11/21/24
April 29, 2013
Tim Tebow Forsaken by Jets: Quarterback Tim Tebow arrived at the New York Jets facility this morning and was told he was being released. Acquired before last season for a fourth- and sixth-round pick (with a seventh-round pick coming with him), Tebow only had six completions for 39 yards and 32 rushing carries for 102 yards. He had no touchdowns as a Jet. His hometown newspaper, the Florida Times-Union, reports this morning that he's coming to Jacksonville -- to set up fast-casual chicken restaurants.
"Sub .500 team cuts fourth string Quarterback."
I presume Skip Bayless will shout a lot about this.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 11:02 AM on April 29, 2013
Whatever happened to the Tebow fans from Denver who thought signing Manning and trading Tebow was a bad idea?
posted by grum@work at 11:05 AM on April 29, 2013
They popped up to gloat about Tebow winning more playoff games as a Bronco than Manning but I haven't heard from them since.
posted by tron7 at 11:14 AM on April 29, 2013
...he's coming to Jacksonville -- to set up fast-casual chicken restaurants.
So, he's going to be Florida's #1 meth distributor?
posted by NoMich at 11:16 AM on April 29, 2013
No team has ever won a playoff game after getting rid of Tim Tebow.
I'm disappointed the Jaguars brought in a new GM and coach who would have to be crazy to begin their time in Jacksonville by rolling the dice on Tebow. I wish Shahid Khan had kept the old GM and coach and forced them to make the gamble.
Blaine Gabbert stinks. He gets happy feet and can't make decisions at NFL speed. The Jags will be mired in mediocrity until they learn this lesson.
They could have been bad with Tebow, too, but the three years and 3,000 to 5,000 extra season ticket sales and marketing power of Tebow would've helped secure the team's future in Jacksonville.
posted by rcade at 11:29 AM on April 29, 2013
No team has ever won a playoff game after getting rid of Tim Tebow.
Florida's 2-1. Clearly, the Jets just need to give him a degree.
posted by Etrigan at 02:58 PM on April 29, 2013
Here's another story that's turning into a much bigger deal than it deserves to be. I read one analysis that says Tebow's problem is that he is highly skilled, but no one of his skills is good enough to fill a position in the NFL that uses that particular skill. That makes some sense to me, so what do you do with him? Another analyst, not on a sports network but on a national cable news network, suggests Tebow could do very well indeed in the Canadian Football League. Again, that makes some sense to me, so who knows?
posted by Howard_T at 05:30 PM on April 29, 2013
They could have been bad with Tebow, too
I don't think many in the NFL thought of Tebow as being a viable quarterback until the Steeler game. And then suddenly his stock seemed to rise. I still, as I said in that thread, believe that game was an anomaly. The Steelers, instead of forcing Tebow to go up and down the field, dared him to throw long, which is something he's not terrible at.
I don't think Tebow 'could' have been bad with with Jacksonville, I think he definitely would have been awful. Still, I wish he'd gotten the chance, just to hopefully put an end to the 'We'll never know how good Tebow could have been' which seems to now be the most likely scenario.
posted by justgary at 06:22 PM on April 29, 2013
I read one analysis that says Tebow's problem is that he is highly skilled, but no one of his skills is good enough to fill a position in the NFL that uses that particular skill.
It seems more likely that the skill-set he intends to use (throwing the ball primarily) is not the same one that teams may be interested in.
A hybrid FB/TE, special teams guy, who could occasionally throw a pass would be an interesting asset to have. Kind of like a wildcat+ scenario where you could run two-back sets with no quarterback, where he could:
- Go in motion to block at the line of scrimmage for another back to run Wildcat;
- Hand the ball off to another runner and lead block;
- Run with the ball himself;
- Throw the ball out of the pocket;
- Read/option and run the kind of broken plays that he thrived on in Denver.
It would be nighmarish to have to scheme for that a few times a game. He'd just have to agree that it's his best suited role and not as a starting QB.
posted by dfleming at 06:50 PM on April 29, 2013
A hybrid FB/TE, special teams guy, who could occasionally throw a pass would be an interesting asset to have. Kind of like a wildcat+ scenario where you could run two-back sets with no quarterback...
Wasn't that the thought going into last season though? That defenses getting ready for Tebow (he's a quarterback, no, he's a running back...) would have a nightmare getting ready for it?
I just don't see offenses putting the effort into what you're describing unless the results were huge, and I don't think they would be. For a mediocre offense, sure. But for a good to great offense to spend the time figuring out how to use Tebow, I just don't see it.
posted by justgary at 07:13 PM on April 29, 2013
What shouldn't be lost in all of this is the fact the Jets are a bunch of idiots. They're the ones who signed the guy, then spent the entire year complaining about it. They continue to be jokes, proven by the ridiculous contract they gave to Sanchez. Now they're probably putting their heads together thinking up excuses as to why they will be so horrible next year. They can't blame Tebow anymore.
posted by dyams at 07:35 PM on April 29, 2013
I don't think Tebow 'could' have been bad with with Jacksonville, I think he definitely would have been awful.
I wouldn't throw the word "definitely" around so casually, Skip. Trent Dilfer hoisted the Lombardi. There's a reason we still play the games.
posted by rcade at 08:46 PM on April 29, 2013
A friend suggests that USA Rugby should throw some money at him.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 09:48 PM on April 29, 2013
I wouldn't throw the word "definitely" around so casually, Skip.
I can play the lottery and claim I definitely won't win. I could, of course. But I'm not uncomfortable with saying I won't.
You might be right. Maybe almost every single statistic that shows him to be terrible is misleading, and maybe the fact that not a single NFL team seems to believe he's a viable quarterback just proves GMs can be shortsighted. But I doubt it.
Do you have anything other than the "he just wins" mantra his fans often repeat that leads you to believe he'd even be a decent quarterback?
Yeah, 'definitely' is probably overstating my case, and as I lamented earlier, we'll probably never know because I'm doubting he ever gets the chance. But just in case he does get the chance, I've put my stake in the ground. I'm not sure what claiming he 'could' be bad really says, other than you didn't see the same Tebow I did in 2011.
posted by justgary at 10:02 PM on April 29, 2013
My "so crazy it just might work" move for TimTebow would be he goes to SF to be the backup to Colin Kaepernick. That might be too much Jesus-lovin', meme-makin' quarterbacks for one team and cause the universe to implode.
posted by Bonkers at 10:15 PM on April 29, 2013
Just to clarify, I'm not claiming Tebow is without talent. And I think he could be a decent QB for a very specific team. You'll need a team with a very good defense, because Tebow isn't going to light up the scoreboard, and you're going to need a team with a very good running game, because Tebow is not going to be successful throwing the ball down after down.
There were times he was effective with the Broncos, especially earlier in the year, but the team fit him well and the league wasn't ready for him. As the season went on, he became shakier, and the Patriots pretty much gave a seminar on how not to let Tebow's specific talents hurt you.
I honestly believe if Tebow had a solid game against the Patriots more teams would have given him a chance. That's probably unfair based on one game, but I don't blame them for looking elsewhere for a quarterback.
posted by justgary at 10:15 PM on April 29, 2013
the Jets are a bunch of idiots
Yes indeed, and they didn't do Tebow any favors by releasing him while teams are still in post-draft mode, working on contract proposals for their draft choices and trying to snag UFA's.
And some teams have just gone through their first draft with new coaches, GM's, coordinators, etc. and are busy evaluating personnel based on what new schemes and systems are going to be put in place for the coming season.
There may be interest in him somewhere after the dust settles from all that activity, but this particular moment is totally not an ideal time for a prospect like him to be released.
posted by beaverboard at 10:25 PM on April 29, 2013
... and maybe the fact that not a single NFL team seems to believe he's a viable quarterback just proves GMs can be shortsighted.
I think teams are afraid to bring Tebow in because of the media circus, not because they think it's impossible for him to contribute.
Give another young quarterback his crazy run of success and playoff win in Denver. Do you really think that guy is completely out of the league a year later?
He should be somebody's second- or third-string quarterback, or in Jacksonville a quarterback with a chance to earn the starting job. He shouldn't be completely out of the league already.
Do you have anything other than the "he just wins" mantra his fans often repeat that leads you to believe he'd even be a decent quarterback?
I think the chance that Tebow will be good is greater than the chance Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne will be good, and Tebow would sell 3,000 to 5,000 extra season tickets and put the Jaguars -- the team with the smallest geographic region and lowest marketing sales -- on the map.
posted by rcade at 10:52 PM on April 29, 2013
Some commentators in Canada pointed out that Tebow wouldn't cut it in the CFL because of the wider/longer field. He might be able to work as a running QB (a popular style in Canada), but he doesn't have the arm strength to run one direction and throw it all the way across the field.
He's really running out of (QB) options.
Do you really think that guy is completely out of the league a year later?
If he completes less than 50 of his passes, has below average yards per attempt, and gets sacked as often as Tebow did in his last full season, then yes.
posted by grum@work at 11:28 PM on April 29, 2013
I think teams are afraid to bring Tebow in because of the media circus, not because they think it's impossible for him to contribute.
I agree with this. If teams believed Tebow was a starting QB in the NFL, I think at least a few would ignore the media circus and give him a chance. But since most probably don't view him in that light, they're not willing to take the chance for a backup quarterback. Probably unfair to Tebow, but I can understand why teams are hesitant.
He should be somebody's second- or third-string quarterback, or in Jacksonville a quarterback with a chance to earn the starting job. He shouldn't be completely out of the league already.
I think he at least deserves the chance to compete. As I said, I wish he WOULD get the chance. I'd rather see a definitive answer to 'can Tebow be an NFL QB' than debating it here.
I think Tebow's fame is kind of a double edged sword. He probably doesn't get as much credit and press in 2011 if he's a no name, and yet the fact that he's Tebow probably hurts his chances of just being able to try out somewhere because of the circus that would follow.
and Tebow would sell 3,000 to 5,000 extra season tickets and put the Jaguars -- the team with the smallest geographic region and lowest marketing sales -- on the map.
I can only guess they must be really down on Tebow. If he's terrible, I don't think the marketing angle works long term. It seems like if they had any thought he could be a decent QB they'd at least look into it. They seem so dead set against it.
posted by justgary at 12:05 AM on April 30, 2013
A new low for the New York Jets
posted by justgary at 12:37 AM on April 30, 2013
I really think Tebow is a player that could help a team, just not at QB. Special teams, blocking back ... I don't know. The guy has character and will along with some athleticism. If he wants to play somebody will give him a shot - just not as a QB.
posted by cixelsyd at 01:22 AM on April 30, 2013
From justgary's link:
They treated Tebow like a carry-on bag. They figured he'd fit conveniently in the overhead, but when they realized he was too big and had to be checked, he became a burden.
That's a great line.
The point last year where the horrible Jets utilized McElroy, of all people, instead of Tebow, seemed to show they were a team that was scared to succeed with Tebow as much as they were scared to fail with him.
posted by dyams at 06:01 AM on April 30, 2013
I just don't see offenses putting the effort into what you're describing unless the results were huge, and I don't think they would be.
There are still teams who run the Wildcat from time to time - despite the fact it isn't a high impact scheme. A number of teams every year struggle to put up points conventionally, so it's not like gimmicks are a non-starter.
From the outside, it doesn't seem like New York really made a go of trying to build a Tebow profile - but a more creative offensive coordinator might have a role for him. Outside of the Jets locker room, I don't think anyone thought Greg McElroy was a more game-ready quarterback than Tebow, yet they used him.
I think about occasional gimmicks like Mike Vrabel playing TE on goal-line situations - smart teams can find a way to design plays around a unique skill-set. I don't see Tebow as a star, but another weapon to force defences to spread their attention a little wider in preparation? That's not a bad thing to add if he's in the mindset not to just be a QB.
posted by dfleming at 08:00 AM on April 30, 2013
That's not a bad thing to add if he's in the mindset not to just be a QB.
I agree with what you said, but anonymous, totally unsourced reports on ESPN's ticker last night said at least one team had contacted him about playing a role other than QB and he turned them down. I think he's a viable offensive weapon in the NFL, but, if that report is true, he needs to meet teams halfway if he wants to make it in the league.
posted by yerfatma at 11:33 AM on April 30, 2013
A number of teams every year struggle to put up points conventionally
Yeah, that's what I was basically saying.
We're assuming Tebow would be good at this type role, but maybe he's not. He gained weight and supposedly was slower last year (as requested by Jets). He also got injured.
Even if he's not going to play QB he brings a circus, and I just don't see a good team taking the chance on what at this point is only 'possibilities'. That probably means the Patriots sign him tomorrow.
posted by justgary at 01:31 PM on April 30, 2013
Tim Tebow won't be a starter in CFL, Montreal Alouettes GM says
posted by justgary at 03:13 PM on April 30, 2013
I can only guess they must be really down on Tebow. ... They seem so dead set against it.
I am beginning to think that Tebow isn't being brought to Jacksonville because Khan doesn't want the team here. He paid $760 million for the Jags, who have the lowest valuation in the NFL. A franchise is in Los Angeles would be worth $1.5 billion.
It isn't easy to leave Jacksonville because of the stadium deal, but if Khan can pull it off he'll double the value of his team overnight.
Vinny Testaverde has been training Tebow and said improvements to his footwork have removed flaws in his throwing motion. Maybe there's a little hope for Friar Tim yet.
posted by rcade at 04:04 PM on April 30, 2013
I agree with what you said, but anonymous, totally unsourced reports on ESPN's ticker last night said at least one team had contacted him about playing a role other than QB and he turned them down.
And if that's true, I take back what I said - to play a true unsung hero kind of role, you have to be able to handle that you're not the show.
If he's still living under the notion that there's a full-time QB job for him out there, he's going to need to come to terms or just disappear.
That probably means the Patriots sign him tomorrow.
If it's a non-guaranteed contract, there's really nothing to lose - maybe he can't catch a pass, maybe he doesn't like to block, maybe he's put on weight and is slow. The Pats are probably the one team (due to their "don't tell anyone about anything ever" policy) who can starve a media frenzy, although I also don't think that there's a scenario you could sell Brady where he's not on the field - so I don't see how he'd fit and have a better skill-set at one position than anyone else.
He's probably bound for the Arena league, in part because any team in their right mind signs him to sell tickets, regardless of what he does on the field. The CFL makes no sense.
posted by dfleming at 04:32 PM on April 30, 2013
Heard a story to the effect that he was being offered a coaching job in the Lingerie League. That might be fun to see.
posted by Howard_T at 10:28 PM on April 30, 2013
They have an all-virgin team in that league?
posted by beaverboard at 09:03 AM on May 01, 2013
NY was a bad situation for him, and I don't see another NFL team issuing a High school type playbook like Denver did, he needs to accept the fact that QB is not an option like many players do, and then he can possibly have a good pro career, and continue be loved and to spread his message.
posted by bo_fan at 08:51 PM on May 03, 2013
From the outreach mission at Brett Favre Ministries:
"Timbo, the short stint in New York did not work out. That is familiar ground, brother.
From this moment forward, the path is clear. Once you've sent multiple pictorial text messages to the NYJ gameday hostess of your choice, hasten thee to Minnesota for the greater glory that is yours.
There is no such thing as having too many Christians in positions of leadership up by the mighty river's head."