We found it odd that wide receiver Jeremy Kerley handled the New York Jets' Wildcat package Sunday despite Tim Tebow being healthy and active. Now we know why.
According to a Sunday report by ESPNNewYork.com, Tebow asked out of the Jets' Wildcat scheme after learning Greg McElroy would bypass him on the depth chart and start against the San Diego Chargers.
The New York Post also confimed the report, citing a source.
According to ESPNNewYork.com, Tebow told the Jets early in the week that he'd like to be removed from their situational game plan, giving the team the opportunity to practice with Kerley in the Wildcat this week. Kerley actually completed a 42-yard throw during the 27-17 loss to the Chargers, giving him more passing yards than Tebow this season.
When asked after the game who told him he wouldn't play in the Wildcat, Tebow responded, "It just kind of happens."
So why was Tebow even active Sunday? According to ESPNNewYork.com, Tebow was available in case McElroy went down with an injury. The team -- and this is really bad -- didn't want to play erstwhile starter Mark Sanchez for fear of a negative fan reaction at MetLife Stadium.
Oh, brother.
It's good to see the Jets have kept the big top up for the holidays. Meanwhile, it's a bad job by Tebow, who handled himself with dignity all season until this. Yes, the Jets sold Tebow a bill of goods when they acquired him in March, but pulling yourself out of the lineup smacks of petulance you'd think was beyond him.
A Jacksonville Jaguars source told NFL.com's Ian Rapoport that Tebow "will be a Jaguar" next season. The events of this week likely accelerated this subplot.
It's going to be another fun week in Florham Park.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
