Tim Tebow not frustrated by his role, New York Jets' struggles

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Tim Tebow mostly has been a sideline spectator this season, helplessly watching the New York Jets' offense struggle.

The energetic do-it-all backup quarterback has been reduced mainly to a bit player. Not exactly what he -- or everyone -- expected. But if Tebow is frustrated with his limited role so far, Jets coach Rex Ryan doesn't sense it.

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"I know how competitive he is," Ryan said Thursday. "When you look over at the sideline, him and a lot of guys want to change the situation. We want to win, everybody we have feels the same way.

"Specifically him being frustrated about his role or anything? I don't see that."

Tebow has played in just 31 of the Jets' 257 offensive snaps after being acquired from the Denver Broncos in March to back up starter Mark Sanchez and provide an offensive spark.

"I mean yeah, you get frustrated, I think everyone in that locker room when you lose games you're a little frustrated, but I think that's natural," Tebow said. "Other than that, try and work hard and get better. We're 2-2, the season's not over yet."

Many fans and media insist Tebow should play more on offense, starting Monday night against the undefeated Houston Texans, or else the season could start slipping away. Some have even called for Tebow to supplant Sanchez as the starter. But Ryan doesn't see Sanchez's job under immediate threat.

"Mark's been fairly successful here, and I've said this since Day 1: Give me the quarterback that wins because his job is so important to your team's success," Ryan said. "I think Mark is an excellent quarterback."

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The numbers haven't supported that so far this season, as Sanchez's dismal 69.6 passer rating ranks 30th in NFL, ahead of just rookies Ryan Tannehill of the Miami Dolphins and Brandon Weeden of the Cleveland Browns. Still, Ryan believes the Jets have the perfect quarterback situation, not a potentially explosive one in large part because of Tebow's athletic ability.

Ryan also believes in Tebow's abilities as a quarterback.

"You can't bluff your way in this league and have the success that he's had," Ryan said. "... Mark is our starting quarterback. But what's intriguing about having Tim is that if something were to happen to Mark, you'd feel good that you have a quarterback that has proven that he can win in the National Football League."

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press