Tim Tebow struggles as Chad Pennington watches

Chad Pennington attended Jets practice Tuesday, and gave a thumbs-up to the idea of Tim Tebow running the Wildcat.

The former Jets quarterback, who ran the formation when playing under new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano in Miami, told reporters of the importance of having a competent backup at the quarterback position in the injury-laden NFL.

But on the field, Tebow was proving to be anything but that - going just 2-of-9 during drills Tuesday morning, an unhappy way to celebrate his 25th birthday. He was also sacked twice, and outshone by starter Mark Sanchez, who went 10-of-20 in the same period.

Perhaps as a birthday present from the Jets, Tebow was not scheduled to speak with the media Tuesday.

While running the Wildcat, however, even Tebow at his worst would be more than a capable enough passer to keep defenses honest, something Pennington said would be a big advantage for the Jets.

"Obviously Tim adds another threat with the ability to do the zone-read concept as well as being able to throw," Pennington said. "Now they always have to have a free safety in the middle of the field because of the threat of the pass."