Belichick not Commenting on Tebow

(AP) Belichick not judging QB Tebow after 1 practice
By HOWARD ULMAN
AP Sports Writer
FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
One day of practice wasn’t enough for Patriots coach Bill Belichick to share his thoughts on new backup quarterback Tim Tebow.

Two days?

Not a lot to go on there, either, as Tebow spent much of Wednesday’s session watching Tom Brady and Ryan Mallett run drills while he tried to absorb the new system he was thrust into when he signed with New England this week.

Robert Kraft wasn’t as reluctant to size up Tebow’s much maligned throwing motion after the second day of the three-day minicamp.

And, at least in Kraft’s mind, probably better than he’s given credit for.

Kraft had strolled onto the field late in Tebow’s first practice with the Patriots on Tuesday. The high-profile player discarded by the Denver Broncos and New York Jets had rolled out to throw short passes while on the run and dropped back to heave long passes into the end zone.

After Tebow practiced for the second time, Brady wasn’t as eager to judge him.

For the second straight day, Tebow mostly watched as Brady and Mallett took turns running 7-on-7 drills. Late in the session, Tebow played in 11-on-11 situations and was hit-or-miss while running plays from his new playbook. After each one, he’d consult with assistant coach Brian Daboll, who referred to paper in his hand and instructed Tebow on what to do.

Tebow threw an accurate, low pass that wide receiver Chaz Schilens, in for a tryout, caught while hitting the ground. Schilens ran back toward the huddle and slapped hands with Tebow, who at least had something familiar in his new situation. He and Schilens were roommates last summer at the Jets training camp.

But a few plays later, Tebow threw an inaccurate pass that landed at the feet of a defender, who booted it back toward the line of scrimmage.

He’ll get another chance at Thursday’s final day of the three-day minicamp. Training camp won’t start until late July.

Kraft praised Tebow for his competitiveness, hard work and spirituality. He called him a “winner” with a great attitude.

That, however, may not be enough as he tries to secure a regular-season roster spot.

And he did.

He said he was in on the discussions to sign Tebow.

Tebow worked out only at quarterback during the two practices.

Brady thought for a moment when asked how he would feel if he had to come off the field if Belichick wanted to use a play designed for Tebow, a good runner.

Replacing one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks with one who couldn’t take playing time away from a struggling Mark Sanchez with the Jets last year is highly unlikely.

Tebow, of course, has accomplished much less than Brady. But he also brings a dimension that Kraft likes.