By now, any Tebow fan has read the Sports Illustrated longform article
The Book of Tebow. Overall I thought it was a well crafted and thoughtful article. Here are some aspects of the article that I liked or disliked:
Likes
- The article does a good job communicating Tim's strength of character. Particularly useful were the interviews with his Gator teammates showing how much they respect him. Tim is that rarest of breeds, a man who actually walks the path he talks. This article does a great job showing how genuine he is.
- Likewise for compassion. The trait I've always found most compelling about Tebow is how such a strong, fierce man could have such a capacity for kindness and empathy. Plenty of NFL players are Christian and plenty of them do charity work; what sets Tebow apart is the way his compassion for others truly drives his life. The author and John Oliver may have trouble saying it, but I don't: Tim Tebow is a better man than I am, and I'm grateful to him for teaching me that toughness and kindness are not mutually exclusive.
- The author does a great job of pointing how how foolish the hyperbole has become from some of Tim's more mean-spirited social critics. He uses comedian John Oliver's own words to make him look stupid. Nicely done.
- I thought he did a good job explaining Tim's viewpoint on the Jeffress controversy. Tim's critics are not the only ones who try to hijack his image for their own agendas. Within the Southern Baptist church there has long been a struggle on love vs judgment as the focus of Christian thought. The author wisely lets Tim speak for himself, and Tim makes it clear which side of that debate he comes down on.
- If they had to pick one quote from Tim to include in this article, the one about him focusing on accuracy was the right one. That is exactly the message he must send to the NFL. I doubt that quote made it into the article by accident.
- Kudos for calling out Rex. Everyone knows Rex did not start Tim at the end of last season because he was afraid he would succeed and make Rex look bad. So far just the fans have said that, but now it's in the mainstream media to challenge the narrative that Tim failed.
Dislikes
- Overall, the article veers dangerously towards the "nice guy, can't play football" theme that many critics use to dismiss Tim's career without being seen as haters.
- You can't have a discussion about Tim's success at Denver and not acknowledge his talent as a runner. Denver had the number one rushing offense in the NFL that year. Tim was the reason for that. The read option worked well in Denver for the same reason it won a national championship at Florida: because Tim Tebow is an incredible athlete whose presence forced defenses to leave other threats uncovered.
- There wasn't much insight on Tim's time with the Patriots. No interviews with former players, no comments from talking heads in the Boston media or Patriots "insiders", nothing. After putting so much effort into tracking down former Gator teammates, the best he could do on New England were comments made in the press box during training camp? Does Bill Belichick cast such a long shadow that everyone is afraid to speak out? Even Tedy Bruschi?
- The article started off purporting to report on a sit-down interview with Tebow in October, but actual quotes from the article were rather scarce. Tim hasn't given an interview in several months, so that's big news. Would have been nice to hear more of it.
- What's with the ersatz Bible format and title? Can't anyone write anything intelligent about Tebow without casting it in a faux religious light?
Other Observations
- The author says that Tebow and his advisors did not want the article written and did not want to give an interview. Holding the interview in a lawyer's office suggests there were protracted negotiations between SI and Tebow's agents, and both sides were probably fairly forceful. I'm going to speculate SI made it clear they were going to write the article regardless, and traded an interview with Tim in return for giving him some degree of input on content. I would guess at a minimum they gave him the right to approve his quotes, and allowed his PR team the chance to preview the article and address any derogatory information.
- When you add everything up, something is still missing. The pieces do not add up. Why have no other teams even given him a workout? Why has so little information been reported about his departure from the Patriots? I get that nobody wants the circus, but the degree of public avoidance by NFL teams goes well beyond that.
Conclusion
Tim is obviously orchestrating a comeback campaign. What's less obvious is the degree to which that campaign is now being orchestrated by professionals. Tim is a franchise with sky high marketing potential. It was inevitable that the amateurs in Tim's camp would step back and let the pros take over. I think their behind-the-scenes actions may well explain many of the questions we have.
What I want to know is did the Tebow agents change faces between the time of said interview and the publishing of this article?
ReplyDeleteAre you referring to Tim's recent signing of Nick Khan from CAA?
DeleteYes, and whomever else might be involved with all things Tebow at CAA.
DeleteIt wasn't really a change so much as a consolidation. His football agent has always been Jimmy Sexton at CAA. I think Tim finally recognized his non-football activities needed to be subordinate to his football activities, and combining all his activities under CAA would ensure that. At least that is my interpretation of it. Entirely a positive development IMHO.
DeleteI am thinking CAA told him they needed all the pieces of the puzzle (and all the profits) in order to maximize their efforts to get him signed.
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ReplyDeleteI think if he wanted to say that, he would just say it.
DeleteAs to your Q about no detail about the Patriots, obviously, Bill does not like press and obvious too, Tim wants to be in his good graces. Don't ya think (smile)?
ReplyDeleteI find this whole article to be an excellent read, yes, but also a well-crafted marketing piece. It sings Tim’s praises and answers or dismisses all the critics.
A few random thoughts...
ReplyDelete--As to your observation about the ersatz Bible format, I would suggest that it was an editorial choice rather than the author's - but point taken, nonetheless.
--He keeps the index card industry solvent, doesn't he? What was it? 400 to learn the Jets' playbook, which he would never use. Then 800 to learn the Pats' playbook, which he would barely use. There's something endearing and sad about that. I'm guessing part of his determination stems from wanting to be able to tell other dyslexic kids to not let anything stop them. I hope he has the opportunity to mow through another few stacks of index cards before this is all over.
--The press (or bits and pieces of the press) are beginning to realize they helped shove their own gravy train out of the league with all of the over-the-top criticism. With so many terrible or just plain unlucky players getting opportunities at quarterback this season -- perennial dumpster fires (Gabbert, et. al.), perennial injury magnets (Locker, et al.), perennial retreads (Quinn, et al), upstarts that stopped (Geno, et al.), and stars that fizzled (Kaepernick et al) -- perhaps more will make an effort to approach their 'analysis' with more than kneejerk dismissal and instead inform it with some context and perspective. You'd think a few would take some pride in contradicting groupthink.
Yea but that would take a certain amount of humility & unfortunately that is usually in very short supply. Maybe that is another thing they could learn from Tim.
DeleteThe flash card anecdote also illustrates how tilted the playing field was against him during his Patriots tryout. Consider that on each down he has a maximum of 30 seconds to call the play in the huddle, walk to the line, get the offense lined up, recall the route trees in his mind, read the defense, and predict which routes are likely to be open. Now consider he has to potentially recall from 800 different flash cards during that process.
DeleteHe joined the Patriots on June 11, and played his first preseason game on August 9th, so had less than 60 days to learn the playbook. Tom Brady has had 14 years to learn the playbook, and Ryan Mallett has had 3 years. Of course he is going to look shaky and indecisive at times.
Here's where I stop and go "hmmm". Belichick and McDaniels are not dumb men, and they know better than anyone how complex their playbook is. They cannot have been surprised by his initial struggles. That makes me wonder if this wasn't part of the plan all along. POOF! I'm right back to my magical theory about Tim being on a secret mission from Coach B to fix his accuracy, learn the playbook, and come back next spring.
>>Here's where I stop and go "hmmm".<<
DeleteDitto. Here we go again, but whatever. It's the holidays. If we can't indulge in wishful thinking now then when can we? It works given the circumstances as we understand them. And those circumstances keep piling up rather than getting explained away. Case in point - as you mentioned - his one and only interview since leaving Foxborough, not only negotiated by attorneys but almost completely redacted from the article!
You ask, "Why have no other teams even given him a workout?"
ReplyDeleteThat question was answered, "Football executives who consider signing him fear they will also be signing the Tim Tebow Circus, an unnerving combination of satellite trucks AND FAN-SPONSORED BILLBOARDS..."
No, I don't think that line of thought holds any water. He's "too popular to sign"? BS. The all powerful, out of control "circus" didn't overtake the Patriots? There are many other things going on behind the scenes that we're not seeing.
DeleteThere should be a period after "overtake the Patriots." Not a question mark
DeleteA comeback is definetly in the works. Tim is such a fascinating character & the article helped shed some light on certain aspects of these dichotomies. The toughness & kindness you mentioned. The practice play as opposed to the game play (especially in pressure situations). How he balanced his relationship with his coach at Florida with those of his peers on the team. The point you made about leading the league in rushing is something that needs to be mentioned more often also. Since everyone is so fixated on the pass, the run has almost become an incedental part of an offense in alot of peoples minds & according to these same people quaterbacks are not supposed to rush by design for fear of injury..Which we know is nonsense in Tim's case. Yes alot of questions still remain. Whether Tim's throwing program is sponsered by a certain team or not at the very least if the less visonary franchises do not want to see the light I see no reason why the Pats would not take another look at him next year. Something tells me people in Denver & New York are going to regret ever letting him go.
ReplyDeleteWell, the NFL can continue to blacklist Tebow and as long as they still do that I will keep blacklisting them, as well. My family and I haven't given the NFL any money whatsoever this year. If enough of us started doing that in a grassroots type of effort it would make a difference and hurt the megalithic No Fun League right where it matters most.
ReplyDeleteAnd honestly, the NFL is pretty boring without Tebow anyway. People think Peyton Manning's exciting? Yawn..... Watching that tinkerbell shiver in the cold now and throw errant passes is excruciatingly dull.
I just hope when & if he does come back we see the same inspired, passionate, and most importantly instinctive play we are used to seeing from him...I believe those things are what seperates him from other quarterbacks. How many quarterbacks have you ever seen stiff arm a charging defensive lineman & then complete a pass for a touchdown. We have seen him do this several times. A new throwing motion with more accuracy will be good if it works but I hope he does not taper down his physical or mental style of play just to fit the mold of what others say an nfl quarterback should play like.
DeleteI think he's going to have to lose some upper body muscle to become a more efficient and accurate thrower. I love watching him crush lnebackers, but there's a reason that Tom Brady and Aaron Rogers aren't built like fullbacks. He'll still retain the athleticism, which comes from the lower body anyways, but the new model Tim won't be quite as durable.
DeleteOn balance yes I agree a more flexible upper body will be beneficial for his throwing accuracy & his overall game should improve. The confounding thing for me though is he was highly accurate when he needed to be before. It makes me wonder how much of his accuracy issues were physical as opposed to psychological..He had the highest QBR rating in the 4th quarter of games.
DeleteGreat question about the 4th quarter accuracy. I wonder too. Could be a sports psychology thing. I've heard it speculated that he tried to hard to be careful during the first 3 quarters, and when the game was on the line he finally let loose and just played. Or it could be that the play calling style changed to a style more conducive to his skills in the 4th quarter.
DeleteSome of the reactions to the article in question are at once amusing and telling. Note Deadspin's "We read SI's long Tim Tebow piece so you don't have to" - snarky, patronizing, frat-clique shorthand for "We made up our minds before reading and enjoy listening to ourselves whine, so here's a review designed to generate page-clicks from other malcontents. Let's all high-five each other." Most of us have minds of our own and know how to read, so thanks but no thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've also noticed a handful of comments at the end of the article questioning why the media continues to cover him and stating that no one has interest in him anymore. It's tempting to point out to these individuals the logical fallacy in posing such questions at the end of an article that they've at the very least clicked on and have ostensibly read. The answer to the more captivating question - why are they even there if they are so fed up? - is self evident. They, like the bros at Deadspin, enjoy hearing themselves whine.
I suspect that in both cases the complainers are far more interested in Tebow than they're letting on, kind of like the girl in high school that harbors a secret crush but feigns disgust to hide her affection for the guy. Why else do anything but ignore the article? Must save face, after all, and prove to the masses that they're on-trend and current.
I find it amusing that the Jets still have not found their quarterback & this time Tim is not their scapegoat.
DeleteThe whole purpose of Deadspin is for commenters to show how clever they are by heaping snark on the topic at hand. When you look past the superficial wittiness, it's all an exercise for the self-absorbed.
DeleteIs anybody buying this latest spin that has Tim 'ready' to be a college football analyst?
ReplyDeleteThe press tested the waters with this theory the minute the news came out that he was moving his non-football activities over to CAA, but the rumor has recently blown up again after USA Today's The Big Lead cited "multiple sources," "industry sources," and "sources," in its network bidding war story.
First of all, it's interesting to me that no other outlet has yet to independently verify considering there are so many "sources" on both sides of the story willing to spill the beans to The Big Lead. Every other outlet out there that has run with the story has cited The Big Lead rather than their own sources.
Second, the original Big Lead report "[anticipates] that the Tebow jockeying will intensify in January, after his agent, Jimmy Sexton, is done riding the college football coaching carousel this month." Really? Why do they have to wait for his sports agent's schedule to clear up? Why not reach out to Nick Khan or another broadcast agent who has more expertise in media contracts? Here's why: because the story is made up.
And the coup de gras: "[Tebow] is finally beginning to realize his NFL career is over."
He must not have gotten the memo. For someone who's hanging up his cleats he sure is putting in a lot of work with his mechanics coach.
Totally agree. If Tim was moving on from the NFL, he would not be practicing every day. If he was shooting for a broadcast career, he would not be hiding from the media and deliberately lowering his profile. Why work out at USC instead of in New York, where the networks are, or in Jacksonville where his family is?
DeleteBeyond that, the notion of Tim as a media talking head is a terrible idea. For all we know, he might be awful at it. His personal qualities are in leading and doing, not observing and commenting.
When getting him to switch positions didn't work, now they want to get him in the booth. I wonder what they will come up with when he makes his return to the field as a quarterback.
ReplyDeleteThis article on the evolving quarterback landscape in the 2014 draft may be of interest.
ReplyDeletehttp://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/2014-nfl-draft-report-quarterback-landscape-changed-significantly-213259766--nfl.html
Cliffs Notes Version: Thanks to a couple of blown ACL's and college recommits they're basically down to Bridgewater and Manziel, give or take a Brett Hundley. It will be interesting to guess where they go.
No doubt the Jaguars and Browns will claim two of them; and it looks like other teams likely to be looking are (in no particular order) the Texans, the Rams, the Jets (insert Simpsons character Martin Prince's "HA HA" here), and probably the Titans, the Bucs, and the Vikings will be sussing out the field.
Then there's the matter of current QB's that will be reentering the mix / returning in one way or another: Sanchez, Locker, Hoyer, and so on. Vick may be looking for a new team; same for Freeman.
I haven't really finessed either list, but the point is that it'll be interesting to see how it all shakes out and whether or not any of these teams want to give Tebow a look. I suspect we'll see a lot of teams doing the same thing over and over again and getting the same results, but who knows?
Wishful Thinking Side Note: they won't be giving him a look if he's already committed elsewhere >_>
Other Business: I see Brian Coz, with his recent column about Tebow giving the Jets the best chance to win, has joined the tiny but growing ranks of reporters that are suggesting, in one way or another, that Tebow is actually worthy of playing in the NFL. Of course he's getting hell for it, but that's to be expected. Someone over at RantSports has also penned an article about how he's sure to be back in 2014. It's not much, but it's something, and a vast improvement over the contemptuous eye-rolling of those who would rather see Caleb Hanie get another shot.
Ed I hope you don't mind that I put these remarks here. It's way more accommodating than, say, Twitter, and I enjoy the back and forth.
Kathryn, feel free to post anything you want. Your writing is always clear and your analysis makes sense.
DeleteThe funny thing is that neither Bridgewater nor Manziel are sure things. There are no Andrew Lucks or Peyton Mannings in this draft.
I do believe Tim will get some low-profile tryouts during the off-season. He's just too special an athletic talent for all 32 coaches to shun him forever. Also, having sat out for a year will tamp down the media hysteria some, and reduce the calls for him to start over whoever is in front of him.
It is up to him to make real progress on his throwing motion, so one of those tryouts converts into a training camp invite.
Then of course there's still my Patriots redshirt theory.
[Deleted to repost in line]
DeleteOkay, here comes a lot of verbal spewage...
>>The funny thing is that neither Bridgewater nor Manziel are sure things. There are no Andrew Lucks or Peyton Mannings in this draft. <<
Earlier this season Bart Hubbuch led a couple of discussions on Twitter revolving around Caldwell and the Jaguars' refusal to sign Tebow. Now he's no Tebow lover at all, but he quite forcefully argued in favor of it, citing that the team had absolutely nothing to lose. Those who opposed the idea relied largely on this notion that they're 'rebuilding' and some patience was in order. Wait for next year's draft, in other words. Bart's response was that they'd been 'rebuilding' for five years and that banking on the draft was a crap shoot.
Fast forward two months and we find the Jags, as expected, among a small handful of teams likely to get one of the first three picks. So are they really going to try to build their team around Bridgewater, who as you point out is no Andrew Luck or, more incredibly, Manziel, whose transition to the NFL is just as suspect and will create a circus that will make Tim's look as exciting as the DMV waiting room by comparison? Is this choice what Caldwell was counting on?
For various reasons I've never been on the Tebow-to-the-Jags bandwagon. One of those reasons was that Caldwell's "can't envision a scenario" statement struck me as kind of a low blow, rookie move if you will. Savvy coaches and managers, like savvy politicians, tend not to burn bridges because, as the saying goes, you never know. Instead they use vague language that leaves said bridges intact even if they never intend on using them. See any given Bill Belichick interview for an example. Caldwell not only torched his bridge, he strung barbed wire along the river bank, making it impossible to reconsider his decision without having to swallow some pride. It was an ego move that made an unnecessarily damaging statement about the player.
Now here they are nearing the end of a disastrous season (I will acknowledge without editorial comment that they've recently defeated the Browns and Texans); and their reward for enduring it will be a high draft pick which will presumably allow Caldwell to continue working his magic.
Like he did last year as a personnel evaluator over at the Falcons, who by the way were the first team to be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs this year. I, once again, withhold editorial comment.
Not to question the establishment, here, but why are these guys given so much benefit of the doubt? Look at the Browns. They spent a #3 draft pick on Trent Richardson. Then Lombardi traded him a season later and was treated like a strategic genius for presumably tanking for another high draft pick. Why? Who cares what pick he gets? He'd just proven that he'd wasted a #3 pick. So what happens if he gets the #1 pick in 2014? He could get lucky. Or he could pick anotherTrent Richardson. Like Bart said: crap shoot.
I'll never understand or support this idea of "tanking a season" for draft picks, particularly in the NFL, where even under the very best of circumstances players could get seriously injured. Increasing that risk with a sh*tshow just so that the GM can play moneyball on paper in the next draft should be questioned, not celebrated.
>>I do believe Tim will get some low-profile tryouts during the off-season. He's just too special an athletic talent for all 32 coaches to shun him forever.<<
We think that, but with teams scraping the bottom of the QB barrel the way they are, avoiding him at all costs, I have to wonder...
>>It is up to him to make real progress on his throwing motion<<
Indeed. Fair or not, anyone willing to give him a look will be going out on a limb. It's up to him to make them feel comfortable that they're not risking their jobs.
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ReplyDeleteHow are you doing Ed it has been quiet on the Tebow front lately. I was curious to know if you had seen the article written by Skip Bayless earlier this week called "Football & Snow don't go". I am a Skip Bayless fan & I really admire his steadfast support for Tim in the face of all the ridicule he faces because of it, but on this one I don't agree. In it he argues that all football games should be played indoors because that is the only way to truly determine which is the better team..I like football played in the elements I believe it adds character & personality to the game. Games played indoors to me look & feel sterile. Would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty obvious nothing is going to happen this season. I think Tim has shifted his focus to the off-season. I expect him to finish his throwing motion makeover, do low profile auditions after the season ends, and hopefully get on board with someone for OTAs. I still hold out hope for the Pats, but of course that is just wishful thinking on my part.
DeleteI didn't see the Bayless article. Not a big fan of Skip, and I agree with you on football n the cold. Football is about toughness, and that means you deal with the weather as it comes.
I would make an exception for the Super Bowl. I think that one should be played on a neutral site not necessarily indoors but in a place where the chances of harsh weather determining the outcome would ne minimal.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview with Thomas Lake on writing the Tebow article. Key takeaway: the on-the-record portion of his interview with Tim was 6 minutes long. That explains the lack of quotes!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.poynter.org/how-tos/highlighting-excellent-journalism-in-all-its-forms/233431/how-sports-illustrated-reporter-captured-the-athlete-in-the-book-of-tebow/
I give up. I'm obviously clueless when it comes to reading the Tim Tebow tea leaves. First I was certain that the Pats would hang onto him if for no other reason than to ride the bench and learn behind Brady. Then I was certain there was no way he would take a tv gig. I still can't believe it. If he wants to be an NFL QB how exactly is commentating on the SEC Network going to get him there? None of this makes sense. He's *still* working out at USC. Logically, someone willing to put in that much work and wants it that bad would go to Canada or the arena league for a couple of years if there were no NFL lifelines. But he takes an ESPN gig? It just doesn't add up. Either the man has thrown in the towel or is supremely confident that he'll have opportunities come spring. I need a drink.
ReplyDeleteAt first I was flabbergasted. It seems completely counterproductive to his stated goal of making an NFL team. A horrible mistake.
DeleteHowever, after considering the timing I can see how it might make sense. SEC football games are done except for the bowls, so he won't do any games until next fall. By then he will know if he is going to get another shot in the NFL. A
Also, maybe the income gives him the freedom to keep training instead of chasing a paycheck. I'm sure they waved an awful lot of money at him. It can't be cheap to be Tim Tebow. It's not like he can fly super saver on United and eat at the Golden Corral.
This is the guy Revis called a natural born leader. A guy that, for whatever his faults, took a 1-4 team to an 8-8 season and a playoff win. In survey after survey, he's one of the most admired athletes in the nation. He's got a bigger than life persona and more popularity than entire teams. And his next step is to shrink all of that down into the role of a Saturday afternoon commentator, watching and talking while others act and do? It doesn't fit him - at all. It's hard to imagine him finding any satisfaction in settling for that. And it makes me angry that it has come down to this because a bunch of blowhard groupthinkers that consider themselves experts, and box-checking, butt-covering GM's - think that perennial losers like Jeff Tuel and Brady Quinn are more worthy of roster spots.
DeleteAnd it honestly - from an image standpoint - draws into question whether he intends on pursuing the quarterback dream. It cuts off all the back door entrances: CFL, arena, position switch, etc. He'd really rather take a commentary gig than continue playing in some other capacity besides NFL QB? I just don't get it.
I'm so tempted to say 'there *must* be more to this' but we've been doing that for months, and it's never more than wishful thinking.
Signing with ESPN as an analyst may actually be the best move for him to quiet the media hysteria. ESPN and other networks have internal HR policies on talking about colleagues, so this may be a genius way to take shelter from the hyperbole. ESPN's analysts will need to measure words much more carefully now that he's on the payroll.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading all the opinions about the analyst job I guess we will have to wait & see what happens. You all made some great points. I still hope he will be a starting QB again it is good for us as fans & good for the game of football. I am however less confident now than I was before about there being a Red Shirt Theory with the Patriots...If there was a plan in place I can't see why he would be taking this job.
DeleteBrandi relays this am that TT and the A-11 have been in negotiations for months. That's very interesting if her sources over at the start-up aren't embellishing their narrative. It could be part of a Plan B if the NFL passes on him again; and would allow him to play in spring/summer and work for the SEC Network in the fall. It's not the dream, but neither is it a sack of coal. It's like going to Canada to play...without having to go to Canada. (No offense, Canada.) Eternal optimist that I am, I'm holding out hope that he gets a look or two during training camp, from maybe Josh McDaniels if no one else. In the meantime he has removed NFL QB from his twitter profile, suggesting that he's decided to hand the matter over to God (a reference from his book). NFL or no, SEC Network or no, I hope he finds a way to keep playing. If it's A-11 so be it. Point me to the jersey rack and let's get on with it.
ReplyDeleteArticle on McDaniels, Lombardi and Tebow may be of interest: http://www.cantonrep.com/article/20140102/BLOGS/140109910/10256
ReplyDeleteVery powerful piece by Trent Dilfer on NFL countdown: I believe it managed to:
ReplyDelete1) Capture Tim's drive & what motivates him.
2) No mention of any mania or negativity. (Which I found to be extremely refreshing.)
3) Not only was there no negativity but he asked the audience to focus soley on the thrown ball & not who the thrower was. (Just awesome).
4) The unabashed call for GM's & coaches to take a new look at Tim saying he is a different & was implying that if he was one of the greatest college players ever without knowing how to throw, just imagine what he could do now that he knows how to throw.
Conclusion: Its early in the comeback process but what a great start. It doesn't get much better than this.
PS: I am looking foward to reading all your commentaries.
ITA with all of your points, Bob. It was very encouraging for numerous reasons. First and foremost Tim makes it clear to the League and public in general that he's still in the game and still wants his shot, which I think is very important given the contradictory signal that signing with the SEC Network sent.
DeleteSecond, it's significant that Trent endorsed him because a) he'd been a critic in the past, and b) his credibility is on the line. And it wasn't a lukewarm, obligatory endorsement. The observation that Tim was one of the greatest CFB players without knowing how to throw - and the implication of his potential with his improved mechanics - suggests that he's excited to see if it can translate from training to gameday - or at least training camp.
Let's hope his recommendation to NFL GM's to give Tim another look does not fall on deaf ears.
Just watched it. I totally agree. Great piece. Exactly what I wanted to hear.
DeleteThe description of what he has done for the past 4 months raises a question. After being cut from the Pats, did Tim make a strategic decision to forgo this season in order to focus on his mechanics full time?
I can see him being presented with a choice. Spend a month or two tweaking his mechanics until a team calls mid-season, then dash off to play, with similar results to previous "improvements". Or, make a commitment to finish the process, at a cost of missing a full season. 99% of players would not be willing to make the hard decision to go all the way, but Tim would.
I don't know. I think if he'd gotten a call he would've gone, but never got a call. For reasons you have mentioned in previous articles the teams needing backups mid-season went with players that they were already familiar with or who better fit their systems. That said, we know from media reports that at least one team - the Rams - put his name on the table before going another route. I would not be surprised if they weren't the only team to cursorily consider him, but just did not want to retool or invite the additional media scrutiny on the fly like that. I'm hoping that at least one of them will be encouraged to give him a shot in training camp, when they have more time to evaluate and tailor their offense.
DeleteWe may never know whether or not he got any offers to play quaterback this past year. I agree he would be in the 1% of players to make the tough choices to go all the way with his throwing rehab even if he had gotten an offer. Personally I don't believe he got any offers to play quarterback this year. I believe the conventional wisdom throughout the league was stacked too much against him. Both from a throwing & media standpoint. Looking back on it I believe it has worked out for the best. Now the slate has been cleared & he could have a brand new start. If he continues to get endorsements like the one from Trent Dilfer as well as some other positive press some of the vitriol will subside & teams will be able to evaluate him based soley on performance.
ReplyDeleteNow *this* is interesting, too. Especially if you've read the article I linked a few posts up...
ReplyDeletehttp://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/rumor_has_it_browns_gm_michael_lombardi_is_talking_tim_tebow/14432306?story_article_yb_original_head_14432306
Kathryn: I was looking for the article you referenced all over the yardbarker sight & did not see it. Can you tell us what it says or possibly link it to my facebook page I am not on twitter. Thanks
DeleteThat's odd. I'll just post the text below. Hope this is okay...
Delete>>There is a rumor from a guy who works for the Cleveland Browns, that Michael Lombardi the team’s G.M. is talking Tim Tebow since he was cut from the New England Patriots. I would like to know why Lombardi is talking Tebow, it seems as though the Browns have enough guys at the quarterback position.
The source won’t confirm how he heard these Tebow rumors and that worries me a bit too. Now if Tebow could kick field goals I would understand Lombardi’s urge to talk to Tebow. Otherwise what would he want to talk to Tim Tebow.
The source this information came from has done a lot of work inside the Browns facilities. Usually I get a bit more information from him but in this case, he is remaining tight-lipped. That in itself if troublesome.
Could the Browns actually be thinking of acquiring Tebow? As we know from years ago it is impossible to know what Lombardi is thinking. I guess we need to keep our eyes open in the coming days to see if there is any Tebow sightings in the Cleveland area.
Maybe Lombardi is considering bringing the quarterback in to lead prayer services, after all some don’t see the Browns finishing the year better than 6-10. If Tebow comes in maybe he could help the team get a miracle and the Browns make the play offs this season. After all he came off the bench when the Broncos were off to a 1-4 start and he took them to the play-offs.
Maybe this guy just heard Lombardi talking Tim Tebow after he was released by the Patriots…. You know, like wow they cut Tim Tebow…..<<
Thank You Kathryn:
DeleteThis link is to an interview Trent Dilfer did on ESPN Radio today, going further in to Tim's retraining process. Apparently Tim has done over 100,000 reps in the last five months (movement reps, not necessarily all throwing reps), working 10 hours a day, every day except Wednesday for five months. That portion of the interview starts at about 3:30 into the clip.
ReplyDeletehttp://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=10251730
That was excellent to listen to thanks Kathryn. Tim is really taking the wind out of alot of sails with his determination. Teams would have to be very foolish to continue to dismiss him. Just the fact that he put himself through this process should alert teams to the kind of leader & potential great player he could become. On a side note: I will be rooting for the Chargers this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHe also gave a similar interview to Michael Kay. I'm really impressed with how Trent is handling this. He's being accused (disingenuously, in my opinion) of stretching ethics and conflict of interest and so on, and he's still going out there and telling these radio programs what he saw at USC.
DeleteIf you are interested in the Michael Kay interview it's at the following link:
http://espn.go.com/espnradio/newyork/play?id=10253144
The Tebow part of the interview starts at about 8:40.
Trent revealed in this interview that it was Tom Brady & the Patriots who encouraged Tim to go work with Tom House. So maybe there is something to yours & Ed's Patriots theory. Also I thought it was interesting that he said he would sign Tim only if there were an infrastructure in place to handle Tim's presence. Wherever he lands I hope it is with a visonary staff who lets him play instinctivly. Thought is good but in pressure packed crucial moments instincts are better.
DeleteYes, at least the first part of the Patriots theory proved to be true. And credit goes to Ed for the theory - I'm just along for the ride. Notable to me was that Trent said he could think of about five teams that had the need and the infrastructure in place to bring Tebow on. It would be interesting to know which, though it's unlikely he'll ever call them out by name. Also, in one of these interviews he'd said he'd hoped to be able to put together a 30 minute webcast that goes into Tim's training at greater depth. That suggests to me a great deal of confidence in the changes Tim has made. I look forward to it if it ever gets done.
DeleteI'm also rooting for the Chargers. Not out of malice toward the Broncos. I've just got a soft spot for the underdogs. Always will.
Anyone else frustrated at how dismissive the talking heads generally are about Tim's retraining? No benefit of the doubt. No asking to take a look and see for themselves. Just a bunch of tough guys trying to make sure they have the last word on his career. And almost none of them former quarterbacks. It's amazing to me.
DeleteSometimes it does get frustrating. In reality though their opinions don't matter much anyway. Anyone who has accepted the challenge & made the effort that Tim has deservers alot of respect whether he ever steps back out on the field or not. It will not go unnoticed by those that matter (Belechick, & McDaniels & hopefully a few more. The only mild critical observation I have on the Dilfer piece is, it made no mention of what Tim has already proven he could do as pro QB & how his new skills could improve upon that.
ReplyDeleteGood point re Dilfer piece. It seems he started going in that direction when he pointed out that Tim became one of the greatest college quarterbacks without knowing how to pass, but yes if would have been more effective if he extrapolated and included his NFL successes. As in, he also went on a six game winning streak and won a playoff game without knowing how to pass. All in all, though, he did well given the apparent time constraints. And he hasn't backed down in the face of all the naysayers and critics. He's insisting to people that he knows what he's talking about and that they're wrong to doubt. If this had been some sort of coordinated puff piece, he would've begrudgingly done it and then let it fade from memory. But he continues to defend it. I really hope he's motivated to go through with the longer web feature that he'd mentioned.
DeleteIs anyone as surprised as I am that Josh McDaniels turned down the Cleveland job??? I looked like it would happen. I wonder if roster isuues specifically his desire to possibly bring Tim in had anything to do with his turning the job down.
DeleteI doubt he would fall on his sword over Tim. It's being reported he did it after being told he was not the front runner. I'm guessing he wanted to focus on the playoffs.
DeleteJMD needs to be really picky about which job he takes. He botched his first HC job because he was too young and didn't have management experience. He will get another shot, because he is such a good OC. However, if he fails a second time, he won't get another chance.
Given that, he needs to make sure he goes into the right situation. Cleveland is, after all, the Factory of Sadness. With 5 head coaches in the last 9 years, it is also where head coach careers go to die.
It was amazing the way the Pats took control of this game & turned it into a comfortable victory. Midway through the third Quarter it looked as if they were just hanging on to their lead & Indy looked like they were in command. Blount was a difference maker tonight with those long runs. Maybe three yards & a cloud of dust will be back in vogue. (Tounge in cheek).
ReplyDeleteIs it too early to speculate where Tim might be playing next season????
ReplyDeleteThere are a few interesting questions to consider.
1) Does a team convinced of Tim's improvement as a passer bring him in as their starter in hopes of reviving their team??? & if so would this be the wise move for Tim considering it would likely be a sink or swim situation???
2) Does he go to a team with an open Quaterback situation with a shaky starter where there is a risk of the same controversy that existed while he was in New York???
3) Does he go to a team with an undisputed starter where he has a chance to compete as a backup???
4) Does he begin the season not on a roster, waiting for a call from a team needing a Quarterback, after their initial plans fail????
Under question 1 there are several teams who would qualify. Jax, Cleveland, Tenn, Minn., Oak.
#2 would include Houston, Miami, Buffalo, St. Louis, Arizona, Philly, & dare I say Ny Jets.
#3 would include New England, Pitt, New Orleans, San Diego, Dallas, Green Bay,
where the starters a a bit older & SF, Seattle, Atl, Carolina, Indy, & Wash. where the starters are younger.
What do you think friends????
Awfully tough to make any predictions at this point. I seriously doubt #1. I think if #4 happens for a second year, his career as a QB is dead. So I would suggest two possible scenarios:
DeleteA. Confident team with established starter sees enough upside to bring him in and give him a shot at winning backup position. Pats are best chance for this, especially if Mallet gets traded in runup to the draft.
B. Team with shaky or no starter fails to correct their situation with draft or free agent, and holds a training camp competition. Impossible to say who that might be until after the draft, but start with teams that were QB disasters this year: Jax, Cleveland, Oakland, Tenn, StL, Houston.
Tim desperately needs to get on a team, any team, for training camp and get some reps during the preseason. The big question on everyone's mind is whether his throwing mechanics will revert to old form under pressure. The only way to find that out is to put him in games and see.
I do hope that the year-long hiatus has dampened the media hysteria somewhat, to the point where a team can bring him in without excessive fear of the circus to follow.
Of the teams with QB disasters, which are getting new head coaches and/or GM's? It seems that would be a factor as well, as more established coaches and personnel would have greater leeway in signing Tim even for a probationary period.
Delete>>I do hope that the year-long hiatus has dampened the media hysteria somewhat, to the point where a team can bring him in without excessive fear of the circus to follow.<<
Manziel may be a blessing in disguise in this regard, as much of the circus can shift to him. Hopefully.
Good point about management changes. That's why Jax, despite having the worst QB disaster of the season, is not an option for Tim next year. Caldwell has thrown his hat on the ground and will die upon it (bonus points for anyone who can explain that very obscure historical reference).
DeleteCleveland, Houston, Minnesota, and Tennessee lead the list of coaching changes coupled with QB disasters. Washington, Detroit, and Tampa also fired their head coaches, but their QB plans for next year are already set. Oakland didn't fire Dennis Allen but came close, and he'll be on the hot seat next year for sure.
I am stumped on the historical reference: Can I guess & say it sounds like something General Grant or General Sherman may have said. I am thinking about Shemans march to the sea.
DeleteInteresting that Mike Pettine will interview at Cleveland. He was complimentary of Tim after his time at the Jets, and said he thought Tim was good enough to be a starting QB.
DeleteThe problem with any new HC taking Tim is that they are bucking conventional wisdom before they have built up any credibility as a coach. Solidly established coaches can ignore conventional wisdom and get away with it. Belichick can change conventional wisdom with a few words at the podium. But new guys put their reputation on the line when they buck the prevailing thinking in the league.
Turkish Officers of the Ottoman Empire wore huge fur hats with their uniforms. In battle they would throw their hats on the ground and declare they would retreat no further, and would die upon their hats if necessary. Caldwell has done that with Tebow.
Thats interesting & yes Caldwell is on a mission. Guess he doesn't mind going down with the ship. The fans are still engaged though. They are having a rally on March 16th at Everbank field & have invited celebrities including Chuck Norris & Magic Johnson. They say they will not stop until either the Jags or another team signs Tebow. I think this is great for Jax but it seems like the circus may literally be coming to town.
DeleteI agree Pats are still the best team for him. He is appreciated there. I prefer him over Mallet as the backup I think he has more upside. One scenario we haven't mentioned is going to another league. I know he has not had any interest in doing so in the past. What are your thoughts about the new start up league A11??
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the details of his contract with the SEC Network and, frankly, how badly he wants to keep playing. We all know that he has an out if an NFL team signs him, but no mention was made in the press if that particular clause also covers the CFL or arena league. If not, then he would need to find a league with a schedule that can accommodate his television obligations. A11 would fit that bill - and maybe it's stashed in the back of his mind - but truth be told the A11 has a lot of ground to cover in terms of being regarded as a serious contender. So far they have a lot of big ideas but little more to back them up than a Facebook page and a website that has yet to announce their team names and media partners. I understand they intend to hold some showcase games in the summer and launch their inaugural season in 2015. The former seems a bit ambitious.
DeleteThat said, if they get their game together - and it's something that Tim *wants* to do - then I'm all for it, so long as it's clear that his NFL opportunities are exhausted. We'll know the answer to that soon enough.
I'm not a big fan of the A11 for Tim. For the first 10 years it will be full of wanna-bes who can't make an NFL team. Tim will just be the most famous. Success in the A11 would not cause anyone to reconsider him, because the A11 is biased towards his type of game. Might as well be playing rugby.
DeleteThe AFL always intrigued me for that reason. The arena game demands quick, precise passing. Playing would hone his weaknesses, and success in the AFL might intrigue some GM or HC. CFL too, I suppose, but the CFL is just so far away, while the AFL is right here and now. Finally, his star power would give him enough leverage to negotiate a contract that allowed him to jump ship at any time, and to moonlight on SEC network while playing.
But as a practical matter, I think he has to get on NFL team for upcoming OTAs and camp. If he fails to do that, any path is a severe uphill struggle to get back.
Agreed that OTA's and camp are a near imperative. Thinking back on the new head coach dilemma, it may be possible for a new coach to get away with signing him in the context of kicking the tires, particularly if the concepts that Dilfer introduced gather any traction. The QB situation would have to be right - with no clear starter - Tennessee comes to mind, tho I don't know too much about Whisenhunt other than his Chargers gig.
DeleteAgreed Kathryn: Steve Young, Herschel Walker, Jim Kelly & others took the start up route before going to the NFL. They played for the USFL. I would think after putting in all the work this past offseason Tim would want to see for himself how effective the changes were.
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point about Manziel taking some of the circus away. If Tim can show without any doubt that his passing mechanics have improved at least that would take that argument about him off the table.
Agreed Ed: Lets hope for the best.
DeleteDon't forget Kurt Warner, probably the most famous player to get his start in the AFL. Then there is Doug Flutie, Warren Moon, and other CFL players.
DeleteThe USFL went broke in large part because they signed so many big-name players before they had the revenue stream to support it. I was a student at Georgia when Hershel left and I thought it was an absolutely awful decision. Not because he left UGA, but because his professional accomplishments would always have an asterix beside them. Which they do. Herschel, by the way, is the only player I have ever found as compelling to watch and root for as Tim. Hard to imagine, but Herschel was an even bigger star in the state of Georgia than Tim was in Florida.
Good point about Steve Young. I wonder if Tim is getting any advice from him on the matter. I know he's somewhat of a mentor and that they golf from time to time.
DeleteI remember being bowled over by Herschels greatness as a college Freshman. He dominated college football. I never felt like he dominated in the pros quite the way he did in college. I grew up in PA near Penn State & remember the Nat'l Championship game between UGA & Penn State vividly. UGA had the momentum in the 2nd half & had the game lasted any longer I think they might have won the game.
DeleteFrom the same interview in which Tannenbaum stated that the Tebow trade was a miscue, here's a quote from him that's *not* being endlessly retweeted:
ReplyDelete>>"Yeah, Tim obviously didn't play well in the preseason with New England, but he's a guy (that's) incredibly passionate about his career," Tannenbaum said. "I would never bet against Tim. We used to have an expression that Tim's the type of guy who's either going to be successful or die trying. His relentlessness and passion - I would think he'll get another opportunity."<<
Does anyone want to make any predictions for this weekends games???
DeleteI am picking the Pats & The Niners.
What a game! Any thoughts on Tebow's commercials. I thought they were very funny.
ReplyDeleteShadenfreude on the game. I didn't with the Broncos ill, but was glad not to have to watch Elway triumphant. Plus all the adoring criticism of his decision to dump Tim and pursue Peyton would have been hard to stomach, even if it probably was correct.
DeleteI have mixed thoughts about Tim's commercials and his increased media presence. On the one hand, I'm glad to see him keeping a sense of humor about it. Also, I'm sure he was well paid, and that money can buy him more time to practice on his own or to accept an NFL-minimum contract.
On the other hand, I'm afraid he is veering into Paris Hilton territory, famous for being famous. I also worry whether the increased media profile scares teams away that might be considering giving him a sniff. Perhaps his media advisors decided the best way to tame the media beast was to give him some exposure to satisfy their appetite. Who knows?
I do know I will not be satisfied if Tim becomes a movie star, advertising juggernaut, or daytime TV host. My wife and her friends are happy as clams to see him on TV. Not me. That's not what I admire him for. I admire him for football and I want to see him play. Hopefully this latest surge of attention is just some income-producing activity to give him continued financial freedom while he chases a QB job.
Points well taken Ed. I agree I don't want to see him on television either. I want to see him play football & yes I also am glad I didn't have to see Elway vindicated.
ReplyDeleteTim's image has taken such a hit the last few years & Tebowmania has been viewed in such a negative light that I hope some lighthearted image rehabilitation as well as the financial considerations were the point behind these ads.
In my view Tebowmania can & should be a positive thing for some of the lesser franchises around the league.