green Bay that clinched the NFC North for the Packers.
Chicago needs help to make the playoffs after leading the division for much of the season, and losing Bush does not make things any easier.
Signed to a four-year deal to give the Bears depth in the backfield with Matt Forte, Bush appeared in 13 games and ran for 411 yards and five touchdowns. Bell was waived by Chicago in October. The moves were announced on Tuesday.
Vikings vote Peterson courage award winner
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have voted Adrian Peterson as the team's winner of the Ed Block Courage award.
The Vikings announced the vote on Tuesday. Peterson has been one of the feel-good stories of the NFL this year. He tore the ACL in his left knee last December, and has returned to lead the league in rushing this season.
Peterson needs 294 yards in the final two games to eclipse Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set back in 1984. His 1,812 yards this season are already a career high.
The Ed Block Courage award is given to one player on each team who exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.
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