Is Tebow for real?

Quote: Toes14

Don't forget that Harrison is suspended, so he can't ring up Tebow with yet another of his patented helmet to helmet shots!

That hit was one of the stupidest things I've ever seen a player do as part of a legit play. In his defense, he offered that he thought McCoy had become a runner... which then becomes an admission that he decided to take a head shot. Stupid. All he had to do was wrap the guy, he didn't have to launch.

Quote: Mosca

That hit was one of the stupidest things I've ever seen a player do as part of a legit play. In his defense, he offered that he thought McCoy had become a runner... which then becomes an admission that he decided to take a head shot. Stupid. All he had to do was wrap the guy, he didn't have to launch.

I agree. But you also need to understand his motivation: he was manking a point.

Defensive players like to intimidate their opponents. A scary tackler is more effective. I'm not saying an offensive player will see Harrison and step out of bounds, or slide, but he may hesitate. A moment's hesitation can make a lot of difference. Harrison hits ahrd in order to intimidate his opponents. Is your career worth going an extra yard? Is a concussion?

Intimidation on the field is one thing. Trying to injure the other guy on purose is something comlpetely different. I do think Harrison ought to stop delivering helmet blows to the head. If he won't, perhaps he should be expelled from the League altogether. He's too good a player to need to do such things. His best play ever dind't involve hitting anyone at all. He should remember that.

San Antonio sportswriter Buck Harvey compares Tebow and David Robinson

Quote: Face

Brian Urlacher, when asked about Tebow during an interview, said "He's a good running back, he does a good job for them".

LOL! Everybody just hates on this guy. It makes me want the Broncos to go all the way.

Save your hate for people that deserve it. Like Tom Brady.

This

A fun read today, from Drew Magary of Deadspin (I read The Postmortal, it was pretty decent scifi):

Drew Magary's Thursday Afternoon NFL Dick Joke Jamboroo runs every Thursday during the NFL season. Buy Drew's new book, The Postmortal, through here. Find more of his stuff at his Twitter feed.
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Tim Tebow is not an underdog. It's important to remind people of that every now and again because the established media narrative for Tebow these days is that no one ever believed in him, that he arrived on the Broncos' doorstep as an aborted three-month-old fetus and, through the power of SuperJesus, built himself up from scratch into the some kind of magical fourth quarter leper messiah. In truth, Tebow is only an underdog if you consider two factors:

1.) His throwing mechanics

2.) The fact that his new team president and head coach didn't really want him

That's what Tebow had going against him this season. If you want to turn him into football's David Eckstein because of those two things, be my guest. You'd merely be overlooking the fact that Eli Sunday here is a world-class athlete, a two-time national champion, a Heisman Trophy winner, a first round draft pick, and a fucking millionaire. You'd also be overlooking the incredible amount of fan support that Tebow has gotten from Denver fans, Christians and non-Christians alike, during his entire professional career. Any other athlete in that position would be EXPECTED to succeed. Perhaps not in such dramatic fashion, but they'd certainly be expected to play well and win games. But somehow, because this is Tebow, the narrative is HOLY SHIT! CAN YOU BELIEVE LITTLE TIMMY TEBOW HAS BEEN ABLE TO PULL THIS OFF?! IT MUST BE THE WORK OF OUR BENEVOLENT CLOUD GOD!

That kind of thinking does a disservice to both fans and to Tebow himself, who is playing well late in games ON HIS OWN, and not because Invisible Jesus is standing behind him at all times, like a pervert golf instructor helping your wife with her swing. Trust me: there are plenty of tardbillies out there who think the latter scenario is the case, as evidenced by reader Matt:

This was taken from a girl's Facebook status, if not obvious.

"Inspiring, mentally tough, full of hope and humble beyond belief! God really is using Tim Tebow. AMAZING!"

I have no problem with Tebow except for this type of annoying analysis that people feel the need to share.

That's basically the whole Tebow thing in a nutshell. No card-carrying Tebow-hater like me has that much of a problem with Tim Tebow as a person. On his own, Tebow is a fairly harmless little goody-goody. And this Broncos run has been fun to watch. I even like it when Eisen and Deion do the TEBOW chant on the postgame show. It's all the bullshit SURROUNDING Tebow that many of us can't stand. It's people like Peter King essentially saying that there's no rational explanation for Tebow's success when there are PLENTY of rational explanations for it, namely the fact that he's a first-round pick blessed with incredible athletic ability. It's political pollsters asking Iowans about Tebow in a phone survey. It's all the unnecessary dreck that comes with and ruins what Tebow is doing, like this Rick Reilly column, which is worse than pancreatic cancer.

And yes, it's also a matter of faith. I grew up in the first Golden Age of Religious Hypocrisy (we're currently living in the second), with Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart disgracing themselves because they loved pussy and skimming from the collection plate more than they loved the Lord. I am conditioned by my upbringing to regard all outward displays of faith with a healthy dose of skepticism, and I don't think that's a bad thing. History has proven time and again that the people who actively flaunt their faith usually end up being full of shit.

Tim Tebow may be the World's Most Perfect Christian. He may bless every sneeze and have successfully abstained from jerking off his whole adult life (not likely). But I've seen plenty of supposedly perfect Christians in my time that end up being the FREAKIEST FUCKERS ON EARTH, so you'll excuse me if I choose to believe that Tebow secretly watches hentai alien octopus porn when no one is looking. Here's some idiot yammering on about Tebow being a great role model for his kid. Dude, you don't KNOW Tim Tebow. "Nobody knows anybody, not that well." All you know is the Tebow brand, and that isn't enough. Seriously, how many times are people going to be suckered into the myth of the Perfect Sports Role Model?

Not only is it OK to root against Tim Tebow, it's practically your duty as cynical American. Hating on Tebow means rebelling against the same media bullshit generator that made superhumans out of the likes of Tiger Woods and Brett Favre. It's saying a gigantic FUCK YOU to anyone who thinks you're a cold-hearted, football-hating miser for not BELIEVING in Tebow. For not "enjoying the ride." For not letting go and giving in to his wily Christian charms and ability to produce rainbows in the shape of a crucifix during the fourth quarter. Hating on Tebow means subscribing to the idea that the fucker is human, which is a much more accurate and boring story than the current myth being erected.

So yeah, I hope that the Broncos lose their final three games by 30 points each and Marmalard ends up winning the division. Because even though Philip Rivers is a devout Christian, no one's gonna declare his backing into the AFC West title a miracle.

Well, it seems it wasn't even the defense...

Why has Jesus forsaken Tim Tebow?

If Tim Tebow didn't really exist, we'd have to invent him.

Buffalo? Really? You have got to be kidding me.

BTW, according to most playoff scenarios I've seen, if the Broncos win their division they'll likely play the Steelers in the playoffs. That would be a great development, for the Steelers. So I'll be hoping the Denver Tebows win next week.

So despite losing three in a row, including Orton's revenge, the Broncos under Tebow have an impressive won/lost record. And despite losing the last game, they backed into the playoffs anyway (which has set me to thinking about the fairness fo divisional play, but that's a matter for another thread).

But the three losses agaisnt teams as varied as New negland, Buffalo and Kansas City do suggest the league has figured Tebow out. If so, then the verdict is simple: Tebow is the new Wildcat. The playoffs will tell some more. With any luck, the steelers will handily defeat the Broncos in the first round. And next season we'll know for sure.

Wow what a great game! Way to go Tebow and did you hear his post game conference, seems like the real deal. Anyway even with all the hype I'm still hoping he has only one more win in him so we can beat him in Baltimore.

As much as I hate such pious displays of faith, I had Denver money line today, so pinched my nose and rooted for Denver. Due congratulations to Tebow for an amazing overtime win! All that explaining of the new post-season overtime rules for nothing.

Quote: Wizard

Next week my heart will be doing battle with my wallet. I'm sure I'll find a good bet on Denver money line, but the Ravens are still my favorite team. What do do Father?

Always bet on black (and purple)! Go Ravens!

Short Story as heard last nite (Fri. around midnite)

Guy calls up WFAN in NYC, a rather popular sports radio station about 100 miles from me. Guy gets on the phone, and claims the following " I put 2 Long on Tebow (Denver) on the line."
A quick look up of the line odds for the Broncos-Steelers at pinnacle sports indicated 5.98 decimal odds. So each grand returned about 5980.

By half-time I thought Denver had it in the bag up 20-6. Denver's D not "rushing" the ailing Rothlesberger, just clogging lanes and containing.
Tuning in at the end of regulation, its 23 all, Pittsburgh made a 4th Qtr run and tied.
Denver wins the coin-flip, and one play later Game Over.

So this guy cashes in 10 Long, or puts a pistol against his noggin.

Quote: Wizard

All that explaining of the new post-season overtime rules for nothing.

Maybe not. Somehow I think a different, more conservative play would have been called if the strategy was to get down the field a bit and kick a field goal.

Best game of the play-offs so far, for sure!

Quote: Wizard

As much as I hate such pious displays of faith, I had Denver money line today, so pinched my nose and rooted for Denver. Due congratulations to Tebow for an amazing overtime win! All that explaining of the new post-season overtime rules for nothing.

Next week my heart will be doing battle with my wallet. I'm sure I'll find a good bet on Denver money line, but the Ravens are still my favorite team. What do do Father?

Not sure if you're just trying to pick one of these games, but just to be clear, the Ravens are playing the Texans next week and the Broncos are playing the Patriots. So if you'd like to take both, maybe you could tear your heart and/or wallet in half. I may have misconstrued this and missed somewhere that you only bet 1 game per week. If so, my apologies.

Quote: Wizard

As much as I hate such pious displays of faith, I had Denver money line today, so pinched my nose and rooted for Denver.

If the Steelers had shown up, rather than the Pittsburgh General injury ward, we'd have seen a very different game. They'd have been picking up pieces of Broncos for weeks :P

Quote:

I'm sure I'll find a good bet on Denver money line, but the Ravens are still my favorite team. What do do Father?

I forgot you're a Baltimore native (right?) and a fan of the zombie Browns! ;) Why dind't your team wind up in the Eastern Division after realignment?

Quote: Nareed

If the Steelers had shown up, rather than the Pittsburgh General injury ward, we'd have seen a very different game. They'd have been picking up pieces of Broncos for weeks :P

Here are a couple good analyses of how the Broncos won; it gives them the credit they deserve while at the same time taking the Steelers to task for poor game planning:

Why the Steelers Lost to Tim Tebow

The Steelers Overestimated Tim Tebow Before They Underestimated Him

Quote: duckmankilla

Not sure if you're just trying to pick one of these games, but just to be clear, the Ravens are playing the Texans next week and the Broncos are playing the Patriots.

D'Oh!

As a life-long (okay, since I was in 7th grade) Broncos fan I find the whole Tebow spectacle amusing and sometimes frustrating. Just a short history: I was livid when McDaniels traded all those picks to move up in the first round and take him. Really? He was going to be there in the 2nd round. I was so pissed that day, it ruined my whole day. Since then, I have supported him as a fan of the team but honestly I have never believed he has the goods to be an above-average NFL QB (taking his passing and running skills together with intangibles, leadership, etc.). I rooted for Orton to hold on the starter sport, although I begrudgingly agreed that benching him was a good call this season given how poorly he was performing. Might as well see what Tebow's got, right? I felt vindicated as the regular season wound down, and figured defenses had finally figured him out. Stack the box, play the receivers short and dare him to throw it deep. But man, he played a hell of a game yesterday. I'm still not sold on him, but I think with his work ethic and intelligence, a full off-season will yield some improvement and who knows what next season will bring.

Also as a gambling aside, last year I was offering anyone and everyone an even-money bet that Kyle Orton will retire with a higher career passer rating than Tim Tebow. Sure, it might take a decade to resolve, but despite yesterday I still think I would take that bet. Currently KO is at 79.4 and TT is at 75.1

Quote: Wizard

As much as I hate such pious displays of faith, I had Denver money line today, so pinched my nose and rooted for Denver. Due congratulations to Tebow for an amazing overtime win! All that explaining of the new post-season overtime rules for nothing.

Shack, I'm curious why you put a money line bet on Denver? As a fan I was thinking about taking them to cover the spread, but even at +275ish I wouldn't have put more than 20 bucks on the money line (I'm not a big sports better, yet). Just a gut feeling or did you take the whole situation (injuries to Pitt and all) and come to the conclusion it was a good bet?

Quote: AcesAndEights

Shack, I'm curious why you put a money line bet on Denver? As a fan I was thinking about taking them to cover the spread, but even at +275ish I wouldn't have put more than 20 bucks on the money line (I'm not a big sports better, yet). Just a gut feeling or did you take the whole situation (injuries to Pitt and all) and come to the conclusion it was a good bet?

In retrospect this is a silly question, as the Wiz obviously wouldn't have placed the bet if he didn't think it was a good one (+EV).

With Rothlesburgers bad foot, Moore being out plus a couple of defensive lienemen i was tempted to take the moneyline bet.

Quote: AcesAndEights

Quote: AcesAndEights

Shack, I'm curious why you put a money line bet on Denver? As a fan I was thinking about taking them to cover the spread, but even at +275ish I wouldn't have put more than 20 bucks on the money line (I'm not a big sports better, yet). Just a gut feeling or did you take the whole situation (injuries to Pitt and all) and come to the conclusion it was a good bet?

In retrospect this is a silly question, as the Wiz obviously wouldn't have placed the bet if he didn't think it was a good one (+EV).

I have a feeling it had a lot more to do with Denver being home underdogs rather than any game play or injury-related indicators.

Quote: teddys

Quote: AcesAndEights

Quote: AcesAndEights

Shack, I'm curious why you put a money line bet on Denver? As a fan I was thinking about taking them to cover the spread, but even at +275ish I wouldn't have put more than 20 bucks on the money line (I'm not a big sports better, yet). Just a gut feeling or did you take the whole situation (injuries to Pitt and all) and come to the conclusion it was a good bet?

In retrospect this is a silly question, as the Wiz obviously wouldn't have placed the bet if he didn't think it was a good one (+EV).

I have a feeling it had a lot more to do with Denver being home underdogs rather than any game play or injury-related indicators.

But isn't the usual play there just to take the home dog to cover the spread?

I'll just use this thread as an opportunity to say how amazing that New Orleans vs. San Francisco game was!! Wow! What a finish!

Quote: s2dbaker

I'll just use this thread as an opportunity to say how amazing that New Orleans vs. San Francisco game was!! Wow! What a finish!

It was an exciting fourth quarter.

How about Brady? Five TD passes in the first half! New NFL record, according to the announcer, and Bellichick once again crushes the Broncos.

Quote: Nareed

It was an exciting fourth quarter.

How about Brady? Five TD passes in the first half! New NFL record, according to the announcer, and Bellichick once again crushes the Broncos.

There were 68 points scored in the Saints/49rs game. At this pace, the Patriots will have 70 points all by themselves!

It's Tebow's first year in the NFL.

Let's revisit the question in five years.

Quote: AcesAndEights

Shack, I'm curious why you put a money line bet on Denver? As a fan I was thinking about taking them to cover the spread, but even at +275ish I wouldn't have put more than 20 bucks on the money line (I'm not a big sports better, yet). Just a gut feeling or did you take the whole situation (injuries to Pitt and all) and come to the conclusion it was a good bet?

As I recall, Denver was a 7.5-point underdog. The line I got was +326, which I feel is a good value for a 7.5-point underdog. I would put a 7.5-point underdog fair at about +275.

My philosophy is I assume that the market factors in all the details like injuries. However, the market is putting all the action on the spread. That leaves the money line vulnerable for sharp players to make a move when it isn't in line with the spread.

For that reason, I also have the NYG and Houston money line tomorrow. Wish me luck (not that I believe in it).

Quote: s2dbaker

At this pace, the Patriots will have 70 points all by themselves!

At this pace, I'm going to have a stroke.

No worries... not 4th quarter yet. Tebow time is still to come. 35 point deficit? Non-issue.

Quote: duckmankilla

No worries... not 4th quarter yet. Tebow time is still to come. 35 point deficit? Non-issue.

Jesus doesn't tune in until the fourth quarter?

Quote: s2dbaker

There were 68 points scored in the Saints/49rs game. At this pace, the Patriots will have 70 points all by themselves!

At this pace, I'd pull Brady out by the end of the 3rd.

Quote: s2dbaker

Jesus doesn't tune in until the fourth quarter?

He's just been made aware of the situation. Cue fumble by the pats.

Quote: Nareed

... Brady out by the end of the 3rd.

With any luck, one of those 300lb guys wearing orange will make it so =p

Isn't that nice? The New England fans are routing for Tebow and chanting his name, Praise!!

Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?

I'm still unclear on something. Does Tebow thank Jesus for a loss?

Quote: Nareed

I'm still unclear on something. Does Tebow thank Jesus for a loss?

I think he does. But I also think that Brady thanks Satan for the win.

We are left to ponder the implications of this strange weapon, wondering if other (willing, or unwitting) "soldiers of Christ" are being readied for torture and death.

Quote: s2dbaker

I think he does. But I also think that Brady thanks Satan for the win.

I thought Satan owned the team ;)

Seriously, you have to wonder about the people who claimed through the season Tebow's victories were miracles. I mean, what kind of god do these people worship, who permits atrocities like the holocaust but has a keen interest in football games?

Quote: Nareed

what kind of god do these people worship, who permits atrocities like the holocaust but has a keen interest in football games?

God always watches the playoffs.. Duh.

Quote: Nareed

... and Bellichick once again crushes the Broncos.

Huh? Since Belichick took over the Pats, Denver holds a 6-5 edge over the Patriots (source). If you'll recall, the Broncos ended the Patriots' playoff run in '05 (ironically, they then lost to the Steelers).

And yeah, that game was an embarrassment to Broncos fans everywhere.

I spoke with Ahura Mazda and He told me that it's going to be a Giants vs. Patriots Super Bowl and in that game, the Giants will win by less then a field goal as the clock runs out.

Quote: AcesAndEights

Huh? Since Belichick took over the Pats, Denver holds a 6-5 edge over the Patriots (source). If you'll recall, the Broncos ended the Patriots' playoff run in '05 (ironically, they then lost to the Steelers).

Do you know the NFL's definition of hsitory? It's what happened last week. Ancient history is what happened last season. So in between, The Pats crushed the Broncos this season.

Oh, ammend that to "the evil Broncos" :P

Looking back more than two seasons is pointless in the NFL. Players turn over, coaches turn over, and with that, strategy. The Pats are one of the more consistent teams in the NFL, and Darth Hoody as done a grand job of changing his offense and defense around to fit the personnel (and the personnel to fit the schemes). His use of the short underneath game with two powerful TEs and a possesion reciever like Welker is very different to the stretch he was using in the 16-0 year.

Yet it's still sort of the same. Use players who can fill at least two roles if not three or four. Scout the opposition. Have a great quarterback.

The guy will not be a starter on ANY team next season.

Ken

Quote: mrjjj

The guy will not be a starter on ANY team next season.

Ken

Tebow?

He'll be the starter at the Broncos. He may not be starter by end of season, but the Broncos will draft and trade to improve the wishbone offence to help Tebow. Tim will practice his mechanics. The Broncos only have Brady Quinn behind him, and Quinn's not shown any reason yet he was worth a first round pick. I'd not be surprised if Quinn has a job next season.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/denver-broncos-declare-tim-tebow-their-starting-quarterback-entering-2012/2012/01/16/gIQAhYfv3P_story.html

Given his pretty good record this year, I can't see anyway a healthy Tim Tebow doesn't start next year in Denver, or any team he's traded too (which would be akin to the Giants trading Eli right now.... Tebow IS the Broncos franchise for now).

Yeah, TODAY he would be the starter (if they were still alive in the playoffs) but next season? No fricken way. I guess we'll wait and see. At the PEAK of Tebow during the season, he was ranked 14th in regards to QB passer rating, big deal. I'll take Matt Flynn over Tebow anyday.

Ken