Training, competition, nutrition, recovery, injuries, psychology, and other topics relevant to competing with younger athletes. Also Tim Tebow articles. Formerly the "Over Forty Athlete" blog.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Let's see this every day!
Note the writing on the wall behind him. #Perseverance Sending a message!
Also looks lean and not overly muscular in the shoulders and upper body. Very important. I think beefing up for the Jets really hurt his throwing motion. Gotta be fluid.
I'm probably alone in this, but I get very nervous when I see Tim working out on his own w/out a coach/guru like House to oversee him. After the 2010 season, Tim did do some work w/coaches, but also worked out a lot on his own. He worked out fanatically, even sometimes waking up his brother Robby in the middle of the night to get in reps. And the result of that was that Tim actually got considerably worse. When Tim's been left on his own to do reps, he's regressed by getting into bad habits, & he's sometimes even overdone it so much that he's gotten injured-he injured his shoulder in the offseason at UF 1 year b/c he was throwing so much. But I guess b/c it's baseball season, House doesn't currently have time for him?
Also, judging by that pic he must still be doing some kind of upper-body weight work, b/c his biceps are still wayyyy too big as far as I'm concerned. I'd like to see that go, too. (Yes, you read that right. A hetero female is complaining about a man's biceps being too big...)
They have to cut the cord at some point. If he can't maintain what he's learned without the presence of a mechanics specialist around then there's no point in hoping that any sort or retooled throwing motion will hold up under pressure in a game.
He's never worked with any sort of throwing coach or specialist to the extent that he has with Tom, in terms of duration as well as detail - never to my knowledge did his prior coaches drill all the way down to subtle movement progressions that had to be repeated hundreds of thousands of times in front of a mirror.
I suspect at this point Tim is far more aware of things that he does incorrectly, and far more conscious of the need to emphasize quality of reps over quantity. He's been intermittently training on his own for a while now - ever since the SB really - and as Bob pointed out his most recent photo shows pretty decent form. So something's holding up.
Let's just wait and see and hope some coach out there sees the same thing.
>>"I can't believe he's not signed somewhere," Back said. "I don't know what the deal is. His passes were right on the money. His arm strength is so good it darn near broke my fingers. And he's still built like a sculpture and in great condition."<<
Rex couldn't defeat Tim on the field when he had the chance on a Thu. night in Denver in a head to head matchup so continuing to sully him while he is not playing must suffice.
Maybe if he had played Tim at quarterback when Tim was a Jet his team would have had 8 if not more touchdown passes & probably a few more wins than they did in that nighmarish season.
We all know Tim is a man of high moral character & conviction: However I would not hold it against him if just once he confronted some of this nonsense that is said about him. I point to how Johnny Manziel handled the recent criticism about his trip to Las Vegas. I thought Manziel handled that beautifully.
Holding out hopes that we will get to see the new throwing motion soon.
I'm no fan of Rex, but in this case his quote was taken out of context. I don't think he was taking a shot at Tim so much as honestly addressing a factualy criticism. The Jets took a lot of heat for paying #1 receiver money to a #2 receiver. The reporters asked if Decker's stats were inflated by playing with Manning, to which Rex responded that Decker also had good stats under Tebow. Rex probably did not intend it as a shot at Tim, but it was interpreted that way because of the obvious history between them.
However, the larger trend of the football media taking cheap shots at Tim is shameful. It has become a surefire laugh line, and they seem to reinforce each other. It's like they all got in a bar one night and decided they agree to scorn Tim, and now it's their little thing to show they know more than the uninformed masses.
These are tough times to be a Tebow fan. If he does not get picked up by minicamp on June 17, I don't see where he has any chance at all of getting in the NFL this year. I am still holding my breath for a Mallett trade as his best chance to at least get a training camp invite.
I did have one encouraging thought recently. I have now concluded it is very possible that Tim intentionally stayed out of the league last season in order to complete a full makeover with Tom House. I plan to write a post about it when I get some free time.
There has been alot of speculation recently tying Tim's intensive training to possibly being signed by a team this summer. As much as I want to believe this to be the case, I am being cautious before I allow myself to get too excited. It was a relief last summer when he got signed only to be disappointed when he was released. Is it possible that he trains this way because that is just part of who he is? He has always gone the extra mile in everything he does (including training).
The Tebow football story has taken many unpredictable twists & turns with many more surely to follow. Predicting what will happen is almost impossible. I am optomistc though for good things to happen since there is no justification to keep him from playing considering some of the lesser talented quarterbacks there are all over the league. (Starters & backups.).
If he perserveres like he has been, at some point someone will have to take notice & give him the opportunity we have been waiting for. Predicting when, where & how it will happen becomes the intriguing aspects to this story.
Tim has a very strong support network of mentors, and supposedly the most influential agent in the business. He has a much better feel for the prospects than we do. If he is training that hard, then it is either A) a desperate attempt to get attention, or B) part of a plan that is coming together.
Beyond that, he is great for the NFL. He is unique among NFL players in bringing a new fan base to the game, instead of just appealing to the existing fan base. The league executives know that. For an owner, he is a license to print money. The Powers That Be have to want him back in the league.
Roger Goodell made it known last year that the league would be better off with Tebow in it. Assuming the powers that be want him back in the league. I hope wherever he goes the coaching staff lets him play football his way & exploits his strengths. By his way I mean unscripted at times. I know he will come back now as a different player than we saw before I just hope he goes to a team that handles things correctly this time.
That's one of the many reasons I persist in believing the whole Pats thing was part of a plan. Given his value to the NFL, and Belichick's stature, I would not be a bit surprised if Goodell personally asked Robert Kraft and BB to take Tim under their wing and implement a long term plan to fix him. That doesn't necessarily mean that they bought into him being a Patriot long term, but rather they agreed to brng him in, evaluate him, and work up a plan to get him where he needs to be.
Hello Ed & Fellow Commentators: It has been a while since we had anything of substance to write about concerning Tim's football prospects. We have kind of been in a holding pattern. With summer camp being right around the corner, hopefully the long wait to see Tim signed will soon be over & we will be able to enjoy a football season with Tim being on a good team in a good sitution. Whatever happens I believe we as his fans can be proud to support a person & player who has perservered the way he has. Based on his offseason actions I don't believe he will give up on playing until someone gives him an opportunity on the field. Hopefully that opportunity comes this year.
An observation: The Browns quarterback situation is going to be alot of fun to see how it develops.
Barring an eleventh-hour miracle or secret arrangement - both of which seem increasingly far-fetched - Tim would do well not to dismiss this overture. For Popp to put himself out there and lobby the press to get Tim's attention is significant; and as fellow commentator Brooke pointed out to me, Popp's timing is no accident, either.
This would be an excellent opportunity for Tim to showcase and exercise his rewired mechanics in a pro environment, on *a team that clearly wants him*. If he wants to play that badly - if he wants back in the NFL that badly - then the pittance salary shouldn't be a consideration, particularly considering he's an endorsement magnet even under professionally grim circumstances.
Why he would choose to iron the shirt sleeves and hop on the college game day roadshow rather than play pro football, for a team that wants him - at the position he wants to play - is beyond me. I can only think of two explanations:
1. He's unrealistic about his chances in the NFL as they currently stand and someone needs to give him a Come to Jesus talk. No pun intended.
2. There really *is* a secret arrangement that has yet to be triggered.
I am also hoping for #2 but I must say, if there is some secret arrangement it will have been the best kept secret since the Manhattan Project & no I am not talking about the secret offense they were supposed to run in his one season in New York. ;).
As we all know Tim has already proved he could win games in the NFL but if no offers are forthcoming in the NFL then going to the CFL may be necessary. In addition to showcasing his new mechanics he will also be able to showcase his star power north of the border which may make the people south of the border realize what they are missing out on.
I hope we don't have to see him commentating on college football games. I believe he still has much more to give the game of football & as a player & will be successful doing it AS A QUARTERBACK even if he has to go north for now.
The problem with the CFL path right now is that their season has already started. They are on week 5 of a 20 week season.
If Tim does go to the CFL, he is going to have to really excel to have any chance to get back to the NFL, and he is going to do it over multiple seasons. Warren Moon played 6 seasons in the CFL before getting an NFL shot, and his team won the Grey Cup (CFL SuperBowl) 5 times in a row. Doug Flutie played 8 years in the CFL before getting back to the NFL, and is considered one of the best QBs ever to play in the CFL.
If Tim goes to the CFL now, he is not going to get a full season out of it. Joining a team in the middle of the season, with no time to practice or learn a new offensive system, is not a recipe for success. At best, this season would be another wasted season for him. At worst, he could flounder and reinforce negative views of him.
Tim has the most influential agent in the league, and he has connections to a lot of league heavy hitters. We have to trust that he has an accurate picture of his chances of getting a shot this year. If he has a reasonable chance of getting on a roster at some point, then he's probably better off letting that play out. If he doesn't get a chance, then yeah, the writing is on the wall, and he can move to the CFL. But he can do it in a way that maximizes his chances of succeeding there and eventually finding his way back to the NFL.
That presumes Tim has a more than reasonable chance of getting on a roster this season - explanation scenario #2 or some derivative thereof wherein Sexton has received something close to a guarantee. Fine to allow for that possibility, but on the rest I disagree.
In a scenario where the secret arrangement / mid-season opportunity does not materialize, turning down an offer to play for the Alouettes for the rest of this season will have been a mistake - a missed opportunity to play a dozen games or more and establish himself as the starter going into next season. He'd have no more growing pains than if he were to join an NFL team mid-season, and since the Alouettes are openly courting him it stands to reason that they also want to maximize his chances of succeeding; and have taken his learning curve into account. In fact, I suspect he'd be granted a lot more rope there than if he were to struggle out of the gate on an NFL team. And he's already got friends up there - Brandon London ran routes for him earlier this spring, for example - so there will at least be a degree of familiarity by which to gain a toehold.
A wasted season would be to spend the entirety of it waiting around on SEC Nation for an offer to roll in from the NFL only to turn around in December with no offers, and no more interest from the CFL because some other guy came along. There's no telling how, or if, they'll receive him going hat-in-hand to them next season.
We all know that Jimmy Sexton is an influential agent, but we don't know what he's sitting on. If there's an arrangement to bring Tim in to replace Mallet (trade deadline end of October) then okay, all of this - the training, the turning down other offers, the taking the SECN gig to bring in some cash in the meantime - makes sense. (Pay attention to whether he maintains his rigorous training schedule - and visits to House - after SEC Nation gets rolling. That will indicate he's truly staying in shape for a defined purpose.)
If - on the other hand - all Sexton has for Tim is a 50/50 chance some mildly interested coach will call him in for a workout and a conditional contract, then the better bet is to pack a coat and head north.
Well sure, if Tim doesn't get a call, then after the fact that will have been a bad call. But neither we nor Tim have the benefit of hindsight now.
Right now Tim is facing 2 uncertain choices, and trying to gauge which one offers the best path back to the NFL. Clearly there is risk in holding out for a direct shot this year, but evidently Tim and Sexton have weighed the risks and concluded that the potential reward is greater than a multi-year project in the CFL that also may not work.
The secret arrangement theory is looking more crazy by the minute. But if you want to join me in clinging to the end, then all eyes should be on Houston come Friday. That is the day that veterans must report to camp. If Andre Johnson sticks to his guns and holds out, it opens the window to a potential trade that might include Ryan Mallett. Admittedly we're in "what if a meteor hits John Elway" territory here, but it's better than trying to find pirated Montreal Alouttes game streams on the internet, at least for the time being.
Entirely beside the point, but ESPN carries CFL now so no need to download CanadianLeagueHunter.ca. I made that up, by the way so surf over there at your own risk.
As it stands now, the only semi-plausible shot he has left at the NFL is the Mallett trade replacement theory that has been evolving and adjusting since last September. It generally ties up a lot of little questions with a nice bow, including the continued work with House and conditioning this late in the game; not to mention the curious decision by Josh McDaniels to add roll outs and other designed runs into the offense this season. The only complication would seem to be the Garoppolo signing, but even that can be explained as a contingency move.
Beyond that, it is very hard to see another team showing interest in him at this juncture. Teams have had the opportunity to kick the tires since March and haven't done so, and there's little reason to believe that the same League that wouldn't sniff him last season despite a rash of QB injuries would suddenly have a change of heart. I honestly hope that this is not what they're holding out for.
If he & his agent believed that a Mallett trade is the only avenue to get back in the league I don't understand what the need was to publicize his recent workout videos. Who was the intended audience?? Was it the general public or maybe some other teams besides the Pats???
On the other hand like you said Kathryn, the designed runs & roll outs added to the Patriots offense only adds more intrigue to this mystery. What would be the need for them to do that???
I guess we will have to stay tuned. Like Hank Williams says: "Are you ready for some Football"
>>If he & his agent believed that a Mallett trade is the only avenue to get back in the league I don't understand what the need was to publicize his recent workout videos. Who was the intended audience?? Was it the general public or maybe some other teams besides the Pats??? <<
Good question. My initial impression was that he did the piece as a favor to Ian Danney, who he's become friends with and has been seen around Scottsdale with outside of PEP. Watch it again and you see it's really more about Danney's program than Tim's overall regimen. Another reason I lean this way is because it did a poor job of marketing Tim as a quarterback. If he was going to break his media silence and do an interview specifically to draw the attention of teams, the better route would have been to do it at USC during passing drills. Everybody already knows he's well-conditioned; all this package did was confirm that he can squat for 440 while throwing a bowling ball across the Grand Canyon. It did not demonstrate, however, that he can hit the target on the other side. So again, if it was designed as a marketing piece to get GM's excited about him it failed spectacularly. All it did was show he's very strong and also desperate. But for what it's worth I don't think that was the reason he did it.
>>On the other hand like you said Kathryn, the designed runs & roll outs added to the Patriots offense only adds more intrigue to this mystery. What would be the need for them to do that???<<
The explanation was that Tom needed to have that skill in his toolbelt due to how defenses played him during postseason last year. It's plausible enough, I guess, but does make you wonder.
^^I posted a link above that suggests Johnson and the Texans may be mending their fences. For what it's worth I think including Johnson in the package trade may have greased the skids of a Mallett trade, but I don't think taking him off the table is a deal killer. As you said, "Stay tuned."
"Everybody already knows he's well-conditioned; all this package did was confirm that he can squat for 440 while throwing a bowling ball across the Grand Canyon."
I literally LOL'd at this one.
I also find the designed runs intriguing. Who are *those* for? The pushing-40 starter who's had multiple leg injuries & couldn't even run well at his Combine? The Paul Bunyan-sized backup whose legs don't bend? Very interesting. I still think NE is very much a possibility for Tim, but they're the only team I see as being a possibility. I pray BB & JM stay healthy & keep their jobs.
Unfortunately the Mallett trade theory becomes way less plausible now that players have reported to camp. If BoB really wanted RM he would want him in time to study the playbook before camp. Unless there is a serious game of chicken going on, that option is circling the drain and dies on Friday when Texans report to camp.
I don't think that is only viable option. Last year two teams lost their starting QB before game 1 of the regular season, and 5 or 6 teams had benched their starters by midway through the season. There was a lot of desperation there in some of the QB moves. Remember Jeff Tuel?
That begs the question of why Tim didn't get the call last year, and why he thinks this year will be different. I think there is a plausible case to be made that he sat out last year intentionally in order to complete his makeover with Tom House.
The video might have been a favor, but we should not overlook the fact that it was only the second media coverage that Tim has allowed since being cut by the Pats. Tim is a brand and nothing is accidental, so I have to believe it was a deliberate message. Players who miss OTAs and training camp are often not fit enough for the season, so probably this was Tim's way of letting teams know that won't be an issue with him. It could also be him showing he can control public exposure to the kind of coverage teams want to see from their players. "No celebrity here, just a player working out hard."
I hadn't seen anything about designed runs for the Pats. I will say this: no way in hell do they run Brady on anything other than QB sneak. And I think I am faster than Mallett.
I have to agree w/Kathryn here about Tim intentionally staying out of the NFL last year. As I've said before, I think Tim would be willing to pay a team to sign him. So I can't imagine him turning down any offers from any NFL teams.
As much as I want to keep kicking the can down the road, for me it's gotten to the point that it's no longer reasonable to do so.
The problem with Tim believing that someone will call him is that no one has called him. My sense is that he did not sign last season because he failed to garner interest, and not because he turned callers away. He did not then, just as he does not now, have the luxury of telling a team to wait. And if someone were considering him at all this season they'd have invited him to camp so they could make a thorough assessment. But that hasn't happened. He hasn't even gotten a workout.
As you suggested, the door closes on the Mallett option Friday. It is the one option that I remain willing to buy into in spite of the evidence to the contrary, and will go as far to say that it is still plausible for another week or so.
Fair or not, if the Mallett option evaporates it leaves Tim with one option if he wishes to continue pursuing a career at quarterback: the CFL. It amazes me that he hasn't heard them out by now because it's an outstanding opportunity to develop that a lot of other players would kill for - and maybe that somehow factors into your calculus because it seems such a no-brainer at this point that the only logical reason not to take the Alouettes up on the offer is because another offer is on the table. Unless it's with the Pats, I can't see it.
I have been wanting to lay out my theory about last season, but haven't bothered yet. In a nutshell, the key evidence is a comment from Terelle Pryor last year:
"He said [Tebow] was ready to go" after working with him, Pryor said, recalling a conversation with House. "Tebow looked great, he was throwing the ball great, wasn't missing anything. Then they said he went to [training] camp, and when he went back, he reverted back to himself because [that's] when the bullets are flying at you."
Recall that when Tim worked with House before the 2013 season, he cut his training program short and did not do the full biomechanical workup because House felt it was too much workload on his arm right before training camp.
It is interesting that Pryor uses the phrase "when the bullets are flying at you", because he is referring to a concept I have a good deal of experience with in the context of bullets literally flying at you. In the military, weapons proficiency under stress is obviously a big deal, and it is especially important in special operations, where close quarters engagements happen in a split second inside of target structures. The key to accurately shooting under such circumstances is muscle memory. Simply put, you must ingrain proper physical mechanics through repetitive practice until you reach the point where you can perform the task properly without thinking about it.
The general conventional wisdom is that a complex task takes about 10,000 repetitions to reach muscle memory. That is the rule of thumb we used for weapons training, and 10,000 rounds was considered the minimum amount of practice to achieve and maintain proficiency with a pistol and rifle.
The comment from Pryor is very important because of the timing and source. It came from Tom House, and it came after Tim Tebow was cut by the Patriots. But Tim went straight to House after he was cut, which means the comment can give us some insight into what discussions and arrangements House and Tebow had post-Patriots.
I think it is pretty clear that House told Tebow that he hadn't trained long enough to achieve muscle memory with his new throwing motion, and that is why he reverted. I think it's probably safe to assume that House told him the same thing would happen again unless Tim took the time to properly ingrain his new throwing mechanics.
So let's look at 10,000 repetitions in the context of QB training. From what I have read, 200 practice throws is considered to be a full daily session. Exceed that and you risk overuse injuries such as tendonitis. Let's assume Tim practiced 5 days a week. That means he can throw 1000 balls a week. That means Tim would have to throw for a minimum of 10 weeks, 5 days a week, to reach 10,000 repetitions. Add in 2 weeks for the video biomechanical analysis that House is known for, and you are up to at least 12 weeks of training. And given that Tim was not just learning a new motion but trying to eradicate all vestiges of his previous throwing motion, 10K reps might not have been enough.
Tim started with House during week 1 of the NFL season, which is only 17 weeks long. I think it is entirely plausible that House told Tim he was going to have to write off the 2013 season if he wanted to fully transform his mechanics, and if he quit in the middle of the program to take a shot with a team he would likely regress again. Tim is one of the few guys I can see willing to make that kind of commitment. I also think that would explain the inexplicable unwillingness to any team to consider Tim under any circumstances last year.
I think there may have been some confirmation of this in Trent Dilfer's review of Tim in January. Dilfer made a big deal of claiming Tim had thrown 100,000 balls in his makeover. That number is probably unrealistic, even over the course of 5 months, but it does indicate that Tim's program was geared towards exactly the kind of muscle memory reprogramming that I described.
To clarify, Dilfer explained that Tim performed small movement repetitions in front of a mirror sometimes up to ten hours a day, adding up to over 100,000 reps by the time the piece aired. I believe this was in addition to full throwing reps.
(cont) Across five months, six days per week that averages out to about 830 small movement reps per day. I suspect some days he did 500 and some days he did 1200, or whatever, but those sessions are what added up to the 100,000 reps figure.
Is it theoretically possible that Tim did decide to dedicate last year to a complete makeover? Yes. The problem I have w/believing that Tim actually turned down 1 or more NFL teams after the Pats cut him, Ed, is that the Pats appear to have been the only team that showed any interest in Tim during the 6 weeks he was a free agent between getting cut by NY & getting signed by the Pats. If no other NFL team was interested in him before the Pats signed him, I can't imagine anyone being interested in him after he was cut by them, especially given how bad he looked at times in the preseason games.
Thanks for the clarification. I still think the citing of a number like that is a strong indication that they were shooting for a muscle memory reprogramming and set a fixed number of reps as a goal at the outset.
The most important piece of info is the quote from House via Pryor. Given when the conversation occurred, I think it very strongly indicates what kind of program House put Tim on.
I try to be honest with myself when engaging in wild speculation. In this particular instance, I genuinely believe that Tim taking last season off to rework his motion is the most reasonable and likely explanation based on the evidence. Whether he subsequently received inquiries or not, I do not know.
But enough of that. Reportedly he was scouted by KC today. :) Not sure how I overlooked that possibility, because it is a good fit. Alex Smith is a mobile QB, and their backup situation is less than solid. The Saints were happy with Chase Daniel as backup, but nobody is under any delusions they are going to win games with him under center. They drafted Aaron Murray, but that has developmental pick all over it. I doubt his knee is 100% yet, and he is short and small for the NFL. KC surprised everyone by making the playoffs last year, so they should be in contender mode now, not rebuilding mode. That means they need solid insurance if Smith goes down.
Here's the article on the running plays: http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2014/05/30/josh-mcdaniels-might-put-tom-brady-on-the-run-more-in-2014-were-adamant-about-trying-to-make-it-better/
I guess I will take my crack at opining on the last few commentaries.
First I have a question for Kathryn. Did Ed's explanation change your mind about Tim going to the CFL being a good option at this time???
My view is in line with Brooke's. Tim probably dedicated himself to his makeover last season. At the same time I do not believe he had any offers to sign. If there had been teams willing to sign him last season. Why haven't any of them stepped forward yet this season. They have had plenty of time to at least take a look at his new & improved mechanics & we haven't even heard a whisper of interest from anyone.
I believe Tim is dug in about not wanting to play in Canada & is willing to take the risk on waiting for an NFL opportunity. Whether it comes or not. I can't say I blame him either. Even though I want to see him play with his new mechanics someone with his pedigree shouldn't have to go prove himself in Canada. After all wasn't this a quarterback who took a horrible 1&4 team to the playoffs. Why does this continue to be so easily dismissed.
I agree with Kathryn I believe the CFL is a good opportunity to play but if not lets hope that either the Pats sign him in the traditional way before the season so he can get a camp & preseason reps. Or that another team gets desperate enough to take a flyer on him sometime during the season.
I can't see him being signed any other way. P.S. I hope I am wrong
Well, Andre Johnson just reported, so I think that idea is probably out the window. Yes the Mallett trade could still happen without him, but the Johnson element was the only explanation I could come up with for why BoB and BB might make a deal after camp started as opposed to before.
The Chiefs report yesterday had me all excited. Then it turned out to be fake. Pardon my french, but some people are assholes.
Feeling pretty bummed right now, knowing all teams have reported and Tim isn't on a roster. I think pretty much zero chance that he gets on a roster during preseason, unless there is a catastrophic injury. I think we are going to have to wait for the body count to pile up during the first half of the season. Once teams get desperate, maybe it happens. Going to be a long and crappy few months.
>>First I have a question for Kathryn. Did Ed's explanation change your mind about Tim going to the CFL being a good option at this time???<<
Before I answer this I will be the first to admit that the KC rumor got me excited, too, for two reasons:
1.) Tim was spotted on the southeast coast yesterday by someone not connected to the A-hole. The night before he'd been at Bible study in Los Angeles, so if the person who spotted him wasn't mistaken, he'd have to have taken the redeye out - and abruptly.
2.) Bill Belichick and Andy Reid are the coaching equivalent of pajama party besties, so in a roundabout way the rumor sort of constituted a hybrid of our ongoing theories.
That said, the ESPN reporter that the report was attributed to denied it this a.m., so we're back to square one.
As to Tim's options as they appear now:
What Tim needs is a committed team - someone willing to give him playing time, make minor adjustments to their offense to accommodate his playing style (as any team would to a quarterback they're invested in), and that is willing to weather their mutual growing pains so that he has a legitimate opportunity to develop.
No NFL team has shown any indication this season that they are interested in doing that. If they had been he'd have been invited to camp. He hasn't even been invited to a workout. And no one called last season. If they had we'd have heard about it.
The CFL on the other hand has indicated that they want him. The timing of Jim Popp's remarks was no accident. Troy Smith is not working out. Their season is still young and they don't want to be in pain for another sixteen weeks. NFL camp is starting and Tim Tebow is teamless. He's letting the public know - pressuring Tim's camp - that they've been reaching out to Tim since Calvillo retired in January, that their interest is serious and more than just a reaction to a crisis.
They want the guy on their team - as a quarterback - meaning he has at least some leverage to request some guarantees. He'll be able to start after a few weeks of practice, and will likely be given a ton of rope. He'll be able to play with people he knows. He'll be on a roster with a former pro bowler receiver. ESPN would carry the games and people would watch (that crappy workout interview he gave to the local Phoenix station? Pushing 400,000 views on YouTube). And the best part: Montrealers would be mortified as caravans of Tebow fans cross the border by the busload (I'd be one of them).
(cont.) Every analyst, every reporter, every former player, legend or otherwise, that has respected Tim's dream of playing quarterback in the NFL has told him: go play in the CFL for a couple of seasons.
That's his choice. Go to the CFL, which is as close to a sure thing as he could hope for at this point, or report to SEC Net in a few weeks and do this:
>>I think we are going to have to wait for the body count to pile up during the first half of the season. Once teams get desperate, maybe it happens.<<
Waiting for teams to lose quarterbacks to injuries, trades or poor performance is a mistake in my opinion. Teams were desperate for quarterbacks last season and did not call. It has been a year since anyone has seen him play, and though he acquit himself competently in his last preseason game what sticks in everyone's mind is the 1-7 passing performance from a couple weeks prior. He is not going to get a call this year just because he has rewired his mechanics in a controlled environment.
I get it. The NFL did him dirty. I agree with that. He wasn't given a fraction of the consistency or patience that many lesser quarterbacks have gotten, and he's been burdened with "distraction" and "circus" labels that could have been avoided had the Jets media management department not been comprised of a fully-stocked clown car.
But this is where we are now. The season is underway and Tim is investing in a wardrobe of suits to embark on a career watching other guys play football.
If he wants a uniform and a locker he's going to have to give Jim Popp a call.
There are a series of interesting events happening simultaneously that should encourage us Tebow fans. One advantage we have as fans that coaches, players, & media do not is our only agenda is to see our favorite teams win & our favorite players do well. We are unencumbered by any other motives. Whether they be financial, professional or otherwise.
First it was great news hearing that Tim's agents have taken calls from NFL teams. As a fan it felt like someone had handed me a glass of water after being out in the desert for two long years. Even though he said no deal is imminent I would hope that he would only mention this if the calls were substantive & not merely casual. Among the many obstacles Tim has faced in trying to return to the NFL I think the biggest obstacle is how selective he has to be on where he goes & under what conditions. He doesn't have the luxury of taking any offer from any team like some quarterbacks do. If he wants to revive his career he has to go to a place that will put him in a position to succeed. Which may rule out alot of possibilites other quarterback would have. The complimentary comments by Ron Rivera were also really good to hear. I can't recall any insider saying anything complimentary about Tim for a very long time.
Second: Recently there have been some stories written on how Ryan Mallett is ready to be a starting Quarterback. One has to wonder where the impetus for these stories is coming from. Since the guy has hardly played in the last four years.
Thirdly: The mediocore play of Jimmy Garrafolo so far. It's still early but I wonder if there are some doubts about drafting him in the 2nd round.
Fourth: The Hoyer Manziel dynamic is going to be fascinating to watch. This one has to be handled properly or has the potential to implode real quickly. Wouldn't it be ironic if Tim had to go there to calm things.
Fifth: In addition to the things mentioned above there are going to be the usual 4 or 5 teams that will wish they had a good quarterback before the midway point in the season.
How all this relates to Tim is anyone's guess but at least we know from today's comments that the door on him is not totally closed.
I know it's only a picture but that form looks pretty good to me. He is stepping into the throw, his shoulders are level & so are his hands.
ReplyDeleteAlso looks lean and not overly muscular in the shoulders and upper body. Very important. I think beefing up for the Jets really hurt his throwing motion. Gotta be fluid.
DeleteI'm probably alone in this, but I get very nervous when I see Tim working out on his own w/out a coach/guru like House to oversee him. After the 2010 season, Tim did do some work w/coaches, but also worked out a lot on his own. He worked out fanatically, even sometimes waking up his brother Robby in the middle of the night to get in reps. And the result of that was that Tim actually got considerably worse. When Tim's been left on his own to do reps, he's regressed by getting into bad habits, & he's sometimes even overdone it so much that he's gotten injured-he injured his shoulder in the offseason at UF 1 year b/c he was throwing so much. But I guess b/c it's baseball season, House doesn't currently have time for him?
ReplyDeleteAlso, judging by that pic he must still be doing some kind of upper-body weight work, b/c his biceps are still wayyyy too big as far as I'm concerned. I'd like to see that go, too. (Yes, you read that right. A hetero female is complaining about a man's biceps being too big...)
They have to cut the cord at some point. If he can't maintain what he's learned without the presence of a mechanics specialist around then there's no point in hoping that any sort or retooled throwing motion will hold up under pressure in a game.
DeleteHe's never worked with any sort of throwing coach or specialist to the extent that he has with Tom, in terms of duration as well as detail - never to my knowledge did his prior coaches drill all the way down to subtle movement progressions that had to be repeated hundreds of thousands of times in front of a mirror.
I suspect at this point Tim is far more aware of things that he does incorrectly, and far more conscious of the need to emphasize quality of reps over quantity. He's been intermittently training on his own for a while now - ever since the SB really - and as Bob pointed out his most recent photo shows pretty decent form. So something's holding up.
Let's just wait and see and hope some coach out there sees the same thing.
Reluctantly agree.
DeleteIt's all about muscle memory. If he doesn't have it by now, it's hopeless.
ReplyDeleteHere is a good article about his training session.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. Loved this part:
Delete>>"I can't believe he's not signed somewhere," Back said. "I don't know what the deal is. His passes were right on the money. His arm strength is so good it darn near broke my fingers. And he's still built like a sculpture and in great condition."<<
Rex couldn't defeat Tim on the field when he had the chance on a Thu. night in Denver in a head to head matchup so continuing to sully him while he is not playing must suffice.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if he had played Tim at quarterback when Tim was a Jet his team would have had 8 if not more touchdown passes & probably a few more wins than they did in that nighmarish season.
We all know Tim is a man of high moral character & conviction: However I would not hold it against him if just once he confronted some of this nonsense that is said about him. I point to how Johnny Manziel handled the recent criticism about his trip to Las Vegas. I thought Manziel handled that beautifully.
Holding out hopes that we will get to see the new throwing motion soon.
I'm no fan of Rex, but in this case his quote was taken out of context. I don't think he was taking a shot at Tim so much as honestly addressing a factualy criticism. The Jets took a lot of heat for paying #1 receiver money to a #2 receiver. The reporters asked if Decker's stats were inflated by playing with Manning, to which Rex responded that Decker also had good stats under Tebow. Rex probably did not intend it as a shot at Tim, but it was interpreted that way because of the obvious history between them.
DeleteHowever, the larger trend of the football media taking cheap shots at Tim is shameful. It has become a surefire laugh line, and they seem to reinforce each other. It's like they all got in a bar one night and decided they agree to scorn Tim, and now it's their little thing to show they know more than the uninformed masses.
These are tough times to be a Tebow fan. If he does not get picked up by minicamp on June 17, I don't see where he has any chance at all of getting in the NFL this year. I am still holding my breath for a Mallett trade as his best chance to at least get a training camp invite.
I did have one encouraging thought recently. I have now concluded it is very possible that Tim intentionally stayed out of the league last season in order to complete a full makeover with Tom House. I plan to write a post about it when I get some free time.
There has been alot of speculation recently tying Tim's intensive training to possibly being signed by a team this summer. As much as I want to believe this to be the case, I am being cautious before I allow myself to get too excited. It was a relief last summer when he got signed only to be disappointed when he was released. Is it possible that he trains this way because that is just part of who he is? He has always gone the extra mile in everything he does (including training).
ReplyDeleteThe Tebow football story has taken many unpredictable twists & turns with many more surely to follow. Predicting what will happen is almost impossible. I am optomistc though for good things to happen since there is no justification to keep him from playing considering some of the lesser talented quarterbacks there are all over the league. (Starters & backups.).
If he perserveres like he has been, at some point someone will have to take notice & give him the opportunity we have been waiting for. Predicting when, where & how it will happen becomes the intriguing aspects to this story.
I see it like this:
DeleteTim has a very strong support network of mentors, and supposedly the most influential agent in the business. He has a much better feel for the prospects than we do. If he is training that hard, then it is either A) a desperate attempt to get attention, or B) part of a plan that is coming together.
Beyond that, he is great for the NFL. He is unique among NFL players in bringing a new fan base to the game, instead of just appealing to the existing fan base. The league executives know that. For an owner, he is a license to print money. The Powers That Be have to want him back in the league.
Roger Goodell made it known last year that the league would be better off with Tebow in it. Assuming the powers that be want him back in the league. I hope wherever he goes the coaching staff lets him play football his way & exploits his strengths. By his way I mean unscripted at times. I know he will come back now as a different player than we saw before I just hope he goes to a team that handles things correctly this time.
DeleteThat's one of the many reasons I persist in believing the whole Pats thing was part of a plan. Given his value to the NFL, and Belichick's stature, I would not be a bit surprised if Goodell personally asked Robert Kraft and BB to take Tim under their wing and implement a long term plan to fix him. That doesn't necessarily mean that they bought into him being a Patriot long term, but rather they agreed to brng him in, evaluate him, and work up a plan to get him where he needs to be.
DeleteHello Ed & Fellow Commentators:
ReplyDeleteIt has been a while since we had anything of substance to write about concerning Tim's football prospects. We have kind of been in a holding pattern. With summer camp being right around the corner, hopefully the long wait to see Tim signed will soon be over & we will be able to enjoy a football season with Tim being on a good team in a good sitution. Whatever happens I believe we as his fans can be proud to support a person & player who has perservered the way he has. Based on his offseason actions I don't believe he will give up on playing until someone gives him an opportunity on the field. Hopefully that opportunity comes this year.
An observation: The Browns quarterback situation is going to be alot of fun to see how it develops.
Anyone care to discuss?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Could-Tim-Tebow-end-up-in-the-CFL.html
Barring an eleventh-hour miracle or secret arrangement - both of which seem increasingly far-fetched - Tim would do well not to dismiss this overture. For Popp to put himself out there and lobby the press to get Tim's attention is significant; and as fellow commentator Brooke pointed out to me, Popp's timing is no accident, either.
This would be an excellent opportunity for Tim to showcase and exercise his rewired mechanics in a pro environment, on *a team that clearly wants him*. If he wants to play that badly - if he wants back in the NFL that badly - then the pittance salary shouldn't be a consideration, particularly considering he's an endorsement magnet even under professionally grim circumstances.
Why he would choose to iron the shirt sleeves and hop on the college game day roadshow rather than play pro football, for a team that wants him - at the position he wants to play - is beyond me. I can only think of two explanations:
1. He's unrealistic about his chances in the NFL as they currently stand and someone needs to give him a Come to Jesus talk. No pun intended.
2. There really *is* a secret arrangement that has yet to be triggered.
Make that three explanations.
3. He hates Poutine.
I am also hoping for #2 but I must say, if there is some secret arrangement it will have been the best kept secret since the Manhattan Project & no I am not talking about the secret offense they were supposed to run in his one season in New York. ;).
DeleteAs we all know Tim has already proved he could win games in the NFL but if no offers are forthcoming in the NFL then going to the CFL may be necessary. In addition to showcasing his new mechanics he will also be able to showcase his star power north of the border which may make the people south of the border realize what they are missing out on.
I hope we don't have to see him commentating on college football games. I believe he still has much more to give the game of football & as a player & will be successful doing it AS A QUARTERBACK even if he has to go north for now.
The problem with the CFL path right now is that their season has already started. They are on week 5 of a 20 week season.
DeleteIf Tim does go to the CFL, he is going to have to really excel to have any chance to get back to the NFL, and he is going to do it over multiple seasons. Warren Moon played 6 seasons in the CFL before getting an NFL shot, and his team won the Grey Cup (CFL SuperBowl) 5 times in a row. Doug Flutie played 8 years in the CFL before getting back to the NFL, and is considered one of the best QBs ever to play in the CFL.
If Tim goes to the CFL now, he is not going to get a full season out of it. Joining a team in the middle of the season, with no time to practice or learn a new offensive system, is not a recipe for success. At best, this season would be another wasted season for him. At worst, he could flounder and reinforce negative views of him.
Tim has the most influential agent in the league, and he has connections to a lot of league heavy hitters. We have to trust that he has an accurate picture of his chances of getting a shot this year. If he has a reasonable chance of getting on a roster at some point, then he's probably better off letting that play out. If he doesn't get a chance, then yeah, the writing is on the wall, and he can move to the CFL. But he can do it in a way that maximizes his chances of succeeding there and eventually finding his way back to the NFL.
That presumes Tim has a more than reasonable chance of getting on a roster this season - explanation scenario #2 or some derivative thereof wherein Sexton has received something close to a guarantee. Fine to allow for that possibility, but on the rest I disagree.
DeleteIn a scenario where the secret arrangement / mid-season opportunity does not materialize, turning down an offer to play for the Alouettes for the rest of this season will have been a mistake - a missed opportunity to play a dozen games or more and establish himself as the starter going into next season. He'd have no more growing pains than if he were to join an NFL team mid-season, and since the Alouettes are openly courting him it stands to reason that they also want to maximize his chances of succeeding; and have taken his learning curve into account. In fact, I suspect he'd be granted a lot more rope there than if he were to struggle out of the gate on an NFL team. And he's already got friends up there - Brandon London ran routes for him earlier this spring, for example - so there will at least be a degree of familiarity by which to gain a toehold.
A wasted season would be to spend the entirety of it waiting around on SEC Nation for an offer to roll in from the NFL only to turn around in December with no offers, and no more interest from the CFL because some other guy came along. There's no telling how, or if, they'll receive him going hat-in-hand to them next season.
We all know that Jimmy Sexton is an influential agent, but we don't know what he's sitting on. If there's an arrangement to bring Tim in to replace Mallet (trade deadline end of October) then okay, all of this - the training, the turning down other offers, the taking the SECN gig to bring in some cash in the meantime - makes sense. (Pay attention to whether he maintains his rigorous training schedule - and visits to House - after SEC Nation gets rolling. That will indicate he's truly staying in shape for a defined purpose.)
If - on the other hand - all Sexton has for Tim is a 50/50 chance some mildly interested coach will call him in for a workout and a conditional contract, then the better bet is to pack a coat and head north.
Well sure, if Tim doesn't get a call, then after the fact that will have been a bad call. But neither we nor Tim have the benefit of hindsight now.
DeleteRight now Tim is facing 2 uncertain choices, and trying to gauge which one offers the best path back to the NFL. Clearly there is risk in holding out for a direct shot this year, but evidently Tim and Sexton have weighed the risks and concluded that the potential reward is greater than a multi-year project in the CFL that also may not work.
The secret arrangement theory is looking more crazy by the minute. But if you want to join me in clinging to the end, then all eyes should be on Houston come Friday. That is the day that veterans must report to camp. If Andre Johnson sticks to his guns and holds out, it opens the window to a potential trade that might include Ryan Mallett. Admittedly we're in "what if a meteor hits John Elway" territory here, but it's better than trying to find pirated Montreal Alouttes game streams on the internet, at least for the time being.
Entirely beside the point, but ESPN carries CFL now so no need to download CanadianLeagueHunter.ca. I made that up, by the way so surf over there at your own risk.
DeleteAs it stands now, the only semi-plausible shot he has left at the NFL is the Mallett trade replacement theory that has been evolving and adjusting since last September. It generally ties up a lot of little questions with a nice bow, including the continued work with House and conditioning this late in the game; not to mention the curious decision by Josh McDaniels to add roll outs and other designed runs into the offense this season. The only complication would seem to be the Garoppolo signing, but even that can be explained as a contingency move.
Beyond that, it is very hard to see another team showing interest in him at this juncture. Teams have had the opportunity to kick the tires since March and haven't done so, and there's little reason to believe that the same League that wouldn't sniff him last season despite a rash of QB injuries would suddenly have a change of heart. I honestly hope that this is not what they're holding out for.
If he & his agent believed that a Mallett trade is the only avenue to get back in the league I don't understand what the need was to publicize his recent workout videos. Who was the intended audience?? Was it the general public or maybe some other teams besides the Pats???
DeleteOn the other hand like you said Kathryn, the designed runs & roll outs added to the Patriots offense only adds more intrigue to this mystery. What would be the need for them to do that???
I guess we will have to stay tuned. Like Hank Williams says: "Are you ready for some Football"
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11247908/andre-johnson-arrived-houston-texans-facility-learn-new-offense
Delete>>If he & his agent believed that a Mallett trade is the only avenue to get back in the league I don't understand what the need was to publicize his recent workout videos. Who was the intended audience?? Was it the general public or maybe some other teams besides the Pats??? <<
DeleteGood question. My initial impression was that he did the piece as a favor to Ian Danney, who he's become friends with and has been seen around Scottsdale with outside of PEP. Watch it again and you see it's really more about Danney's program than Tim's overall regimen. Another reason I lean this way is because it did a poor job of marketing Tim as a quarterback. If he was going to break his media silence and do an interview specifically to draw the attention of teams, the better route would have been to do it at USC during passing drills. Everybody already knows he's well-conditioned; all this package did was confirm that he can squat for 440 while throwing a bowling ball across the Grand Canyon. It did not demonstrate, however, that he can hit the target on the other side. So again, if it was designed as a marketing piece to get GM's excited about him it failed spectacularly. All it did was show he's very strong and also desperate. But for what it's worth I don't think that was the reason he did it.
>>On the other hand like you said Kathryn, the designed runs & roll outs added to the Patriots offense only adds more intrigue to this mystery. What would be the need for them to do that???<<
The explanation was that Tom needed to have that skill in his toolbelt due to how defenses played him during postseason last year. It's plausible enough, I guess, but does make you wonder.
^^I posted a link above that suggests Johnson and the Texans may be mending their fences. For what it's worth I think including Johnson in the package trade may have greased the skids of a Mallett trade, but I don't think taking him off the table is a deal killer. As you said, "Stay tuned."
"Everybody already knows he's well-conditioned; all this package did was confirm that he can squat for 440 while throwing a bowling ball across the Grand Canyon."
DeleteI literally LOL'd at this one.
I also find the designed runs intriguing. Who are *those* for? The pushing-40 starter who's had multiple leg injuries & couldn't even run well at his Combine? The Paul Bunyan-sized backup whose legs don't bend? Very interesting. I still think NE is very much a possibility for Tim, but they're the only team I see as being a possibility. I pray BB & JM stay healthy & keep their jobs.
I vote-hope?-for #2. And am laughing at #3.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the Mallett trade theory becomes way less plausible now that players have reported to camp. If BoB really wanted RM he would want him in time to study the playbook before camp. Unless there is a serious game of chicken going on, that option is circling the drain and dies on Friday when Texans report to camp.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that is only viable option. Last year two teams lost their starting QB before game 1 of the regular season, and 5 or 6 teams had benched their starters by midway through the season. There was a lot of desperation there in some of the QB moves. Remember Jeff Tuel?
That begs the question of why Tim didn't get the call last year, and why he thinks this year will be different. I think there is a plausible case to be made that he sat out last year intentionally in order to complete his makeover with Tom House.
The video might have been a favor, but we should not overlook the fact that it was only the second media coverage that Tim has allowed since being cut by the Pats. Tim is a brand and nothing is accidental, so I have to believe it was a deliberate message. Players who miss OTAs and training camp are often not fit enough for the season, so probably this was Tim's way of letting teams know that won't be an issue with him. It could also be him showing he can control public exposure to the kind of coverage teams want to see from their players. "No celebrity here, just a player working out hard."
I hadn't seen anything about designed runs for the Pats. I will say this: no way in hell do they run Brady on anything other than QB sneak. And I think I am faster than Mallett.
I have to agree w/Kathryn here about Tim intentionally staying out of the NFL last year. As I've said before, I think Tim would be willing to pay a team to sign him. So I can't imagine him turning down any offers from any NFL teams.
DeleteAs much as I want to keep kicking the can down the road, for me it's gotten to the point that it's no longer reasonable to do so.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Tim believing that someone will call him is that no one has called him. My sense is that he did not sign last season because he failed to garner interest, and not because he turned callers away. He did not then, just as he does not now, have the luxury of telling a team to wait. And if someone were considering him at all this season they'd have invited him to camp so they could make a thorough assessment. But that hasn't happened. He hasn't even gotten a workout.
As you suggested, the door closes on the Mallett option Friday. It is the one option that I remain willing to buy into in spite of the evidence to the contrary, and will go as far to say that it is still plausible for another week or so.
Fair or not, if the Mallett option evaporates it leaves Tim with one option if he wishes to continue pursuing a career at quarterback: the CFL. It amazes me that he hasn't heard them out by now because it's an outstanding opportunity to develop that a lot of other players would kill for - and maybe that somehow factors into your calculus because it seems such a no-brainer at this point that the only logical reason not to take the Alouettes up on the offer is because another offer is on the table. Unless it's with the Pats, I can't see it.
I have been wanting to lay out my theory about last season, but haven't bothered yet. In a nutshell, the key evidence is a comment from Terelle Pryor last year:
Delete"He said [Tebow] was ready to go" after working with him, Pryor said, recalling a conversation with House. "Tebow looked great, he was throwing the ball great, wasn't missing anything. Then they said he went to [training] camp, and when he went back, he reverted back to himself because [that's] when the bullets are flying at you."
Recall that when Tim worked with House before the 2013 season, he cut his training program short and did not do the full biomechanical workup because House felt it was too much workload on his arm right before training camp.
It is interesting that Pryor uses the phrase "when the bullets are flying at you", because he is referring to a concept I have a good deal of experience with in the context of bullets literally flying at you. In the military, weapons proficiency under stress is obviously a big deal, and it is especially important in special operations, where close quarters engagements happen in a split second inside of target structures. The key to accurately shooting under such circumstances is muscle memory. Simply put, you must ingrain proper physical mechanics through repetitive practice until you reach the point where you can perform the task properly without thinking about it.
The general conventional wisdom is that a complex task takes about 10,000 repetitions to reach muscle memory. That is the rule of thumb we used for weapons training, and 10,000 rounds was considered the minimum amount of practice to achieve and maintain proficiency with a pistol and rifle.
... continued ...
The comment from Pryor is very important because of the timing and source. It came from Tom House, and it came after Tim Tebow was cut by the Patriots. But Tim went straight to House after he was cut, which means the comment can give us some insight into what discussions and arrangements House and Tebow had post-Patriots.
DeleteI think it is pretty clear that House told Tebow that he hadn't trained long enough to achieve muscle memory with his new throwing motion, and that is why he reverted. I think it's probably safe to assume that House told him the same thing would happen again unless Tim took the time to properly ingrain his new throwing mechanics.
So let's look at 10,000 repetitions in the context of QB training. From what I have read, 200 practice throws is considered to be a full daily session. Exceed that and you risk overuse injuries such as tendonitis. Let's assume Tim practiced 5 days a week. That means he can throw 1000 balls a week. That means Tim would have to throw for a minimum of 10 weeks, 5 days a week, to reach 10,000 repetitions. Add in 2 weeks for the video biomechanical analysis that House is known for, and you are up to at least 12 weeks of training. And given that Tim was not just learning a new motion but trying to eradicate all vestiges of his previous throwing motion, 10K reps might not have been enough.
Tim started with House during week 1 of the NFL season, which is only 17 weeks long. I think it is entirely plausible that House told Tim he was going to have to write off the 2013 season if he wanted to fully transform his mechanics, and if he quit in the middle of the program to take a shot with a team he would likely regress again. Tim is one of the few guys I can see willing to make that kind of commitment. I also think that would explain the inexplicable unwillingness to any team to consider Tim under any circumstances last year.
I think there may have been some confirmation of this in Trent Dilfer's review of Tim in January. Dilfer made a big deal of claiming Tim had thrown 100,000 balls in his makeover. That number is probably unrealistic, even over the course of 5 months, but it does indicate that Tim's program was geared towards exactly the kind of muscle memory reprogramming that I described.
To clarify, Dilfer explained that Tim performed small movement repetitions in front of a mirror sometimes up to ten hours a day, adding up to over 100,000 reps by the time the piece aired. I believe this was in addition to full throwing reps.
Delete(cont) Across five months, six days per week that averages out to about 830 small movement reps per day. I suspect some days he did 500 and some days he did 1200, or whatever, but those sessions are what added up to the 100,000 reps figure.
DeleteIs it theoretically possible that Tim did decide to dedicate last year to a complete makeover? Yes. The problem I have w/believing that Tim actually turned down 1 or more NFL teams after the Pats cut him, Ed, is that the Pats appear to have been the only team that showed any interest in Tim during the 6 weeks he was a free agent between getting cut by NY & getting signed by the Pats. If no other NFL team was interested in him before the Pats signed him, I can't imagine anyone being interested in him after he was cut by them, especially given how bad he looked at times in the preseason games.
DeleteThanks for the clarification. I still think the citing of a number like that is a strong indication that they were shooting for a muscle memory reprogramming and set a fixed number of reps as a goal at the outset.
DeleteThe most important piece of info is the quote from House via Pryor. Given when the conversation occurred, I think it very strongly indicates what kind of program House put Tim on.
I try to be honest with myself when engaging in wild speculation. In this particular instance, I genuinely believe that Tim taking last season off to rework his motion is the most reasonable and likely explanation based on the evidence. Whether he subsequently received inquiries or not, I do not know.
But enough of that. Reportedly he was scouted by KC today. :) Not sure how I overlooked that possibility, because it is a good fit. Alex Smith is a mobile QB, and their backup situation is less than solid. The Saints were happy with Chase Daniel as backup, but nobody is under any delusions they are going to win games with him under center. They drafted Aaron Murray, but that has developmental pick all over it. I doubt his knee is 100% yet, and he is short and small for the NFL. KC surprised everyone by making the playoffs last year, so they should be in contender mode now, not rebuilding mode. That means they need solid insurance if Smith goes down.
Here's the article on the running plays: http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2014/05/30/josh-mcdaniels-might-put-tom-brady-on-the-run-more-in-2014-were-adamant-about-trying-to-make-it-better/
ReplyDeleteI guess I will take my crack at opining on the last few commentaries.
ReplyDeleteFirst I have a question for Kathryn. Did Ed's explanation change your mind about Tim going to the CFL being a good option at this time???
My view is in line with Brooke's. Tim probably dedicated himself to his makeover last season. At the same time I do not believe he had any offers to sign. If there had been teams willing to sign him last season. Why haven't any of them stepped forward yet this season. They have had plenty of time to at least take a look at his new & improved mechanics & we haven't even heard a whisper of interest from anyone.
I believe Tim is dug in about not wanting to play in Canada & is willing to take the risk on waiting for an NFL opportunity. Whether it comes or not. I can't say I blame him either. Even though I want to see him play with his new mechanics someone with his pedigree shouldn't have to go prove himself in Canada. After all wasn't this a quarterback who took a horrible 1&4 team to the playoffs. Why does this continue to be so easily dismissed.
I agree with Kathryn I believe the CFL is a good opportunity to play but if not lets hope that either the Pats sign him in the traditional way before the season so he can get a camp & preseason reps. Or that another team gets desperate enough to take a flyer on him sometime during the season.
I can't see him being signed any other way.
P.S. I hope I am wrong
Well, Andre Johnson just reported, so I think that idea is probably out the window. Yes the Mallett trade could still happen without him, but the Johnson element was the only explanation I could come up with for why BoB and BB might make a deal after camp started as opposed to before.
ReplyDeleteThe Chiefs report yesterday had me all excited. Then it turned out to be fake. Pardon my french, but some people are assholes.
Feeling pretty bummed right now, knowing all teams have reported and Tim isn't on a roster. I think pretty much zero chance that he gets on a roster during preseason, unless there is a catastrophic injury. I think we are going to have to wait for the body count to pile up during the first half of the season. Once teams get desperate, maybe it happens. Going to be a long and crappy few months.
>>First I have a question for Kathryn. Did Ed's explanation change your mind about Tim going to the CFL being a good option at this time???<<
ReplyDeleteBefore I answer this I will be the first to admit that the KC rumor got me excited, too, for two reasons:
1.) Tim was spotted on the southeast coast yesterday by someone not connected to the A-hole. The night before he'd been at Bible study in Los Angeles, so if the person who spotted him wasn't mistaken, he'd have to have taken the redeye out - and abruptly.
2.) Bill Belichick and Andy Reid are the coaching equivalent of pajama party besties, so in a roundabout way the rumor sort of constituted a hybrid of our ongoing theories.
That said, the ESPN reporter that the report was attributed to denied it this a.m., so we're back to square one.
As to Tim's options as they appear now:
What Tim needs is a committed team - someone willing to give him playing time, make minor adjustments to their offense to accommodate his playing style (as any team would to a quarterback they're invested in), and that is willing to weather their mutual growing pains so that he has a legitimate opportunity to develop.
No NFL team has shown any indication this season that they are interested in doing that. If they had been he'd have been invited to camp. He hasn't even been invited to a workout. And no one called last season. If they had we'd have heard about it.
The CFL on the other hand has indicated that they want him. The timing of Jim Popp's remarks was no accident. Troy Smith is not working out. Their season is still young and they don't want to be in pain for another sixteen weeks. NFL camp is starting and Tim Tebow is teamless. He's letting the public know - pressuring Tim's camp - that they've been reaching out to Tim since Calvillo retired in January, that their interest is serious and more than just a reaction to a crisis.
They want the guy on their team - as a quarterback - meaning he has at least some leverage to request some guarantees. He'll be able to start after a few weeks of practice, and will likely be given a ton of rope. He'll be able to play with people he knows. He'll be on a roster with a former pro bowler receiver. ESPN would carry the games and people would watch (that crappy workout interview he gave to the local Phoenix station? Pushing 400,000 views on YouTube). And the best part: Montrealers would be mortified as caravans of Tebow fans cross the border by the busload (I'd be one of them).
(cont.) Every analyst, every reporter, every former player, legend or otherwise, that has respected Tim's dream of playing quarterback in the NFL has told him: go play in the CFL for a couple of seasons.
ReplyDeleteThat's his choice. Go to the CFL, which is as close to a sure thing as he could hope for at this point, or report to SEC Net in a few weeks and do this:
>>I think we are going to have to wait for the body count to pile up during the first half of the season. Once teams get desperate, maybe it happens.<<
Waiting for teams to lose quarterbacks to injuries, trades or poor performance is a mistake in my opinion. Teams were desperate for quarterbacks last season and did not call. It has been a year since anyone has seen him play, and though he acquit himself competently in his last preseason game what sticks in everyone's mind is the 1-7 passing performance from a couple weeks prior. He is not going to get a call this year just because he has rewired his mechanics in a controlled environment.
I get it. The NFL did him dirty. I agree with that. He wasn't given a fraction of the consistency or patience that many lesser quarterbacks have gotten, and he's been burdened with "distraction" and "circus" labels that could have been avoided had the Jets media management department not been comprised of a fully-stocked clown car.
But this is where we are now. The season is underway and Tim is investing in a wardrobe of suits to embark on a career watching other guys play football.
If he wants a uniform and a locker he's going to have to give Jim Popp a call.
I agree with you 100% Kathryn.
DeleteThere are a series of interesting events happening simultaneously that should encourage us Tebow fans. One advantage we have as fans that coaches, players, & media do not is our only agenda is to see our favorite teams win & our favorite players do well. We are unencumbered by any other motives. Whether they be financial, professional or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteFirst it was great news hearing that Tim's agents have taken calls from NFL teams. As a fan it felt like someone had handed me a glass of water after being out in the desert for two long years. Even though he said no deal is imminent I would hope that he would only mention this if the calls were substantive & not merely casual. Among the many obstacles Tim has faced in trying to return to the NFL I think the biggest obstacle is how selective he has to be on where he goes & under what conditions. He doesn't have the luxury of taking any offer from any team like some quarterbacks do. If he wants to revive his career he has to go to a place that will put him in a position to succeed. Which may rule out alot of possibilites other quarterback would have.
The complimentary comments by Ron Rivera were also really good to hear. I can't recall any insider saying anything complimentary about Tim for a very long time.
Second: Recently there have been some stories written on how Ryan Mallett is ready to be a starting Quarterback. One has to wonder where the impetus for these stories is coming from. Since the guy has hardly played in the last four years.
Thirdly: The mediocore play of Jimmy Garrafolo so far. It's still early but I wonder if there are some doubts about drafting him in the 2nd round.
Fourth: The Hoyer Manziel dynamic is going to be fascinating to watch. This one has to be handled properly or has the potential to implode real quickly. Wouldn't it be ironic if Tim had to go there to calm things.
Fifth: In addition to the things mentioned above there are going to be the usual 4 or 5 teams that will wish they had a good quarterback before the midway point in the season.
How all this relates to Tim is anyone's guess but at least we know from today's comments that the door on him is not totally closed.
Alot of the quarterback play from week one of the preseason looked awful. Would anyone like to discuss??
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to start a new blog post to analyze this topic in greater detail.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, Kathryn, any new reports on Tim's whereabouts from the FMTC?