Should Tim Tebow replace Mark Sanchez as Jets’ starter? [Poll]

Tim Tebow had a perfect passing day for the New York Jets on Sunday and finished with a quarterback rating of 104.2. In fact, he hasn’t thrown an incomplete pass all season.

But he’s still just the Jets’ backup even though starter Mark Sanchez has been anything but perfect. After a stellar performance in Week 1, the former USC quarterback has struggled in the last three games for the Jets.

That includes a dismal performance Sunday in a 34-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, during which Sanchez completed just 13 of 29 passes for 103 yards with no touchdowns and one interception for a passer rating of 39.9.

So that means it’s time for a quarterback switch, right? We pretty much knew it was inevitable from the time the Jets traded for Tebow during the off-season anyway, and who could provide a better spark to a 2-2 Jets team than a flawless quarterback?

OK, it’s probably worth mentioning that Tebow’s perfect passing day Sunday consisted of just one throw -- a nine-yarder over the middle to tight end Dedrick Epps, who immediately fumbled the ball after being upended. Oh, and incidentally, that just happens to be the only pass Tebow has attempted all season.

But try telling that to the frustrated Jets fans, some of whom were booing Sanchez and chanting Tebow’s name during Sunday’s debacle. Just don’t mention it to Jets Coach Rex Ryan -- at least not yet.

“I don’t think that’s the answer,” Ryan said after the game. “I think Mark’s the answer at quarterback.”

But then he added: “Again, time will tell.”

Well, if now is not the time, then when? Writers from around the Tribune Co. will weigh in on when Ryan should give Tebow a chance as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Check back throughout the day for their responses and join the conversation by voting in the poll and leaving a comment of your own.

[Updated at 10:51 a.m.:

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

It’s too early to pull the Tim Tebow trigger, especially with Houston’s defense coming to town. The Jets shouldn’t give in to fan pressure, and instead should keep Mark Sanchez as the starter, at least for the moment. Mix in more Tebow, sure, but don’t hand him the reins.

There’s no question the Jets are in a bad spot, even though they’re among the three teams tied atop the AFC East at 2-2. They’ve lost their best defensive player in Darrelle Revis, and their most dangerous offensive weapon in Santonio Holmes. But to make a panicked switch to Tebow now just feels desperate -- although we know Tebow Time is inevitable, whether it comes this week or not.

Aaron Wilson, Baltimore Sun

Signed to a lucrative contract extension during the off-season, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez remains a disappointment.

He has completed only 49.2% of his throws for 813 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions for a 69.6 quarterback rating. Against the 49ers, he was 13 for 29 for 103 yards and one interception.

Sure, the 49ers are good, but c’mon!

From what I’ve heard from several league sources, Sanchez’s dedication to the game is highly questionable. Jets players and coaches routinely wonder if Sanchez is much more interested in partying with starlets than applying himself to football.

If I’m Rex Ryan, I seriously think about inserting Tim Tebow as the new starter if Sanchez doesn’t improve markedly within the next few games.

The rubber is about to meet the road. It’s crossroads time for Sanchez.

Joseph Schwerdt, South Florida Sun Sentinel

Rex Ryan should give Tim Tebow the start on Monday night against the Texans if he wants to throw a bomb in an already volatile clubhouse.

He should start Tebow if he wants further erode Mark Sanchez’s confidence and create quarterback dissension. He should start Tebow if he wants to invite a caravan of media circus wagons into town -- as if it’s not enough of a circus already.

He should start Tebow if he’s ready to pound on the panic button.

Ryan and offensive coordinator Tony Sparano have done a pretty good job keeping Tebowmania bottled up. What they haven’t done is use Tebow effectively. Tebow is the ultimate Wildcat weapon, but he’s not been a factor in New York and has given no indication he can spark the offense.

The Jets have multiple problems: A questionable running game; devastating injuries to their best receivers; the loss of Darrelle Revis, their best player. Starting Tim Tebow won’t solve any of those.]

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