With that in mind, let's take a look at potential opportunities for Tebow:
On the List
Jaguars - Gotta laugh at the gullibility of some people. Not getting totally destroyed by the Broncos was enough for some to proclaim that Jacksonville had turned the corner and was on the upswing. Never mind that they only scored 12 points against the worst passing defense in the NFL. Thankfully Henne dispelled that notion by scoring only 2 field goals against the Chargers. The Jaguars have not scored a touchdown at home this year. Not one. Caldwell might succumb to fan pressure and sign Tim if plummeting ticket sales finally outweigh his ego. Or they might go 0-16. Sadly, I think the latter is more likely.
Browns - Brandon Weeden had another terrible game. Having suffered for so many years, Cleveland fans will not accept watching a promising season slip away. The pressure to replace Weeden will be deafening. The coaching staff appears to have even less faith in their backup, Jason Campbell. Tim is not a good fit for the Cleveland offense. On the other hand, read what GM Mike Lombardi wrote about Tebow in Denver. Or they might trade for Mallett. Either way is fine. Prediction: Browns bench Weeden next week and start Campbell, who plays even worse.
Patriots - Injuries have decimated their defense. The Jets exposed that today. Belichick has to do something to replace Wilfork and Mayo. Ryan Mallett is one of the few valuable cards he might be willing to part with in a trade. The conspiracy theorist in me clings to the belief that Tebow is on a Josh McDaniels-directed makeover plan, waiting for a call from the Pats after they trade Mallett next week.
Off the List
Bills - Thad Lewis is actually playing more than well enough to tide Buffalo over until EJ Manuel returns. They also have Matt Flynn as an insurance option. Lucky them.
Texans - Case Keenum turns out to be a sleeper. I love it when the scouts are wrong. They'll stick with him until Schaub recovers.
Bucs - Tampa is still winless, and Schiano is sure to get fired soon. But Glennon is playing well enough for a rookie that both Schiano and his successor are likely to stick with him.
Watch
Raiders - Bye week
Philly - Vick has lived up to his injury-prone reputation. Now Foles is out with a head injury. They still have Barkley, who played well in the preseason, but Chip Kelly has got to be getting tired of dainty quarterbacks. Anyone know of a durable QB on the market?
Rams - Rumors already flying. If Bradford is out for the season, they need someone besides backup Kellen Clemens.
The Injury Monster - Sam Bradford hurt his knee and undergoes an MRI tonight. The Rams are "concerned". Nick Foles has a concussion, and if you watch the replay you can see why skinny necked quarterbacks should not be allowed to play. His helmet looks like it is connected with a noodle as he gets rag-dolled by a big defender. Jay Cutler hurt his hip/groin. Rumors are that it's bad, but he did walk off unaided.
"A few weeks ago, I was talking with a high-level NFL executive who told me, based on talking directly with the Broncos, that the team's original plan was to play Tebow a few weeks for the fans, and then start with the rebuilding process." from the Lombardi article. And that's just to SMH. Wow, he even had people in HIS ORGANIZATION against him HAHHAHAHAHAHA :(
ReplyDeleteI've heard that before that they planned to play Tim a few games for the fans and send him on his way; but then the fans kinda sorta did not allow them to play out the plan - Peyton Manning was the perfect out. And people wonder why they did not keep Tim on to develop behind Manning!
DeleteBradford is out for the season. Initial word from St Louis reporters is that Tim won't be signed. I am flabbergasted that he would not be at least considered and brought in for a tryout. Really curious what better options they have on the market at this point. I've always thought the blacklist theory was nonsense, but this one makes me wonder.
ReplyDeleteHe's been on their radar for a while, including back in 2012 when the Broncos were cutting him loose. That they're evidently still discussing him is interesting. I think there still may be interest, regardless of these initial denials to the press, but it's likely they'll explore any trade options before considering FA's. If they ultimately do go the FA route and scrape someone out of the bottom of the "Anyone But Tebow" barrel then I give up.
DeleteThinking about it more, I do not think they want a new starter. They are going to give Kellen Clemens a shot, since he has been practicing with them. That's not necessarily a bad call. Pro offensive systems are complex. It is a tall order for a new QB to come in and play with competence with only 3 practice days and 6 days of playbook study.
DeleteAs the Jets learned, Tebow is too popular to serve as backup QB. If your starter is shaky, the fan base will go nuts demanding that Tim play. He could only serve as backup for an undisputed HOF player like Brady. For anyone else, a team is better off with a no-name backup.
Bottom line, the Rams may have to flounder for a few weeks before they hit rock bottom and are willing to bring Tim in and toss him the keys.
Welp. It seems they're looking at Leinart, Skelton, and Carr. How underwhelming. And mind-boggling.
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