Lost in the Tebowmania is that fact that Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie went back to the future at the goal line during the game-winning touchdown, conjuring images of his matador routine when facing the Jets as a member of the Chargers in the 2009 postseason.
Widely criticized for twice making no effort to make contact with Jets running back Shonn Greene during what turned out to be Cromartie’s final game in San Diego, Cromartie had a chance to separate from a block by Broncos receiver Eric Decker and try to tackle Tim Tebow short of the goal line.
But Cromartie wanted no part of Tebow.
It’s hard to blame him. A stationary Cromartie likely wouldn’t have been able to keep Tebow, who was running with a full head of steam, out of the end zone.
But watch the play. It looks like Cromartie made no effort at all to separate from Decker and make contact with Tebow. In fact, the cablecam angle seems to suggest that Cromartie was holding onto Decker’s arms until Tebow was in the end zone.
It’s not nearly as glaring as Cromartie’s effort (or lack thereof) against the Jets two years ago. But it sure looks like Cromartie shied away from getting blasted by a 245-pound Bronco bull.