Sports debate

Crossroads: What will Happen to Tim Tebow?

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After 3 years & 3 teams Tebow is still trying to make it in the NFL

After 3 years & 3 teams Tebow is still trying to make it in the NFL

We know a few things to be certain. The sun will rise in the east, 2/3 of the planet is covered by water, and that just mentioning the name of Tim Tebow will likely begin a heated debate. I know most of you are sick about the constant Tebow news being shoved down our throats. Don’t look at me, thank ESPN and Skip Bayless for that, but now we might actually have a football season without Tim Tebow being the constant story. After being cut by the New England Patriots at the end of training camp, the former Heisman winner and current lightning rod finds his football career in jeopardy. We’ve all heard it before; He can’t throw, he should play another position, he can’t be an NFL quarterback. One thing you can’t question is Tebow’s heart. Sure he might not be the smartest guy, not changing positions to keep his NFL career alive, but he is one of the hardest workers in the football. Either way Tim Tebow must make a choice. He no longer has the ESPN hype mobile behind him  and must fight an uphill battle just to make an NFL roster. The question Tebow must ask himself is that if he cannot make it as a quarterback, is it time to try a new position? Unfortunately for Tebow the market for him is colder than January in Alaska. There is one, and only one place that makes sense for Tebow to go. Drum roll please………………. Jacksonville. I can hear the cheers of Jaguars fans and the groans of Jaguars’ ownership right about now. If there is any home for Tebow, especially if he want to play quarterback it’s Jacksonville. Ignoring all the statements that ownership has constantly put out declaring that Tebow will not be a Jaguar, it’s clear that the two need each other. The misfit quarterback on the island of misfit toys, it just clicks. Jacksonville is a disaster. The fans there don’t want anything to do with this team anymore. Forget a rudderless ship, that ship crashed and sank a few years ago. Other than Maurice Jones-Drew, whose hurt by the way, who else can you name on Jacksonville? Exactly. Plus you want to build a franchise around your best player. Maurice J0nes-Drew would benefit from Tim Tebow and the read option dramatically.They need to get MJD going and Tebow is the kickstart Jone-Drew desperately needs. Would Tebow be a publicity stunt? Yes. Do the Jaguars need a publicity stunt? That’s an empathic yes. The Jaguars are not going anywhere this year, there not drawing fans, and those rumors about relocation are still floating in the air.   Don’t believe me? What’s a more attractive destination Jacksonville or Los Angeles? I rest my case. So if this ownership wants to keep the franchise

Could this be Tim Tebow's future?

Could this be Tim Tebow’s future? 

in the Sunshine state and not have it go to the Golden Coast it needs a figure to rally around. Sorry Blaine Gabbert, when  your compared to Mark Sanchez, it’s not exactly a flattering comparison. Tebow needs to go to Jacksonville. Not some rinky dink arena team or the CFL, which might be an option he should consider. Jacksonville needs butts in the seats, Tim Tebow puts Floridian butts in the seats. I’m not a mathematical wizard but that equation seems pretty simple to me. What do you guys think? Should the Jaguars bring back Tebow or should he remain in football limit? Comment and take the poll below. 

2013 NFL Preview: NY Giants, NY Jets, Philadelphia Eagles

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New York Giants

Coach Tom Coughlin

Offense                                                                       Defense

QB ELI MANNING                                                  DE JUSTIN TUCK

RB DAVID WILSON                                                DT  LINVAL JOESPH

FB HENRY HYNOSKI                                             DT CULLEN JENKINS

WR VICTOR CRUZ                                                  DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL

WR HAKEEM NICKS                                              OLB KEITH RIVERS

TE BRANDON MYERS                                           MLB MARK HERZLICH

RT DAVID DIEHL                                                    OLB SPENCER PAYSINGER

RG CHRIS SNEE                                                       CB COREY WEBSTER

C   DAVID BAAS                                                      CB  PRINCE AMUKAMARA

LG  KEVIN BOOTHE                                               FS  RYAN MUNDY

LT  WILL BEATY                                                     SS ANTREL ROLLE

 

Strengths: Whenever you have a Manning under center, you’re going to have a very good year. With great outside weapons with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks the Giants will put points on the board. Running back David Wilson has shown his explosiveness in the preseason and is poised for a big breakout year at running back. The Giants front four is their bread and butter on defense. When healthy Tuck and JPP provide a nightmare for offensive lines. With great depth at the defensive end position, with

With Manning, The Giants always have a chance

With Manning, The Giants always have a chance

Mathius Kiwanuka and rookie Damontre Moore, and Joesph and Jenkins filling up the middle, the Giants defense could be poised to create havoc ion 2013.

Weaknesses: On offense the Giants are going to need to find consistency at the running back position. The G-men also need to keep Manning upright. Last season the offensive line showed many holes that at the moment don’t look to have been filled since the end of last season. If the Giants can’t keep Manning upright, then the offense will sputter. On defense the Giants need to stay healthy and get pressure on the quarterback. With a weak safety, and an even weaker line-backing core, the Giants need a big season out of the front four. If they can’t stay healthy or get to the quarterback, then the Giants defense will once again be a revolving door for the opposing offense.

Overall Prediction: 9-7 1st place NFC East:

With a difficult schedule this season a 9-7 record would be where the Giants finish. Considering all the question marks on defense, the offensive line, and health, the Giants should be able to make the playoffs despite not winning ten games. With the best quarterback situation in the talented NFC East.  The Cowboys haven’t proven to be serious contenders in years, the Eagles are rebuilding, and the Redskins need to see if RGIII can get through a full season at quarterback. Either way it looks like the Giants will be back in the playoffs in 2013 and will try to make another run to the Super Bowl, which will be in their own stadium this year.

New York Jets

Coach Rex Ryan

Offense                                                                                   Defense

QB GENO SMITH(R)/ MARK SANCHEZ              DE MUHAMMAD WILKERSON

RB BILAL POWELL                                                 NT KENRICK ELLIS

FB TOMMY BOHANON (R)                                  DE SHELDON RICHARDSON (R)

WR JEREMY KERLEY                                             OLB QUINTON COPLES

WR STEPHEN HILL                                                 ILB DAVIS HARRIS

TE JEFF CUMBERLAND                                        ILB DEMARIO DAVIS

RT AUSTIN HOWARD                                           OLB CALVIN PACE

RG WILLIE COLON                                                 CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE

C  NICK MANGOLD                                                  CB DEE MILLINER (R )

LG VLADIMIR DUCASSE                                      FS ANTONIO ALLEN

LT D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON                           SS DAWAN LANDRY

 

Strengths: Rex Ryan team, think we know the answer to this one. If the Jets want to be competitive at all this season the defense must be a top unit in the NFL. While the deep secondary may have some holes, especially with Darrelle Revis leaving, the Jets still have a strong secondary with pro bowler Antonio Cromartie and rookie Dee Milliner. With Muhammad Wilkerson establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, the Jets also added first rounder Sheldon Richardson to the pass rush. While it remains to see if Quinton Coples will remain at outside linebacker, with more athleticism and a stronger emphasis on the blitz, the Jets defense will get to the

It's official, the Jets are now Geno's team

It’s official, the Jets are now Geno’s team

quarterback. On offense the Jets have added more depth to the running game as they will emphasis running the football more. Plus with pro bowlers Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson on the line, the Jets may once again be one of the best at running the ball in 2013.

Weaknesses: Hmm other than quarterback? While it remains uncertain who will be the signal caller for the Jets in 2013, one can only hope it’s not Mr. Buttfumble Mark Sanchez. While it does look like it will be Geno time sooner than later, the fact is the Jets quarterback situation is terrible. Add in the lack of a star running back, a weak receiving core that’s still unsure when Santonio Holmes will return, and arguably the leagues weakest crop of tight ends, yeah the Jets offense isn’r looking too good right now. On the defensive side the two questions are can the safeties be solid starters and can Quinton Coples effectively transition to the rush 3-4 outside linebacking position.

Overall: 8-8 2nd AFC East:  If Geno can be a solid quarterback, which isn’t too hard given Mark Sanchez’s recent history, the Jets can be a 500 team.  Personally I’m not buying into the Dolphins or Bills until the finally can prove themselves as contenders this season. Rex Ryan is coaching to save his life and knows that he has to give a great performance this year. This defense is vastly underrated and has the potential to be a great defense. If the offense can run the ball, and not turn the ball over, then the Jets could surprise a lot of people in 2013. One things for sure, there is never a dull moment with this team.

Philadelphia Eagles

Coach Chip Kelly

Offense                                                                                   Defense

QB MICHAEL VICK                                                               DE FLETCHER COX

RB LESHEAN McCOY                                                         NT ISSAC SOPOAGA

WR DESEAN JACKSON                                                      DE CLIFTON GEATHERS

WR RILEY COOPER                                                            OLB TRENT COLE

TE BRENT CELEK                                                               ILB DEMECO RYANS

TE ZACH ERTZ ( R)                                                         ILB MYCHAL KENDRICKS

RT LANE JOHNSON (R )                                                    OLB CONNOR BARWIN

RG TODD HEREMANS                                                      CB CARY WILLIAMS

C  JASON KELCE                                                                 CB BRADLEY FLETCHER

LG  EVAN MATHIS                                                                 FS PATRICK CHUNG

LT JASON PETERS                                                              SS NATE ALLEN

Strengths: Given Chip Kelly’s prolific offense in Oregon, this could be a year where the Eagles light up the scoreboard. When healthy Vick still has big play capability and a big arm to stretch the field. Whoever the quarterback is, he’ll have a vast arsenal of weaponry at his disposal. Jackson, Avant, Celek, Ertz, McCoy are all playmakers that create nightmare matchups for opposing defenses. With an improvement along the

Can Vick and Jackson stay healthy enough to give Kelly's offense it's explosiveness?

Can Vick and Jackson stay healthy enough to give Kelly’s offense it’s explosiveness?

offensive line it could be a lot easier for Eagles quarterbacks this season. If the quarterbacks can remain upright, this offense will score some points.

Weaknesses: On offense there are only two. First who will be the quarterback by the end of the season, and second can this offensive line protects whoever that quarterback will be. Michael Vick hasn’t played a full season in years, and it’s likely that the Eagles will turn to Matt Barkley or Nick Foles by the end of the season. The biggest problem for this team is the defense. Last year it was one of the worst units in the NFL, but now many starters from last season have been replaced with general unknowns. While the Eagles have lost many defensive starters, the biggest problem is that they are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. The problem? The Eagles personal fits a 4-3 defense better. Trent Cole, the Eagles best defender is a great 4-3, but moving him to a standing up 3-4 linebacker could make him less effective.

Overall: 6-10 4th NFC east Sorry Eagles fan. In the difficult NFC East, questions at the quarterback position, and a terrible defense, it’s going to be a rebuilding year in Philadelphia. While the will score points, I think we will see games where they will score 30 points but loss because their defense is so bad. Chip Kelly may begin righting the ship in Philly and being his high-powered offense to the pros, but unfortunately you need to play defense to. 2013 will be a step in the right direction, especially with Kelly at the helm, but it just won’t be a step back into the playoffs.

The “T” Factor: Tim Tebow’s role in Foxboro

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Will it be Tebow time in Foxboro?

Will it be Tebow time in Foxboro?

Just mentioning Tim Tebow is sure bring numerous eye rolls, face-palms, and enough debate that would rival anything on capital hill. It’s the same old song and dance; He can’t throw, overrated, not a quarterback, distraction, Skip Bayless’ crush, etc. With the Tebow train pulling into Foxboro for the 2013 season, one thing is for sure, he’s not going to be competing for the starting quarterback role. With one of if not the greatest quarterback of all-time under center the question is, why is Tebow there? The answer, nobody really knows. While Tebow has repeatedly said that he wants to be a quarterback in this league, the problem is nobody wants a quarterback who can’t throw. It will be interesting the see what Bill Belichick has up his sleeve. After all he’s a coach who is known for finding successful niche roles for players on the Patriots roster. So what about Tebow? I don’t see him running a wildcat offense, or coming in for five plays to throw the ball. Taking five throws away from Tom Brady is too valuable. The best role for Tim Tebow? Tebow lovers cover your eyes!! Tight end! I’ll pause for a few seconds so you guys can debate or Tebow fans can scream their obscenities. Ok, everybody get that out of their system? Great, now that your back it only makes sense that Tebow should be used as a tight end. With the Aaron Hernandez situation, I’m not touching that one, and the injury to Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots are thin at both tight end and playmaker. Enter the Tebow, whose combination of size and speed could make him a formidable tight end. Plus, he might not only be catching passes, there could be a gimmick play for a pass, or Belichick could put him in the backfield. He probably wouldn’t run the ball but might take some direct snaps, or be a distraction so that a receiver could get open down the field. I know that Tim Tebow fans want to see him get an opportunity to play quarterback, and I do believe he does deserve another shot, but not in New England. So for all the people with Tebow crushes, I’m talking to your Skip Bayless, if you’re expecting him to drop back and throw passes in New England, you’re in for a huge disappointment. If the Patriots want to use Tim Tebow to help them win football games, it will be as a tight end. Will he be a superstar at tight end over night, no, but he could give Tom Terrific a viable target that he desperately needs. If they want to unleash Tim Tebow upon the NFL use his freakish athletic ability and size as a tight end and give Tom Brady some much-needed help. While he may not resurrect his quarterback career in Foxboro, if Tim Tebow wants to keep his football career alive, he will suck it up and play tight end. Since he is a team player, I think Tebow will do this because he knows that this is what’s best for the Patriots. Who knows maybe Tebow was that missing piece to another Super Bowl for the Brady-Belichick era.

Baseball’s newest villain

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From franchise savior to baseball villain

From franchise savior to baseball villain

It wasn’t that long ago when baseball and steroids were as common as peanut butter and jelly. However, in an era where baseball is desperatly trying to clean up its “juiced” image, the Biogenesis case has certainly been a black eye. In a game that once encouraged players to get as big and strong as possible in order to hit tape measure home runs, it just seems that every time baseball is just about to even playing field, we come to find out that yet another superstar took steroids. This isn’t the first time Ryan Braun and steroids have been linked together. Just a few years ago the Brewers slugger was found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs. While the original suspension was appealed and later reduced, the fact that baseball was now implementing the 50 game suspension. Now Major League Baseball has found out that once again Mr. Braun has been getting a little too brawny. For his second strike, Major League Baseball gave Braun a 65 game suspension, and there are rumors that A-Rod could be next. Braun has become the villain of baseball, and MLB might be happy about that. They need to create a poster child for what happens when you cheat and cheat again. For College Football it was SMU, for the NFL it was Pacman Jones, and the NHL Billy Couto. MLB wants to prove that no superstar is too big, and that it will no longer tolerate the substance abuse that has plagued the game for decades. This will also lead to the question, what happens if he is caught for a third time? Will it be the classic baseball saying that “three strikes and you’re out”? Will MLB now consider a life ban from the game? Either way Braun has let down his team, and his other players. Will the problem of performance enhancement drugs ever go away? In my opinion it will never go away. As long as there are millions of dollars at stake players will take the gamble. Seriously if the risk was sit fifty games but make fifty million if you took performance enhancers you’re telling me that most if not all people would take that risk? Here’s what I think. Will a lifetime ban be effective, not really because  you already have two chances to clean up your act before the final strike. You really want to stop these players? Hit them where it hurts, the wallet. Have a new rule in their contracts where if they are caught taking performance enhancing drugs that they can be terminated immediately and t will lose any money remaining on their contract. With Ryan Braun’s suspension, baseball is taking a step in the right direction, but they need to do more. Whether it is right or wrong baseball is going to make this guy a villain. Baseball needs a person who will now not only pay the consequences on the field, but socially and in the media. The media is going to rip Braun apart for cheating, while the majority of baseball fans will look upon him with disgust. It’s truly sad to see some one cheat their way to the top. Being a former player and not cheating my entire life it angers me when I see other players getting ahead by taking short cuts. Despite how he has tainted baseball, Braun may be a great thing for the game. Because he is the villain and now has been dragged through the ringer, maybe the rest of the pros will finally wake up and stop juicing.