49ers prepare for ‘Tebow package'

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- There was no plan this week to write about the New York Jets' backup quarterback.After all, I don't remember ever writing about a backup quarterback on a team facing the 49ers when the starter's job was not in immediate doubt.When reporters who cover the 49ers had Jets coach Rex Ryan and quarterback Mark Sanchez on separate conference calls this week, there was not one mention of media darling Tim Tebow.But, then, 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ruined it.Fangio was asked Thursday a general question about the preparing for the Jets. In his answer, he mentioned all the different personnel packages for which the 49ers must prepare.He concluded: "They'll give you the Tebow package, which you have to prepare for, so theyre very multiple."Tebow, a 46.5-percent passer last season with the Denver Broncos, is much more effective as a runner.He gained 660 yards and six touchdowns rushing last season for the Broncos, who won the AFC West and pulled out a playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In three games with the Jets, who acquired him in an offseason trade, Tebow has been on the field for 24 offensive snaps and 17 special-teams plays. Tebow is averaging 5.4 yards a rushing attempt. He has not attempted a pass.So does the "Tebow package" pose any real threat to the 49ers?"Well, you have to take it very serious because they'll play him some in there and it's more like it gets back to the college-type offense where there's the gun read," Fangio said. "The quarterback runs where he fakes it and then keeps it and it's just a quarterback power. It's an everyday power, but it's with the 11th guy on the field not the 10th. So you do have to prepare for it."Linebacker Patrick Willis, who has not missed any practice time this week after leaving Sunday's game late with a right ankle sprain, said he watched some Tebow film from last season to help him prepare against the Jets."We know he's had some success running that in Denver, and I think they've run that a few times this year," Willis said. "So it's something we're preparing for, but mostly prepare for their offense, as a whole."We don't know if they're going to try to incorporate a lot of it or use it a little bit. Whatever they decide to do, we're going to be prepared for it."