Jets News: Are Tim Tebow and New York Headed for a Last Place Finish in the AFC East?

A year ago, the Jets were considered one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

On the heels of two AFC Championship appearances, New York and Mark Sanchez seemed to be on the verge of taking the next step, and winning a championship. But after a disappointing 8-8 season, the Jets are one of just two teams without a win in the 2012 preseason.

The addition of Tim Tebow hasn't helped to bolster the team's offense. While new offensive coordinator Tony Sporano has yet to use him in the Wildcat offense during the exhibition games, the quarterback has had little success, even against opposing third-string defenses.

If the Jets don't improve by the time the regular season starts in less than two weeks, it could be a rough season for Gang Green. New York is considered to be a fringe playoff team, with an over/under win total of 8.5 games at most sportsbooks.

Could the Jets be on their way to a last place finish in the AFC East?

New York's biggest issue, since Rex Ryan became the head coach, has been its ability to score. Ryan is considered to be a defensive expert, but hasn't been able to help the Jets be more than an average offensive team.

This preseason, New York has been the worst offensive team in the NFL. They are the first team in 35 years to go without a touchdown in their first three preseason games.

With the addition of Tebow, New York thought it had strengthened its quarterback position. The Jets signal callers, however, have been unable to find success in the preseason.

Sanchez has completed 24 of 35 passes, but has still had a hard time moving the ball down the field. He's thrown for just 203 yards and two interceptions.

Tebow has been even worse.

The former Bronco has the worst completion percentage of any quarterback that has completed at least one pass. At 13-36, Tebow has thrown for 151 yards and two interceptions. He's also run for 84 yards.

While the Jets quarterbacks have played poorly, they haven't had much help around them. Sanchez and Tebow have been sacked a combined 13 times, behind one of the worst offensive lines in the entire league.

General manager Mike Tannenbaum failed to find a replacement for struggling right tackle Wayne Hunter. He also left the Jets with a weak receiving corps. Santonio Holmes, the team's top wide out, ended last year with just 654 receiving yards.

The Jets still have a talented defensive unit, but it's no longer one of the bets in the NFL. New York was 20th in the league last year, allowing 22.7 points per game. That number will have to improve if they want to win with a subpar offense.

The Patriots are the class of the AFC East, and are many experts' pick to reach the Super Bowl. The Bills are improved from years past, and could surprise with a playoff berth.

New York might end up battling Miami to stay out of the basement in the division. The Dolphins are led by a rookie quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, and aren't expected to make a postseason run.

However, if the Jets don't fix their offensive problems, a team that was once considered to be the class of the AFC could be looking at a last place finish.