Tony coming out of Eastern Illinois instead of the SEC certainly was part of the reason he sat.
Also the fact that few coaches (other than maybe George Allen) have ever preferred old, veteran QBs more than Parcells.
Tony for sure wasn't ready his 1st year, but after that he may have grown into the position quite well. 3rd stringers get almost zero reps during the season, practice or real.
Ideally, he would've become the starter after 2 years sitting, and would've never been a special teams holder while starting. lol