Could Tebow Experiment in New England Be Ending? QB Doesn’t Play in Lions Blowout

Despite getting hammered the other night by the Detroit Lions 40-9, the Patriots did not call on Tim Tebow for a single play.

The former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida and Broncos signal-caller spent the entire game on the sidelines, watching the Patriots bungle through a pre-season game that could hardly be called a contest.

Taking advantage of four New England turnovers in the first half, the Lions raced out to a big lead, and didn't look back.  Tebow was one of only three healthy players who did not see action.  Quarterback Tom Brady played the first half,  established backup Ryan Mallet played the rest of the game, completing 11 of 22 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown.

While it was not completely unusual for Tebow not to play quarterback, the fact that he was not used in any other position, even special teams, has many NFL experts believing he might not make the Patriots roster.   Tebow, who is 5-19 passing this preseason,  is expected to make the first of two big cutdowns which will reduce the roster from 90 to 75 players.  But the second will cut the team down to 53 on August 31st, and unless he can show the team something, his days appear to be numbered.

The Patriots signed him as a free-agent, presumably to not only play some quarterback, but probably running back, tight-end and maybe H-back.   Tebow was expected to be a wrinkle that Coach Bill Belicheck is known for throwing at other teams.   He often comes up with creative and innovative formations and plays.

NFL experts believed if any team could utilize the talented and physical player Tebow is, it would be the Pats.   Back up Mallet is expected to play just about all of the teams final exhibition game, giving him some valuable time under center which he won't see once Brady takes over in the regular season.

Dan Wetzel of Yahoo sports fears unless Tebow is greatly integrated into the Pats final exhibition games, he not only won't make the team, but won't have a chance to put any plays on film and perhaps grab the attention of another team who might need his utility services more than New England.

Through it all though, Tebow has handled the situation with his usual upbeat attitude and class.  Then again,  as tight-lipped as Coach Belicheck is,  he could end up putting Tebow in a position on the team nobody imagined.  We will continue to watch and see.