That plus his numerous last minute "pulling victory out of the jaws of defeat" record last year. New York won't care so much about the 'born again" stuff if he doesn't win.
He's in a pretty good position with the Jets. Sanchez did not exactly light things up, nor did he step up and be a recognized leader. If the Jets play like they did last year, Tebow has a chance to come in and make things happen (especially in a situation where the Jets are trailing and have nothing to lose by loosening up and playing practice football).
But Tebow is Tebow and he is a typical feel good story that fits in nicely with the American public. And for him, if he falls off the face of the planet, or his NFL career sizzles out, it will not tarnish his reputation because he really didn't have much of a reputation to begin with.
Who knows, he may end up in the CFL!