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Tim Tebow not ready for prime time

Commish — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:02:24 GMT

Kyle Orton has been named the Broncos' No. 1 quarterback. Where does Tim Tebow go from here?

From ESPN.com: http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/6846531/tim-tebow-not-ready-prime-time

The irony is not lost on the city of Denver that John Elway is judging a QB controversy between Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow. This is like Heidi Klum judging a bikini contest at a fat farm.

Doesn't matter anyway. It's over. Orton won by the kind of margin Kim Jong Il wins elections. If it had been a pee wee basketball game, they'd have turned the scoreboard off.

You knew Orton won if you attended the intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at Mile High Who The Hell Ever Heard of Invesco Stadium. Orton was poised, sharp and studied. He would've been 7-for-7 if it weren't for two drops and some clumsy sideline footwork by receiver Eric Decker.

Tebow, meanwhile, looked like a man being chased by bees. He barely got off a pass (1-for-3) and was sacked three times. Nice kid, sincere as a first kiss, but he's not ready yet, might never be ready. Somebody alert the Filipino missionaries. If he doesn't improve, he might be among them sooner than we thought.

The Heisman Trophy winner looks stiff under center. Most quarterbacks go snap-step-step-step-throw. Tebow goes snap-step-step-step-think-ponder-think-some-more-finally-decide-throw-three-feet-behind-the-receiver.

If his first read is covered, he needs a Garmin. He drops his arm as if he wants to run, then thinks better of it. He doesn't quite understand the coverages yet anyway. And when he finally does decide, he's late getting it off. He seems flustered, and it screws up his accuracy. He's much better in the shotgun, but in the NFL you need to have the threat of a run, and the shotgun gives you none.

"The Tebow Thing" is as dead as the Volkswagen Thing. Orton is No. 1 by three city blocks, as the Broncos confirmed with their depth chart Monday: (1) Orton, (2) Tebow, (3) Brady Quinn.

It's the only choice Denver could make. The entire locker room wants Orton. In the NFL, you have to start the guy the players think they can win behind. They see. They watch film. They know what's working. "If they picked Tebow now," said a source within the team, "the coaching staff would totally lose the players."

The other way you know it's over is that Orton is talking to Tebow again. He didn't talk to him all last year. He told people it was because Tebow was a "rookie," but it was more than that. Tebow, ever gracious, kept talking with reporters every day. A lot of the players thought he should've stopped, in deference to the starter, Orton, who was getting scrums one-tenth the size.

Anyway, this lockout crushed Tebow. He's such a hard worker that he would've been at Bronco headquarters every day in the offseason, learning coverages, working on his three-step drop, soaking up every word new coach John Fox uttered. But instead, he reported to camp in fantastic shape physically but still flabby technically.

"He's a great young man who is really working hard," says team president Elway, whose team will visit the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. "But he didn't get an offseason to work on [playing from the pocket]. He didn't get much of that in college. And it's a completely different thing than the shotgun. Plus, he's only had the one season. But he's an amazing football player. I'd never give up on Tim Tebow."

Me, either. In fact, if I were playing in a streetball game where the losing team has to move permanently to a time-share in Kabul, I'd take Tebow every time.

"One of the unique things about Tim is that he has that unique ability to make something happen when the play breaks down," Elway says. "That gives him a great advantage there … but you have to win games from the pocket in this league. You can't rely on your improvising. That's one thing I learned. I was always going to make those plays outside the pocket, but that can't be your bread and butter."

Wait, what? That WAS your bread and butter!

"Well, OK, I guess we got to three Super Bowls that way, but you don't WIN Super Bowls that way. I learned that the hard way."

Anyway, none of this is as interesting to Elway as Denver's newfound pass rush. It didn't have one last year, finishing dead last in the NFL in sacks. This new one stars DE Elvis (Doom) Dumervil, who showed up at camp at 260 pounds and more cut than Michelangelo's David, and No. 2-overall choice LB Von Miller, both of whom looked unblockable in the scrimmage.

"I just feel bad for Orlando Franklin," says Elway of Denver's second-round pick, an offensive lineman from the University of Miami. "He gets to camp, and he's got to stare across the line at Miller and Dumervil every day. Not easy."

So what should we expect of a team that went 4-12 last season and finished the 2009 season with a 2-8 run, part of the Era That Dare Not Speak Its Name, when owner Pat Bowlen turned the team over to a hooded high school brat named Josh McDaniels?

What if I offered you an over-under of six wins?

"I'd be very, very disappointed if we weren't over six," Elway grumbled.

What about eight?

"Well, remember, we have the third-hardest schedule in the league. … But we're going to have a better defense this year. And when you have a good defense, the crowd noise really gets up. But you've got to make stops. Because when the crowd is screaming their heads off for 'dee-fense' and you never get any stops, they stop screaming. They kind of go, 'Why are we screaming if you never stop anybody?'"

This is where Tebow comes in.

He'll be a wonderful cheerleader.

Daily Show’s John Oliver Hates Tim Tebow Like He Hates Bin Laden

Commish — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:00:00 GMT

From SportsGrid.com: http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/daily-shows-john-oliver-hates-tim-tebow-like-he-hates-bin-laden-video/

People either love or hate Tim Tebow and his chaste ways. Some people think Tebow is Damian. Some people think Tebow is a guiding light.

Then there’s Daily Show correspondent and comedian John Oliver, who in this clip explains that he devoutly despises Tebow, the Denver Broncos rookie quarterback.

Here’s Oliver’s routine, in case you can’t watch the video (or need to be convinced to):

“I dislike Robert Mugabe. I hate Tim Tebow. If I was in a room with Tim Tebow and Bin Laden and I had a gun with one bullet in it, I’d shoot Bin Laden. I’m not a monster. But if I had two bullets–I’d shoot Tim Tebow first.

“How dare you thank God before thanking your offensive line…If I was an offensive lineman for Tim Tebow and I heard him thank god instead of thanking me at the end of the game I’d find myself lining up for the following game and say ‘oh Tim I heard your press conference at the end of the game last week, great to hear Jesus get a shoutout. Wasn’t he fantastic for us? Wasn’t God great, especially in that fourth quarter?”

I guess Oliver isn’t a Hanes guy, either.

Tebow Game-Worn Jersey...what, only $10,000?!

Commish — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:24:00 GMT

From JoSportsCo.com: http://josportsco.com/view_product.asp?ProductID=5178

Looking for a nice piece of overpriced Tim Tebow memorabilia? Listed on JoSportsCo.com is one game-worn jersey going for a mere $10,000. It is from the Broncos regular season game again the Indianapolis Colts on September 26, 2010. Keep in mind this is game-worn, not game used as Tim Tebow did not take a snap this game. It is one bench ridden game jersey. I would'nt pay $10,000 for a Joe Montana game-worn jersey let alone this pine rider. Or, if you were a Broncos fan (good luck with that), for $10,000 you could buy a game-used Kyle Orton ($2,500), Champ Bailey ($2,500) , Brandon Marshall ($1,250), Correll Buckhalter ($1,000), Laurence Maroney ($1,500 - no weed included), and Jabar Gaffney ($750) game-used jerseys and still have $500 left over.

Tim Tebow Minutia: Tebow Affiliated With Furniture Row

Commish — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:31:00 GMT

From SBNation.com: http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-broncos/2010/10/29/1782024/tim-tebow-endorsement-furniture-row-denver-broncos

In news everyone has been waiting to hear, Denver Broncos backup quarterback Tim Tebow has signed an endorsement deal with Furniture Row, the Denver Post reports:

Tebow, the backup quarterback to Kyle Orton, has signed a multifaceted agreement with Furniture Row companies Sofa Mart, Oak Express, Bedroom Expressions and Denver Mattress Co.

As part of the new relationship, Furniture Row will provide consultation, interior-design services and furnishings for Tebow's rented home in the Buell Mansion neighborhood.

Tebow also has endorsement deals with Jockey and Nike. With Nike, Tebow had shoes debut in August and then sell out in five minutes. Is there another NFL player who has as many endorsement deals as Tebow does but fails to see the field for the majority of the game? Right now Tebow must be the most hyped player sitting on the bench for the majority of the game.

Just imagine what kind of deals he could get once he becomes a starting quarterback in the NFL and succeeds. Or maybe he'll turn those deals down, since he's that kind of guy.

The Almighty Tim Tebow Blesses Broncos with TD

Commish — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:11:00 GMT

From ThePigskinDoctors.com: http://thepigskindoctors.com/2010/10/tim-tebow-update-scores-first-nfl-touchdown/

Tebow-fever is about to get cranked up as the 2-3 Denver Broncos turn to Tim Tebow to look for ways to energize their offense. Tebow is being shuffled more into the offense in their home game against the New York Jets this weekend and the move has already proved beneficial.

Tebow lined up in the shotgun format and ran 5 yards to the right for a score than evened the game at 7-7. Kyle Orton did start for the Broncos at QB and Tebow is being used in special packages for Denver’s offense. It’s technically Tebow’s first NFL touchdown but he did get banged up in preseason with this little score. But since preseason doesn’t count, Tebow had to wait until now to get his TD.

Tim Tebow Will Be Face Of Jockey Underwear

Commish — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:47:00 GMT

From HuffingtonPost.com: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/27/tim-tebow-will-be-new-fac_n_660787.html

As the Broncos' prepare to open training camp, the team's veterans may have a little extra hazing ammo with which to to hit rookie quarterback Tim Tebow. That's because the charismatic first-round pick just signed on to a multi-year deal to be a spokesman for Jockey underwear.

According to a press release from Jockey, Tebow will "work with several of Jockey's lines, including the Jockey "Staycool" collection, which launches in spring 2011. Tebow will be featured in Jockey's catalog, TV and print advertisements and on jockey.com."

Tebow, whose Jersey has led the NFL in sales since the Broncos picked him in the first round of the NFL draft, has been sought after as a spokesman since joining the team.

In May, Tebow said that he had already turned down 7-figure endorsement deals because they he thought they may be a distraction from football.

Nike signs Tim Tebow

Commish — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:59:00 GMT

From NBCSports.com: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/05/nike-signs-tim-tebow/

Tim Tebow won’t have an NFL contract for a few more months, but he has a major endorsement deal.

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that Tebow, the Heisman Trophy-winning Florida quarterback, has signed a shoe and apparel deal with Nike that will pay him just under $300,000 a year at minimum, with incentives that could earn him significantly more than that.

Whether you think Tebow will be a star or a flop in the NFL, there’s not much doubt that this is a smart business move for Nike. Tebow has an extraordinarily large fan base — maybe the largest fan base that any college football player has ever had at the time he’s entering the NFL. Even if Tebow’s NFL career consists mostly of standing on a sideline holding a clipboard, there will be plenty of fans who will want to purchase any shoes and apparel that Tebow endorses.

After all, if hundreds of people will line up to spend $160 on Tebow’s autograph, it stands to reason that quite a few will be willing to spend quite a bit on Tebow’s shoes as well.

Tim Tebow Says He Has Turned Down 'Seven-Figure' Endorsement Deals

Commish — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:30:00 GMT

From HuffingtonPost.com: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/13/tim-tebow-says-he-has-tur_n_575761.html

When the Broncos shocked the NFL by taking Tim Tebow in the first round of last month's NFL draft, the one certainty for Broncos fans was that the former Heisman Trophy winner would give the team its most marketable player since John Elway.

Thus far, Tebow has not disappointed. The former Florida Gator led the entire NFL in jersey sales for the month of April, and has landed deals with Nike and EA sports.

Now, Tebow is saying he's actually turned down several seven-figure deals because he thought they would be a distraction from football.

"I'm trying to work hard and not get my mind cluttered with all that," Tebow told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "When it gets to the point when something needs to be presented to me, I see it. Right now, it's all ball for me."

Prior to being drafted, The Davie-Brown Index, an independent marketing research tool, found Tebow to be more appealing and more of a trendsetter than New England's Tom Brady, Minnesota's Brett Favre and Dallas' Tony Romo despite concerns over whether he can be a successful NFL quarterback.

Tim Tebow demoted to No. 3 in Denver

Commish — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:06:27 GMT

Tim Tebow is now the Broncos’ third string quarterback. Tim Tebow was bumped down to third string on Sunday after initial hopes that Tebow could sit at the second string for the team. Earlier in September, Tebow was designated Broncos’ backup for Kyle Orton. At the time Adam Shefter had reported that the Broncos had an offensive plan in plan when Tebow played to draw from his skills.

Brady Quinn was active on Sunday as Kyle Orton's backup. It was a little strange that Tebow wasn't active as at least a running option with running back Knowshon Moreno hurt.

Tebow had been the No. 2 quarterback in each of the first two weeks, with Brady Quinn leapfrogging the rookie for backup duty this last week.

Coach Josh McDaniels said that Tim Tebow's demotion to emergency third quarterback was based on last week's practices.

Tebow has said he had made changes to his game. But those changes were apparently not enough to get picked over Quinn. “It’s not like it feels awkward to me now. I’m excited about the changes I’ve made.”

Trey Burton breaks Tim Tebow's record by scoring six touchdowns for Florida

Commish — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:51:00 GMT

From USAToday.com: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/09/trey-burton-breaks-tim-tebows-record-by-scoring-six-touchdowns-for-florida/1

Florida realized it would miss Tim Tebow after the former Heisman Trophy winner departed for the NFL. But for a night, at least, the Gators found someone just as good statistically.

Gators freshman backup quarterback-receiver Trey Burton scored six touchdowns, five on runs and a sixth on a pass reception, to break Tebow's school record in a 48-14 win against Kentucky. Tebow had five touchdowns in the Gators' 2007 game against South Carolina, his Heisman Trophy season.

He became the first SEC player to score six touchdowns in one game since Cadillac Williams in 2003 vs. Mississippi State. Burton is the fourth player in SEC history to score at least six TDs in one contest.

"Trey Burton was fantastic. ... There were a lot of great players that played in this stadium and he broke some records,'' Gators coach Urban Meyer said.

Meyer said Florida coaches had, "No idea what we had'' until Burton arrived on campus. "He's the kind of guy you just feel comfortable with because he picks it up,'' Meyer said.

Burton had only five carries for 40 yards - scoring every time he carried the ball. He also had five receptions for 37 yards.

Tim Tebow not subbing for Kyle Orton

Commish — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:29:00 GMT

From ESPN.com: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5570755

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Broncos fans wishing to see more of Tim Tebow might get more of the same instead.

Denvercoach Josh McDaniels said Monday that he's not planning to use his rawrookie quarterback much differently than he did in his NFL debut Sunday,when the former Florida star was on the field for just three snaps in a24-17 loss at Jacksonville.

The college football icon, who grewup in Jacksonville, entered on the third play and gained a yard on aquarterback keeper on first-and-10, something he'd do again in thesecond quarter after lining up once at wide receiver.

Even when Tebow did go in, starting quarterback Kyle Orton stayed on the field and relayed the plays given to him through his headset, and McDaniels said he'd like to keep it that way.

Eventhough Orton said his rhythm wasn't affected by sharing a couple ofsnaps here and there, McDaniels downplayed the notion of a straightsubstitution of his starting quarterback and his first-round draft pick.

"Idon't think I have any desire to do that with Kyle coming off thefield, coming on the field, coming off," McDaniels said. "I don't thinkthat's really something that we're looking to do much of. Like I saidyesterday after the game, I think our quarterback played pretty well. Ithink he will play well. [I have] great confidence in his ability toexecute what we're doing."

The prevailing wisdom heading into thisseason was that McDaniels, who stunned the league by selecting Tebowwith the 25th overall pick in the draft six months ago, would capitalizeon the three-time All-American's pass-run option talents by using himin third-and-short or red-zone situations.

That didn't happen in the opener.

TheBroncos feel so good about Orton's progress in his second year in thissystem -- and maybe equally cautious about Tebow's long road ahead --that they rewarded Orton with a contract extension through 2011 lastmonth.

Orton was masterful Sunday until the fourth quarter, when he threw a fourth-down pass that Brandon Lloyd couldn't quite come down with in the end zone and then got picked off on his final drive in the closing seconds.

McDaniels said he would have used Tebow more had his carries been more productive.

"Itwas just a portion of the game plan that we wanted to go ahead and putin there. If it gave us some benefits, great. We threw a pass or two outof it, completed them. A couple of runs, didn't do much with those,"McDaniels said. "And again, going into the game we didn't have it as asignificant portion of what we were going to do, we'd just see how itaffected them and if it gave us some positive plays, we stay in itlonger and if it didn't, we didn't."

The Jaguars weren't fooled atall, and both times that Tebow got the snap, he didn't run overlinebackers like he did in college, but got hammered at the line ofscrimmage.

Defensive end Aaron Kampman said the Jaguars were "very prepared" for Tebow's snaps.

His first run was stuffed by defensive tackle Tyson Alualu,the Jaguars' first-round draft pick and the target of some ire amongJacksonville fans who thought taking their hometown hero would have beena wiser choice for a franchise that struggles to sell out games.

McDanielsis taking some heat for inserting Tebow into the drives he did. Bothtimes Tebow took the snap after the Broncos had just made big plays, butboth drives later stalled.

Orton said Tebow's presence didn'taffect his rhythm, however, suggesting he could sit in the stands for aplay, come back and keep right on rolling.

And after Tebow's first run, Orton completed a 13-yard pass. After his second, a 6-yarder.

Notably,Orton's five pass plays of 25 yards or more were the most of anyquarterback who played Sunday. They included passes that went 36, 27 and27 yards in the air -- in stark contrast to last season when two bumankles altered his mechanics and prevented him from properly steppinginto his throws, preventing McDaniels from calling many deep passes.

McDaniels said it's not just a matter of health but habit, with Orton having worked more with speedsters Lloyd, Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney this spring and summer.

The Broncos, however, no longer have Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall to create matchup problems once they get inside the 20, and Demaryius Thomas,their top draft pick who packs 229 pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame, wasinactive Sunday after missing most of camp with a foot injury.

Thomastold The Associated Press on Monday that he's still dealing with painand feels like he's still at least a couple of weeks away from beingable to return to the field.

Orton was 1 for 4 in the red zone with an 8-yard TD toss to Gaffney, all with Tebow watching attentively from the sideline.

As for his first taste of the NFL, Tebow was pleased if hardly satisfied.

"Togo out there and run on the field a few times and get a few plays wasfun," he said. "It was a learning opportunity for me, an opportunity toget better."

Beating Up on Tebow in Jacksonville

Commish — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:24:00 GMT

From NYTimes.com: http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/beating-up-on-tebow-in-jacksonville/

The Jaguars had a sellout for their opener on Sunday, the crowd boosted by the presence of the Broncos rookie Tim Tebow, who played high school football and college football nearby. While Tebow’s No. 15 jersey — in both Broncos and Florida Gators blue — was the most popular one in the rarely filled stands, the one he actually wore barely got dirty.

Tebow took the field for three plays, twice getting stuffed on inside runs and once lining up, implausibly, as a wide receiver. When a thunderstorm stopped the game for 33 minutes in the second half, the Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, who had needled Tebow on Twitter all afternoon, noted: “Game is temporarily delayed for lightning. God is apparently unhappy Tebow is not playing more.”

With a recent history of middling attendance and TV blackouts, not to mention whispers of a possible move to Los Angeles, the Jaguars are well aware of how important it is to sell tickets and to win games this season.

They did both on Sunday, but seemed to go about it in a strange way. It certainly struck a few Tebow admirers as odd when the Jaguars’ mascot manhandled a Tebow impersonator on the field before the game.

From the Tebow’s Eye Black blog:

If you weren’t at the game you may not know that as part of the pregame festivities the Jaguars’ mascot kicked around a guy in a Tebow jersey and then the Jags’ teal men dragged him off the field. Later in the game the Jags’ mascot shoved a cake in #15’s face.

Nothing like drawing thousands of new fans, including children who look up to Tebow, to their first Jaguars game and then making fun of him all day — while he doesn’t play.

What’s next: Make Fun of Steve Spurrier’s Visor night?

Tebow a non-factor in hometown debut with Broncos

Commish — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:11:00 GMT

From Reuters.com: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68C01920100913

(Reuters) - Tim Tebow's NFL career began in his hometown Sunday, the much vaunted quarterback returning to Florida in the colours of the Denver Broncos and while he played little, he was the center of attention.

Named the backup to Kyle Orton, Tebow took part in just two plays as quarterback against the Jacksonville Jaguars, running the ball a yard on each occasion, the first coming on just the third play of the game.

The former University of Florida standout and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, who also lined up once as a wide receiver but was unused on the play, said his debut was a learning process.

"I had the opportunity to listen to the coaches, and watch Kyle out there and to be on the field and see it first hand and just try to take everything in," he told a group of reporters who surrounded him as he left the locker room and largely ignored his more experienced team mates.

"Obviously I'm competitive and I love playing games, I love being out there but for me right now, it is about learning, I am just trying to improve every day."

In a tight game, won by the Jaguars with a fourth-quarter touchdown, it was not surprising that Bronco's head coach Josh McDaniels chose not to risk his rookie more.

McDaniels said using Tebow to run the ball was a strategy he might have used more if it had delivered results.

"It is part of the game plan. If it gives you an advantage, then great, if it doesn't then you don't use it too much more and we didn't," he said.

Tebow's contribution on the field may have been limited but there was no doubt the debut of one of the most talked about rookies in years helped spike attendance by 14,000 over last season's average in Jacksonville.

It was clear that a large number of the 63,000 fans had arrived to see Tebow, the son of two evangelical Christian missionaries, take his first steps in the professional game after winning two national titles while playing in university about 70 miles away from Jacksonville.

Broncos jerseys with Tebow's name were worn by spectators, including some who confirmed they were not supporters of the Broncos but were just admirers of the rookie quarterback.

"I'm a Tebow fan. I like the way he lives. I like his testimony, I like the way he takes care of his business and that he is a humble person," said Jerry Crews from nearby Macclenny.

The clean-cut Tebow may have dominated in college football but there have been no shortage of pundits predicting failure for him in the more physically and tactically demanding NFL.

"He has tried to change that passing motion, if he changes that well enough to release the ball quicker, he can do pretty good I think, it will take time to adjust but he can do it," said University of Florida fan, Matthew Cameron. "He is great for football, he is a good person and a role model."

Week 1: Jaguars - Tim Tebow is coming to town. Who cares.

Commish — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:09:00 GMT

From BigCatCountry.com: http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/7/1674454/tim-tebow-is-coming-to-town-who

No, seriously; who cares?

Is Denver excited about Luke McCown?

I guess I should not be surprised by the fanfare and excitement for a back up player coming into this Sunday's football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos. I guess I had too much faith in people being realistic.

It shouldn't, but it really irks me when people talk about how important Sunday's game is and bring up Tim Tebow. It irks me when reporters ask the Jaguars players about Tebow and all the fans in the stands, and I hope the players find it insulting and play with a chip because of it. Sunday's football game is very important, but Tim Tebow doesn't tip the importance scale the slightest as far as I'm concerned.

Take a hard look at the picture for this article, because if you're one of the people super excited to see Tebow on Sunday, you'll see a lot of that. Talking to the other guys on the sideline who aren't starters and aren't playing.

As I mentioned, Sunday's game is important for the Jacksonville Jaguars. It will likely be in front of a sell-out crowd, as the game has already officially been declared a non-blackout. It's important because a team wants to start out 1-0, not 0-1. A team wants to start out 1-0when they have the schedule Jacksonville has, especially.

After week one, the Jaguars fly out to the west coast where they scored a grand total of 3 points last season in two trips, combined, to face the San Diego Chargers. After that, the Jaguars fly back home to Jacksonville to play the Philadelphia Eagles and then play host to the Indianapolis Colts.Starting out in the hole for the Jaguars could potentially de-rail the season. It's unrealistic to expect the Jaguars to come out of that four game stretch unscathed, but starting out 1-0 will ease the damage.Starting out 0-1 however, could send this football team into a tailspin.

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom, but the reality of the situation is the Jaguars could start out with any combination of wins and losses in the first four games and I wouldn't be surprised. That's how much of a wildcard this football team is. I could see them going 3-1(until they beat the Colts consistently, I assume them losses) and I could see them going 0-4. I tend to think it will wind up in the middle,at 2-2, so you can call me a fence sitter if you want but I'm just being honest.

The only thing I'm interested in seeing Sunday in regards to Tim Tebow, is how all these new "Broncos" fans are going to react as the game goes. If they're Bronco's fans and Orton struggles, do they turn on him and call for Tim? If Orton is successful and makes big plays, are they going to cheer and get excited even though that means a longer bench term for Tim? I'm almost tempted to opt out of the press box this Sunday and sit in my normal seats just to see this dynamic unfold, it will be like watching a car accident.

Tim Tebow has no importance on this football game. He'll likely play only a few snaps in some gimmick plays, if at all. Everyone wants to write the story about how Tebow could have saved the Jaguars in Jacksonville. Tebow wouldn't have saved anything, the only thing that will save football in Jacksonville is winning football games. That's why this first game is going to be important, to get the team on the right foot. It could take a big blow to some of the fan base with a loss, but not because the loss came from the team Tebow is on, because of the loss after all of the fan build up and support.

Plus, we already know what happens in the "what if" story of Tyson Alualu going against Tim Tebow. It's a sack fumble, we saw it in the Senior Bowl.

Turning point: Tebow’s turnovers

Commish — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:53:00 GMT

From Scout.com: http://min.scout.com/2/998414.html

Tim Tebow’s passing stats don’t look too bad, but most of Denver’s turnovers happened on Tebow’s watch and kept the Vikings in the game despite offensive struggles.

The final preseason game, for the most part, is meaningless to most players who will be factors during the 2010 season. The Vikings thought so little of the game that they benched 20 of their 22 starters. But for one player, Thursday’s game had much more significance than just about anyone else and the results were far less than anticipated.

Denver first-round draft pick, Tim Tebow, was expected to put in a strong performance, but it was numerous mistakes that he made in the first half that turned a lackluster Vikings performance on offense into the turning point of the game.

The Vikings struggled badly in the first half to get any sort of offense generated, but it was Denver shooting itself in the foot offensively that kept the game from being a lopsided lead for the Broncos and most of the problems were the direct result of Tebow mistakes.

After two drives by the Broncos with Kyle Orton at the wheel, Tebow came in and had a disastrous first play. He fumbled the first snap and inadvertently kicked the ball. It rolled to Erin Henderson, who scooped up the ball in stride and raced 35 yards for a touchdown. At a time when the Vikings were looking for their initial first down of the game, the score was tied 7-7.

“I can’t let that happen. I’ve got to get a hold of it and do something better with it than that,” Tebow said.

On his second drive, Tebow got the Broncos moving, but the drive again ended badly. Locked onto his target downfield, Tebow tried to throw a bomb down the seam but was intercepted by Tyrell Johnson, who brought the pick back 41 yards to the Denver 24-yard line. The Vikings would kick a field goal on the first play of the second quarter to take a 10-7 lead while still getting very little in the way of production from the offense.

“You’ve just got to have a short memory, forget about it and just try to rally the troops and get better from there,” Tebow said.

The third and fourth drives for Tebow ended up with the same result, although this time it wasn’t Tebow’s fault. Starting at his own 20-yard line, Tebow drove Denver to the Vikings 35. On a poorly executed screen pass to rookie tight end Marquez Branson, cornerback DeAndre Wright shot through a gap and jarred the ball loose. Rookie Everson Griffen recovered the ball and killed the drive. On the fourth drive with Tebow at the helm, running back Bruce Hall was hit by Jasper Brinkley and Colt Anderson and fumbled. Henderson recovered it again, setting up the Vikings offense on the Denver 6-yard line, where they would score to take a 17-7 lead.

On his final drive of the half, Tebow drove the Broncos to the Vikings 19-yard line, but Hall was stuffed on a fourth-down run to turn the ball over with a minute to play in the half.

While Denver would rally in the second half, perhaps the most important person in Thursday’s game was Tebow. There were high expectations for him coming into the game. As it ended – with four turnovers and turning the ball over on downs on his first five drives – Tebow did little to inspire confidence in his coaching staff and teammates, creating a self-destructive turning point.

I've Had Enough of Tim Tebow

Commish — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:08:00 GMT

From BleacherReport.com: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/448368-ive-had-enough-of-time-tebow

I remember the day even now.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009: the annual football game between LSU and Florida, a bloodbath in the Deep South that involved two victory-hungry fan bases and enough pro prospects to field a full NFL team. There is a distinct possibility that all 11 of Florida's defensive starters that day will be playing in the NFL in the next three years.

And all of that was forgotten for one man—Tim Tebow.

Tebow has won two National Championships as quarterback for Floridato go along with being the first-ever sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He was home-schooled and grew up in a significantly religious family. His father is a powerful spiritual leader for an Evangelical church, and Tebow himself is famous for his pilgrimages to various prisons and developing countries to help the impoverished and influence people to join his church.

It is often the case in sports today that ESPN chooses who our sports heroes are far us: Pittsburgh Penguins' forward Sidney Crosby,basketball players LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and Kobe Bryant, the members of the New York Yankees, and Tim Tebow.

Although Tebow is a good player, it is always odd to see him getting the accolades and praise that he receives. In the July 27, 2009 issue of Sports Illustrated, he was pictured on the cover with a determined scowl on his face. The article inside was headlined, "You Gotta Love Tim Tebow," and consisted of a passionate love letter to the man.

His connection to God is normal, but to see someone flaunt it at every possible turn is nauseating: his comments about how he is waiting for God to tell him who to vote for in the 2008 presidential election;making it very public that he is a virgin—despite the fact that his alleged girlfriend could possibility bring the Internet to a stand still if she ever became famous; declining a spot on the Playboy All-American team because of the misogynist nature of the magazine—and then being photographed shirtless in GQ a couple months later.

When Florida played Kentucky last year, cameras caught Tebow screaming red-faced at his offensive line. He was jumping up and down,pumping his arms, getting right in their faces. Broadcasters referred to the moment as "Tebow pumping his team up. He's a leader, he's telling them to get going."

The next day, the Buffalo Bills lost to the New Orleans Saints by double digits in which Terrell Owens goes without a catch. Both men havesimilar reactions, yet it's Owens who gets blasted later on the post game recaps.

Tebow, ever since he first chose to play his amateur football at UF,has been the most talked about athlete by a wide margin, even though his skill set and style of play leave him little hope for success as the pro level.

He has no significant college passing records—a large amount of SEC records, though—and spent the first month of every college year dominating D-II schools. He was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos, who apparently decided to draft their player based on character rather then on skill level.

His play for Denver this preseason has been about average. People would rather talk about him and ignore the outstanding improvements of fellow QB, Kyle Orton.

His supporter's chalk him up as a selfless individual, but he is known as a scrambling quarterback, a selfish quality that has doomed the pro careers of Akili Smith, Michael Vick, and Vince Young.

The greatness of Tim Tebow is as false as any politician running for office. His trips to the deepest and darkest southern hemisphere prisons to lecture inmates about God are as false as Sean Penn bringing photographers with him to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina so his"acts of kindness" could be aired all over the world.

ESPN analysts tell glowing remarks about his character. They are as lame as Fox News reporters preaching conservative ideals, or Bill Maher discussing Barack Obama like he's some 21st century prophet. It's not a bad thing to think of Tebow as a great quarterback, but he doesn't deserve to be called one.

Radio Station Launches Campaign To “Get Tim Tebow Laid”

Commish — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:26:00 GMT

From SportsGrid.com: http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/radio-station-campaign-to-get-tim-tebow-laid/

A radio station in Orlando has launched a campaign to “Get Tim Tebow Laid.” WJRR’s website has posted a video of a girl named Tiffany, who presumably works at the station, announcing she’s on a quest to snatch the quarterback’s famously guarded virginity.

“I hear he has a purity ring,” she says. “And he’s definitely a virgin.Even though everybody says he’s not, I can see it in his eyes. That boyneeds some action.”

Oh, also: “I’m gonna rub that bald head of yours.”

Bam. Gauntlet thrown down. Tebow has until the middle of next monthto give up the goods, or else they will apparently be taken by force.

“I’m sure there’s girls that want it, but I’m gonna take it. You haveuntil September 12th, and then your virginity is mine. I’m Tiffany, andI’m gonna get Tim Tebow laid.”

Yes, the site includes a “Countdown 2 Impurity.” Here’s video ofTebow telling a group of reporters that he plans to wait until marriage.

Looks like he better change those plans:

Broncos' Tim Tebow skips practice with possible rib injury

Commish — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:11:00 GMT

From Freep.com: http://www.freep.com/article/20100819/SPORTS11/8190431/1049/SPORTS/Broncos-Tim-Tebow-skips-practice-with-possible-rib-injury

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Rookie quarterback Tim Tebow's first foray into an NFL end zone appears to have left him with injured ribs.

Denver's rookie quarterback missed his first practice of training camp Wednesday after jogging off the field during warm-ups. While the Broncos aren't saying what's wrong with their first-round draft pick from Florida, Tebow might be feeling the effects of his game-ending 7-yard touchdown run in his pro debut Sunday night.

Wearing flak jacket-like extra passing around his ribs this week, Tebow participated in both workouts Tuesday when the Broncos reconvened, but he skipped the post-practice wind sprints.

About 10 minutes into warm-ups Wednesday, Tebow huddled with head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos and appeared to be favoring his left rib cage or abdomen as he jogged off the field and into the team's headquarters.

Tim Tebow Releases Premium XXX Website for Members of Media

Commish — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:24:00 GMT

From BleacherReport.com: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/438394-tim-tebow-releases-premium-website-for-members-of-sports-mediasatire

Satire - Tim Tebow announced today the opening of the brand new TimTebow.com, a website with premium paid access for reporters and members of the media who just can't get enough of the Broncos QB.

For only $19.99 per month, ESPN commentators and talk radio hosts can get a behind the scenes look at Tebow's most personal information, just in case there is no trivial Tebow news they can use that day to shoehorn in another discussion of the quarterback.

"Wow, if there's one thing I love, it's talking and watching Tebow," said ESPN radio host Colin Cowherd. "As a member of the media, I just can't get enough! I signed up for the new site membership immediately, and can now debate whether or not he can be successful in the NFL, at any time and anywhere!"

Just then, Cowherd got a tweet, "Wow! He just tweeted to all us premium members that he made eggs for breakfast! He's already adjusted to breakfast in the NFL! He's ready to take over this team now!"

The new website features a store where fans can continue to buy Tebow's No. 1 selling jersey, as well as jerseys of all the other popular third string QBs.

You can pick up a Luke McCown jersey from the Jacksonville Jaguars, a Zac Robinson jersey from the New England Patriots, or a Chiefs jersey that just says Kansas City on the back. As even the league office and the actual Chiefs team don't really know who their third string QB is.

Stunningly, not many Zac Robinson jerseys have been sold so far.

The site is also causing a stir because of its XXX section, which has photos and videos of a nude Tim Tebow working out and running fake combine tests. Many regular fans are confused about why the website is even in existence, as well as why the media is so in love with a good college QB who most agreed before the draft wouldn't do well in the pros.

"You tell them to shut up!" yelled Cowherd, when he heard of the public's skepticism. "It's not something we can explain here at ESPN, we just can't get enough Tebow. Sure, I've checked out the XXX section. Sure, I've seen the entire crew of NFL Live gathered around a laptop, and taking notes to break down his nude films."

Cowherd continued, "I say to everyone, don't judge me. It's just something I must watch, as it's in some way related to Tim Tebow. Let me just add that based on what I've 'seen', he's definitely a 'big leaguer', and ready to take over from Kyle Orton..."

The message boards on TimTebow.com are filled with ESPN analysts discussing with each other, everything about the QB.

Current popular threads are "How sure are we he's a lock for Hall Of Fame first ballot?", "Should we fight to the death to see who gets to interview him if he ever comes in the ESPN offices?", and finally "Tim Tebow: Erotic Fanfic".

Report: Tebow using hyperbaric chamber

Commish — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:27:00 GMT

From AJC.com: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/report-tebow-using-hyperbaric-590764.html?cxntlid=thbz_hm

The celebrity website TMZ.com is reporting that Denver Broncos rookie and Florida Gator hero Tim Tebow has had a hyperbaric oxygen chamber delivered to his hotel room at the Broncos' training camp and TMZ says he's been using the device for more than two years -- since his days as a Gator.

TMZ quotes Ric Rooney, owner of Pikes Peak Hyperbaric, as saying Tebow purchased the $20,000 device in 2008.

The chambers, which are used by a number of professional athletes, including former Braves pitcher John Smoltz, "greatly accelerate the recovery process," Rooney told TMZ.

Tebow has been getting "banged up" at practice and felt the chamber could help him heal quicker, Rooney told the website, which reported that Tebow's routine is to sit in the chamber for 60 to 90 minutes after every practice.

Former Georgia Bulldog Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers is also reported to use a hyperbaric chamber.

Rating Tebow’s N.F.L. Debut. How Loopy Was It?

Commish — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:21:00 GMT

From NYTimes.com: fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/rating-tebows-n-f-l-debut-how-loopy-was-it/
/>

For such a clean-cutguy, Tim Tebow can be apolarizing figure, and his N.F.L. debut for the Broncos was no differentSunday night. He was booed and his throwing motion was dissected.

Tebow was jeered by Ohio State and University of Cincinnati fans inCincinnati. “Yeah, I heard it,” he said. “It got me more excited to go out thereand play.”

On the last play of the game, Tebow scored on a 7-yard touchdown run (video below).
He completed 8 of 13 passes for 105 yards, and one long pass wasdropped despite being on the money.

But ….

Dave Krieger, TheDenver Post:

There were also some near-disasters while Tebow was in that don’t show up inthe stats — two potential interceptions that Bengals defenders dropped and asack and fumble for a Bengals touchdown McDaniels managed to get overturned on achallenge.

Tebow got his score the Tebow way — by running it in on the game’s finalplay. He also took the sort of sandwich hit at the goal line that explains whyso many running quarterbacks in college turn into passers in theNFL.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com sounded some alarms. He said Tebow revertedto his long, looping delivery, the one that had pro scouts worried that hewasn’t N.F.L. quarterback material:

For example, he was nearly stripped from behind when he dropped the balldown, and the half-second of telegraph time nearly resulted in an interception.

Also, he simply couldn’t get off a throw while being chased; he started intothe catapult windup while rolling right, and he had to abort in order to avoidgetting hit.

We’re not saying he’ll never be able to change his throwing motion, but hestill has a long way to go to make the window dressing that made him into afirst-round pick stick.

The good news? Tebowonly uses the slow windup when firing something other than a short pass. And heshowed decent accuracy with his old motion, ultimately leading the Broncos to agarbage-time touchdown, albeit taking the kind of lick that he likely won’tsurvive if it happens on a regular basis.

On the other hand, Chris Brown of SmartFootball.com said the motion looked a bitquicker; he was more worried about quick decisions.

Why are we talking about Tebow? Mike Klis of The DenverPost said the night belonged to Kyle Orton:

CINCINNATI — Put in Orton!

Perhaps the NFL’s only starting quarterback who is less recognized than notone but both of his backups, Kyle Orton may have earned himself some love.

Throwing the ball downfield as he rarely did last season, Orton, in a poised,efficient performance, passed for two early touchdowns Sunday night in theBroncos’ preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bengalsquarterback Carson Palmer has the last word on Tebow:

“It was one of those things where you knew he was going to score on the lastplay of the game, either run it in or throw it in there. He’s such a competitor.I’ve been a big fan of his ever since he started at Florida. He’s one of thegreatest college football players.”

Tim Tebow Loses Internet's Most Popular Haircut, 'Stylist' Takes More Credit

Commish — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:24:00 GMT

From Fanhouse.com: nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/08/10/tim-tebow-loses-internets-most-popular-haircut-stylist-takes/ />
The Broncos player responsible for giving quarterback Tim Tebow one of the ugliest haircuts ever seen was all smiles as he recounted the buzz cut, part of an annual tradition Denver rookies go through.

Linebacker Wesley Woodyard shaved the top half of Tebow's head last week, leaving him with a bald dome and a ribbon of hair around the lower portion of his forehead. The cut was reminiscent of Friar Tuck's look, and photos of Tebow sporting the awful style became an Internet sensation.

"Ah, the famous Tebow haircut heard around the world," Woodyard quipped after Tuesday's practice. "When I saw his head, I was like, I've got the perfect idea for you."

Woodyard said Tebow was a good sport throughout the good-natured hazing and the rest of the team got a good laugh.

"He took it like a man," Woodyard said. "He said, 'Come on, Wood. Give me something good.' So I said, 'I got you. I got you.'"

Did he ever.

Tebow's half-dome look was gone on Tuesday, though, and who can blame him for getting rid of it. He had shaved his head completely, so in a few weeks, his 'do should be back to normal.

Tim Tebow Haircut

Commish — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:21:00 GMT

From Spreadit.org: http://news.spreadit.org/tim-tebow-haircut-pic/

Tim Tebow Haircut Pic – You would think that a Tim Tebow haircut would be one that would be mimicked by fans around the United States; however, the haircut he received via the Denver Bronco veterans was not one that most people would be willing to go far. It was given to him as a type of rookie passage, and was given to him from an SEC rival, just to get under Tebow’s skin that much more.

The ritual is part of light rookie hazing that goes on in the NFL. All of the newcomers have to go through it. He was a storied college football player, but this isn’t college anymore. Some have said that Tebow’s haircut can be compared to the Robin Hood Friar cut, leaving the middle of the head shaved in a circle with only hair around the outside. Eric Olsen of the Broncos also received the cut, and his was even worse than Tebow’s, but Tebow still managed to receive most of the press.

The Cowboys’ Dez Bryant recently refused to go through rookie hazing, and refused to carry the pads of his teammate Roy Williams. However, he said afterward that he did not know that it was part of the rookie hazing ritual and that he would have carried them if he had known.

Tebow’s haircut can be concealed by his helmet, which is very good news for him. The pictures of the haircut are hilarious, and the ritual is about as harmless as hazing rituals come.

Danny Wuerffel, not Tim Tebow, is greatest Gator ever

Commish — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:17:00 GMT

From OrlandoSentinel.com: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2010/08/tim-tebow-danny-wuerffel-gators-university-of-florida.html

As you probably know, the Orlando Sentinel has spent the last few weeks running a countdown of the all-time greatest players from Florida, Florida State, UCF and Miami.

The project was completed Sunday and, as expected, Tim Tebow was named the greatest UF football player of all-time.

I have a small problem with this. You see, I believe Tim Tebow is the most famous Gator of all-time; I believe Danny Wuerffel remains the greatest Gator of all-time.

If Tebow, now creating a huge buzz in his first training camp with the Denver Broncos, had beaten Alabama and gone on to win the national title in his senior season then, yes, he would surpass Wuerffel, but he didn’t. That’s why, in my mind, Wuerffel is still the Gator gold standard.

I tackled this topic several months ago right after Tebow’s UF career ended and I will quote to you from my previous blog on this very issue:

“Now there’s no question, Tebow was much more hyped and had much more of a personality than Wuerffel, but Wuerffel’s accomplishments on the field are just as impressive — if not more so.

Let’s look at the numbers:

Both Tebow and Wuerffel won one national title and a Heisman as a starting quarterback. Yes, Tebow was a contributor to a second national title but Chris Leak, not Tebow, was the starter in 2006.

And don’t forget, Wuerffel as a starter led his team to TWO national title games; Tebow as a stater led his team to one national title game. Wuerffel also gets extra credit for being the first Gator quarterback to lead his team to a national championship. I’ve made this comparison before with Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, but I’ll make it again with Tebow and Wuerffel: Tebow is like Boeing , a company that makes a great airplane these days and and has come up with many new aeronautical innovations. Wuerffel is the Wright Brothers.

Then there is this: UF fans, coaches and players always say that winning the Southeastern Conference title is the most important goal every season. Well, then, Tebow’s teams won only two Southeastern Conference championships; Wuerffel’s teams won four.

Statistically, there’s no question Tebow was a much better runner than Wuerffel, but Wuerrfel was unquestionably the better passer. He finished his career with 10,875 passing yards and an SEC record 114 TD passes. Tebow finished his career with 9,286 passing yards and 88 TD passes.”

Let me also include this addendum to my past argument: Wuerffel also gets credit for engineering the greatest victory in UF history — a 52-20 rout of Florida State in the 1997 national championship game. Seriously, will it ever get any better for UF fans than clobbering your No. 1 rival in the national title game? The fact that the 52-20 victory over FSU came in Wuerffel’s final college game made his career that much more memorable and special.

Finally, there is this: Tim Tebow became a huge UF fan as a kid because he idolized Danny Wuerffel — on and off the field. And, so, without Danny Wuerffel at UF, there may never have been a Tim Tebow at UF.

That’s my argument and I’m sticking by it.

Danny Wonderful, not Timmy Terrific, is the greatest UF football player of all-time.

An Exclusive Look Inside Tim Tebow's Contract

Commish — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:11:00 GMT

From Forbes.com: http://blogs.forbes.com/sportsmoney/2010/08/a-exclusive-look-inside-tim-tebows-contract/

The first-round signings are starting to come in, as the annual mating ritual between teams and agents is in full bloom and the veteran, not rookie, reporting dates are upon us. Agents have always told me that with first-round picks, they never take the rookie reporting dates seriously; they just want to know when the vets arrive.

Tim Tebow, the most well-known name in the Draft, has signed for numbers that are being bandied about in different ranges. After talking to a couple people looking at the contract, here are what the numbers are:

The guaranteed amount for Tebow as of today is $8.7 million, a whopping 18.5% increase over last year's slotted pick, Vontae Davis. However, I am told that once the contract enters year two, the guarantee is reduced to $8.45 million, still an impressive 15% increase from last year.

The five-year base value of the deal is $11.25 million, a 10.3% increase over Davis's $10.2 million.

As to the maximum value of the deal, the reported $33 million is accurate, but that is if Tebow earns every incentive and escalator, including millions tied to being the NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, etc. The maximum value for a quarterback rookie contract is always higher than other positions, with some previous maximums such as Joe Flacco ($29.5 million), Brady Quinn ($30 million) and Josh Freeman ($36 million).

I remember negotiating Aaron Rodgers' rookie contract in the same area as Tebow was drafted, with the vast majority of the negotiation not about the guarantee or base value but about the incentives and escalators, trying to layer in future performance money not knowing when -- or if -- Brett Favre would no longer be the quarterback of the Packers.

Tebow received a strong contract for where he was drafted, although not quite what has been reported.

Rookie Hazing Not a Problem For Tebow

Commish — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:55:00 GMT

From BleacherReport.com: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/428760-rookie-hazing-not-a-problem-for-tebow

With Training Camp seeing it's second day of action, one thing is for certain: There is strong leadership and appreciation in Dove Valley.

Last week Dallas Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant made news by refusing to carry pads of the Veterans that laid the foundation before him.

Rookies have done nothing in pro football. It doesn't matter how high they were drafted, how talented they are, or what their accomplishments may have been in college. All of that is irrelevant.

All that matters is what they do in the NFL. Having rookies perform menial tasks is one of the main ways in which the veterans humble the latest crop of hotshots who show up for training camp. A lot of times they need it. And really, the message is a simple one -- you need to earn your stripes in this league. Carrying bags or shoulder pads or whatever is just part of that. It is a tradition started long ago with the express purpose of sending a subtle message to its intended recipients.

It's not just players, mind you. One of the most respected football men in the business, Bill Parcells, is a believer. I still remember him making first-round pick Terence Newman get him a cup of water or Gatorade every time there was a water break during practice with the Cowboys in 2003. That's worse than just carrying somebody's pads off the field after practice if you ask me.

How about Bill Belichick? He made first-rounder Laurence Maroney set up the partition that divided the team meeting room in half to separate the offense from the defense every single day during his rookie season in 2006. So clearly, Belichick believes in putting the rookies in their place as well.

Last season, rookies got haircuts. Really bad haircuts. Remember Tom Brandstater?

Haircuts may come this week for the rookies.

Remember they got doused with water in an extreme fumble drill — before practice?

This season, rookies, including Tim Tebow , have yet to catch the full brunt of their green-ness. Still, there was Tebow on Sunday, hauling equipment like the first-year player that he is. Just like most every other rookie in the league.

“I don’t know that they’re buying in as much as it is they’ve already had it. I think that just coming to a team that has a great work ethic and coaches that have great work ethics so the players see that and then we have leaders that come out every day and show up and work hard. Guys like (S Brian) Dawkins and (LB Elvis) Dumervil and (QB Kyle) Orton and all those guys come out here and work hard every day and those are great leaders for everybody else to watch.”

If nothing else, one can say the ethic and character of these Broncos is winning its way into the hearts and minds of Bronco fans as well as in the locker room.

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno was the victim of a bad haircut in 2009.

Dwight Freeney “Can’t wait” to hit Tim Tebow

Commish — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:55:00 GMT

From BroncoTalk.net: broncotalk.net/2010/07/15766/denver-broncos/dwight-freeney-cant-wait-to-hit-tim-tebow/

One of the Broncos hardest home games in 2010 will come in week 3 on September 26th against the Indianapolis Colts. While it is debated who will be the starting quarterback, common sense insists that it will be Kyle Orton. Yet, Dwight Freeney is looking forward to hitting Tim Tebow.

“I couldn’t wait to hit Mark Sanchez,” Freeney told Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times. “And I can’t wait to hit Tim Tebow even more.”

If Mr. Freeney is hoping to get to Tebow in September though, he has another thing coming, as I expect Tebow won’t be getting much, if any, playing time as a rookie.

Every sports pundit has pretty much guaranteed that Tebow will be used in special packages this season, such as the Wild Cat Horse. The typical argument is something along the lines of; “The Broncos traded up in the first round to draft him, so they have to find a way to play him.” Hogwash.

Thankfully, Head Coach Josh McDaniels doesn’t listen to the guys over at ESPN and NFL Network, rather than hinting at using Tebow in short yardage plays, McDaniels has insisted that Tebow is “Just a Quarterback.” If the Broncos used Tebow in certain situations (e.g. goal line) defenses could key on him, putting their linebackers in position to take shots on him. The last thing any NFL team wants is to do is throw a promising young quarterback in as a rookie to have his head knocked off on a Wild Cat/short yardage play.

No, the Broncos won’t be using Tebow 15-20 plays a game, as I was shocked to hear predicted on the radio. Rather, he’ll be groomed as a pocket passer, then he will have the skill to extend the play, while still having his rushing ability, but not focusing on it.

That’s not a guarantee though; McDaniels has used experiments before, and Tebow could be seen a few plays a game. But unless Kyle Orton really struggles and Tebow jumps Brady Quinn in Training Camp, Freeney shouldn’t get his hopes up on getting to tackle Tebow, this season.

One more note on Tebow not being used in the Wild Horse: John Elway said that Tebow should “Pass, pass, pass.” I looked hard and didn’t find anywhere where Elway said, “The Broncos should risk injuring Tebow by using him on short yardage plays, instead of having him focus on his throwing technique.”

Jimmy Johnson, "I don't think Tebow can play in a pro-style offense"

Commish — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:43:00 GMT

From BleacherReport.com: bleacherreport.com/articles/416591-denver-broncos-tim-tebow-whose-professional-opinion-can-we-trust

So many people are playing their holier than thou I am going with the professionals card, as if the critics have the market cornered on the professional opinion.

Last I checked, I too am going with the professionals opinions, the opinions that say this...

"Tim Tebow is not only the best quarterback in this league, I think he's the best football player in the country." said Steve Spurrier "...maybe the best to ever play college football. That's how good he is."

The professionals who said Tebow can play QB in the NFL.

The professionals who said Tebow is first round material

The professionals who said Tebow was one of the two best QB's in the draft.

The professionals who are praising Tebows progress as a QB in the NFL.

The professionals who scratch their heads and think that the professionals who said this...

"I don't think Tebow can play in a pro-style offense, not [at] quarterback," Jimmy Johnson said. "I think a team that's gonna look at Tim Tebow. They're gonna make one of two decisions. If they're going to bring him into their style of play, with their coaching staff, they've gotta project him to be maybe an H-back.

"I don't know if he's fast enough to be a receiver, maybe he could be a tight end. [But] I don't know if he can block, I don't know if he can catch the ball. But he's gotta play another position. He can't play quarterback."

...or say this...

"He isn't close to being as good as Jimmy Clausen." Pete Prisco.

...or say this...

"I’d say third or fourth round worst-case scenario," Said Mel Kiper "second round as a best case."

...possess 'an ill-formed and nebulous opinion'.

Who can we trust?

Professionals who have actually coached one of the greatest QB's to ever play at this level, win three Super Bowls this century and possess two NCAA National Championships in the past four years?

Does it make sense to mock their professional opinion while embracing the professional opinions of Tebows doubters and critics with the rhetoric they profusely spew as the gospel?

The opinions of so-called expert professionals whose take boarder on comic book material?

Or the professionals who base their opinions on the encyclopedia of success, Tim Tebow wrote during his high school and college career?

Those of us who believe Tebow can be successful in the NFL, are not the one's ignoring the professional opinions that count!

Some of these so-called expert professionals really keep you guessing. I mean which Jimmy Johnson do we believe? The November 2009 Jimmy Johnson, or the January 2009 Jimmy Johnson?

"The more I watch Tebow, the more I think he might be a quarterback," said Jimmy Johnson, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. "He has the arm strength. He makes accurate throws. He has the physical presence. He can get you believing."

How Bout Them Denver Broncos!!

The Curious Case of Tim Tebow

Commish — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:29:00 GMT

From Sportsnet.ca: http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/2010/06/11/lang_blog_broncos_minicamp/

After an intergalactic NCAA career with the Florida Gators, Tim Tebow is receiving a real education in playing football at the NFL level. As of right now, Tebow is the third-string quarterback with the Denver Broncos. And after watching him struggle against the Broncos secondary in mini-camp, it's clear that Tebow still has a lot to learn before he's at the level where he can be a starter in the NFL.

While Kyle Orton might not be the quarterback a lot of a Broncos fans dream of, he's the best they have right now. In mini-camp Orton stood out as far more equipped to run the Broncos offence than either Tebow or backup Brady Quinn. Orton showed a lot of touch on his passes and did a solid job running the first team offence against the Broncos first-team defence. Quinn has good velocity on his passes, but is still learning the finer points of the Broncos offence.

While Tebow didn't fare too badly in straight passing drills, he really struggled when facing the Broncos defence. Now in Tebow's defence, the Broncos secondary features studs like Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. However, in the NFL there a number of teams with players just as good as Bailey or Dawkins in their secondary.

Working under centre on one play, Tebow went play-action only to be picked off by safety Darcel McBath. On another play, Tebow was working under centre when he threw towards the sidelines and was almost picked off again. The one time Tebow made a good play was when the Broncos were in a red zone offence drill. Tebow scanned the secondary, didn't like what he saw then pulled the ball down and ran into the end zone. That drew a smile on the face of Josh McDaniels.

The entire Broncos secondary had a productive day at mini-camp. Offensively, the players who really stood out were running back Correll Buckhalter and wide receiver Eddie Royal.

Buckhalter seemed to be playing with an extra gear in practice and was exploding through the running lanes and made a few nice catches. Taking the place of the departed Brandon Marshallas the Broncos No. 1 receiver, Royal made numerous big-time catches during the 7-on-7 drills.

Despite his youth and reputation, Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels comes across as a guy you would want to play for. He has the confidence and the trust to let his assistants do their thing and speaks only when he feels it is necessary. The one thing McDaniels told me after practice was that Tebow still has to adjust to the speed of NFL safeties. A safety in the NFL can close on the ball and make a play far easier than 99 per cent of the safeties he would have faced while he was at Florida.

A couple times Tebow was getting frustrated at his lack of ability to make plays. The Broncos coaches calmly walked up to him and quietly pointed out what he was doing wrong. No yelling and screaming, just a lot of tutoring and teaching.

The yelling and screaming can wait for when the Broncos kick off their main training camp at the end of July. By that time, the Broncos hope that Tebow will have learned his hard lessons from mini-camp and be ready to push Brady Quinn for the No. 2 quarterback job. Tebow has the necessary size, attitude and work ethic to be a good quarterback in the NFL. Now it's just a matter of learning the Broncos playbook and learning what it takes to complete a pass against an NFL secondary.

If you are ever in Denver, I highly recommend this Mexican restaurant in the downtown core called Tamayo. Adam Schefter told me about it and it was amazing.