Tim Tebow has acquitted himself well so far in training camp, and reportedly has the upper hand on Matt Barkley in the race to be the Eagles' No. 3 quarterback. The real test will come during preseason games though, according to offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
"[In practice] I can see Tim zone reading something, pulling it, and then the whistle sort of gets blown here and he might run a guy over [if the whistle wasn't blown], so you never know," Shurmur said, according to CSNPhilly.com.
"So that kind of uncontrolled-type stuff. We could run a naked [boot] and [see him] get out on the perimeter [with] a guy hanging off him and making a throw. You know, all that type of stuff that you say, 'Wow, that was really a terrific, athletic play.' That kind of stuff."
Tebow Gaining Reps Over Matt Barkley
Tebow has been receiving more reps than Barkley, and has been intercepted fewer times. Tebow's mobility may also be a factor in determining whether he can be more useful to head coach Chip Kelly in specific packages, or if he's called upon for extended work. Barkley has the experience advantage, having been with Kelly longer, but he's flopped in his limited opportunities. In four games, Barkley has thrown four interceptions and no touchdowns.
Tebow did not play into the notion of his ability to thrive under hot spotlights. "My focus is whatever Coach out here is trying to implement, do it as well as possible," Tebow said. "Then, when the game comes, sometimes it's a little bit different, getting tackled and getting hit, and this [jersey] isn't red."
Wide receiver Riley Cooper, a former teammate of Tebow's at Florida, thinks Tebow will show off some improved mechanics and accuracy when he is asked to throw.
"There are some things different," Cooper said. "His throwing motion is a little different, his release is a little bit quicker, even the decision-making and how fast he picked up this offense. I definitely think he's improved. Definitely."
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.