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Alex Smith was solid but not spectacular all season long for the San Francisco 49ers. He wisely held back trying to do too much, allowing the 49ers' running game and defense to win games for the team.
Last Sunday in the NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants, Smith needed to do more, and he simply couldn't.
Under head coach Jim Harbaugh this season, Smith turned his career around by being more patient and protecting the football. The 27-year-old did an excellent job, setting career highs in completion percentage (61.3), yards (3,144) and quarterback rating (90.7). He also threw just five interceptions.
On Sunday Smith just didn't look as comfortable has he had all season. Yes, he was going up against a fierce Giants' pass rush, but something was just off.
He played not to make mistakes instead of playing to win.Â
The former No. 1 overall pick completed just 12 of 26 passes for 196 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. In addition to that, he completed passes to just four receivers. He also rushed six times for 42 yards.
At times it appeared Smith was only looking for tight end Vernon Davis, and if he was covered the game plan was to either scramble or just throw the ball away. Davis finished the game with three receptions for 112 yards and two scores, but 73 of those yards came on one long touchdown pass in the first quarter.Â
Of his nine completions to players other than Davis, six went to running back Frank Gore and four went to tight end Delanie Walker. Smith only completed one pass to a receiver and it went to Michael Crabtree for just three yards. That shows a lack of confidence going downfield.Â
Smith certainly improved this season and looks like a legitimate NFL starting quarterback, but his play on Sunday is concerning, especially when you consider how well he played the previous week against the New Orleans Saints.Â
Against the Giants he was tentative, inaccurate and playing not to lose the game or make a mistake. Essentially he looked like Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.Â
His performance in the NFC title game should haunt Smith all offseason and hopefully it will be motivation for him to improve.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -01/24/12)-
A new survey(1) commissioned by Badoo, the world's largest social network for meeting new people, today reveals that Denver Broncos' Quarterback, Tim Tebow, is the male celebrity that people would most like to hang out with, with 30 percent of respondents saying yes to some "Tebow Time."
In fact, Tebow was more popular as a fantasy celeb friend than Oscar hopefuls and best buds, George Clooney (20 percent of the vote) and Brad Pitt (10 percent); while also edging out Ryan Gosling, who trailed with only 6 percent of the vote, despite his huge success and popularity in 2011. But while men are overwhelmingly sure Tebow is the one for them (38 percent), women are understandably split between Tebow and Clooney, each of whom had 24 percent of the female vote.
Does Politics Make A Difference?
And in an election year, it seems that politics might split people's fantasy friend allegiances too. Although Tim Tebow was the most popular overall among respondents, Democrats (30.5 percent) would most prefer to hang out with George Clooney (35 percent of Democrats voted for him), while Republicans would most prefer to hang out with Tim Tebow (52.7 percent of Republicans).
"Sexiest Man Alive" Trails the "A-Team" of George, Brad & Ryan
Despite winning People magazine's ultimate accolade in 2011, Hangover star Bradley Cooper didn't fare as well when it came to this list. With only 4 percent of respondents picking Cooper, he trailed the triumvirate of George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling, (not to mention Tebow, who reigned supreme). Married women made a strong show of support for Brad Pitt by bringing more than double the votes of married men (15 percent to 6 percent). Cooper instead ranked equal with Charlie Sheen (also at 4 percent) and just ahead of Jersey Shore's The Situation, who came last on the list.
Louise Thompson, a spokesperson for Badoo.com, which carried out the study, commented: "We've all done it at one time or another -- imagined a celeb as our fantasy BFF. Perez Hilton even made a career out of it.
"But even if you're not rubbing shoulders with these guys at the Oscars or the ESPYS, we know that people often want to hang out with others who share what they're passionate about, whether it's a love of sports, film, politics, or something totally random. At Badoo.com, we help our users meet like-minded people who share their interests, making it easy, fast and fun to meet new people."
About Badoo
Badoo.com is the world's largest Social Network for meeting new people. First launched in 2006, it is now one of the leading social networks in both Europe and South America, with more than 135 million registered users worldwide. The business is continuing to grow very fast with over 125,000 new users signing up every day and 35+ million unique users enjoying the service every month.
Badoo has become one of the top 65 most visited websites in the world(2) by providing a fun, useful service that works. Badoo is available to use in 40 different languages in over 180 countries worldwide.
Users create their own profile including where they want to meet new people, individuals can then chat with one another and choose to meet. Additionally, users may pay to be introduced to a larger number of people for their profile to be given more prominence on the site for a limited time.
(1) Survey carried out by Ipobe Zogby in December 2011 on behalf of Badoo
(2) Google AdPlanner data
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1863846
Tim Tebow is not be heading to the Super Bowl this year. Perhaps he is angling for a spot in the halftime show instead?
Last night, the Denver Broncos quarterback joined country superstar Brad Paisley on stage for a duet of "I'm Still a Guy" during a concert at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
KATY PERRY'S PARENTS WANT HER TO DATE TIM TEBOW
"We’ve seen you throw an 80-yard touchdown pass, but can you sing?" Paisley joked, inviting Tebow to the stage.
Tebow joined him to a loud wave of applause, looking casual in jeans and a black hoodie. As the two switched off singing lines of the song, Tebow got ample hoots and hollers, even though his vocals were barely audible in recordings.
Splash News
Tim Tebow sang a duet with country singer Brad Paisley last night.
"Thanks for singing with me @TimTebow," Paisley wrote on Twitter after the show. "But don’t quit your day job pal, Still a Guy has never been so exciting. Or quite so beautifully off key."
Tebow responded, "Had a great time hanging out with my brothers and friends at the Brad Paisley concert in Denver this past weekend... awesome show!"
Many people have not regarded the Denver Broncos as a legitimate team in the NFL since Elway retired over ten years ago, but this year, the atmosphere was different. Even thought they had made the playoffs multiple times since John Elway’s retirement, they hadn’t had a quarterback that has inspired the Denver fan base like John Elway did. This year, John Elway returned to Denver to help run the Denver Broncos and help them “find the light†once again. However, despite the help of the great Elway, the Broncos began the season very slowly and dropped four out of their first five games. Denver needed some luck and divine intervention if they were to have a shot at making the playoffs, and that is exactly what they received.
In week six, the Denver Broncos decided that they would put their faith in their backup quarterback out of the University of Florida, Tim Tebow. Although he lacked experience, as well as an accurate throwing arm, Tebow was presented with his opportunity to resurrect the dying Bronco team, who had failed to make the playoffs since 2005. Late in the fourth quarter of his first start against the struggling Dolphins, Tebow, down by eight, drove down the field and eventually rushed in for a touchdown in the final seconds of regulation. Needing a two point conversion, he proceeded to take the snap and bulldoze his way straight through the Dolphins defense and into the end zone to tie the game. However, the game was not over yet. In overtime, after taking a knee in prayer at the end of regulation and marking the official beginning of the “Tebowâ€Â, he took to the field and led the Broncos offense into position for a game ending field goal. On fourth down, Tebow watched from the sideline as Broncos’ kicker Matt Prater tried for the win. From the powerful praying position of the “Tebowâ€Â, Tim’s prayers were answered and Matt Prater’s kick soared through the uprights. So began Tebow Time. With Tebow starting, the defense began playing harder because they believed in Tebow. The way Tim Tebow carried himself and the way that he was able to lead his team to victories was so unique, that he almost instantly was given the persona of “The Saviorâ€Â.
While leading the Broncos to an 8-8 record after staring at an abysmal 1-4 record under Kyle Orton, Tebow posted multiple game-winning “miracles†in the fourth quarter and overtime. After each game, Tebow “Tebowsâ€Â; this seems to be a major part of his divine winning. It may not look pretty when Tebow throws the ball, but he runs the ball like a running back and has a sneaky deep ball which catches his opponents off guard. Somehow, week after week, Tebow pulled out clutch victories from thin air and put the Denver Broncos back into contention. His finest performance to date was his playoff win against the Steelers. Even though Tebow completed only 10 out of his 21 throws, he threw for a whopping 316 yards. All of his throws were monumental, and he was able to throw the ball down the field with ease. The play of the game was when Tim Tebow threw a bullet to his wide receiver Demaryius Thomas who then ran away from multiple defenders on an 80 yard game winning reception. Tim Tebow did not have his finest showing when the Broncos were manhandled by the New England Patriots, yet he inspired millions of people around the country. While Tebow doesn’t enjoy losing, he understands that the most important thing in his life is his devotion to God and his selflessness. Tim Tebow “lives his religion†every day and does not wallow in his defeats. Tim Tebow once said, “Along the way there’s going to be a lot of obstacles, a lot of adversity, a lot of people who will tell you you’re not good enough. I’m here to tell you that you are. Everyone that tells you that you’re not is because they didn’t accomplish something.â€Â
While many of his pundits argue that Tebow won’t be able to succeed in the NFL because of his below average accuracy, he has shown us that his attitude and charisma more than make up for his flaws. If he can continue with his “all I do is win†work ethic, he truly will be immortalized as “The Messiah of Denver.â€ÂÂÂ
 ÂÂ
Tom Coughlin has been compared to Bill Parcells, Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick but the Giants fiery head coach shares more in common with the Denver Broncos superstar quarterback, Tim Tebow. When the critics put his back against the wall and put his job in jeopardy all he does in win.
Jan 24, 2012 - Over the next two weeks, Tom Coughlin will garner comparisons to New York Giants coaching legend, Bill Parcells but it’s likely he’s never been compared to the Denver Broncos’ philanthropic, second-year quarterback, Tim Tebow. Tom Coughlin has never performed a delicate circumcision in the Philippines like Tebow but he has proved to be a steady hand in difficult times. Unlike Parcells and like the "aw shucks" demeanor of Tim Tebow, Coughlin lacks an aura of greatness.
For over a decade, Tom Coughlin as been doubted. He was doubted when turned the Jacksonville Jaguars into the Doogie Howser of NFL franchises. . A majority of Jacksonville fans were against his hiring because he had never served as a coordinator or head coach in the NFL. His only success had come as a position coach and as head coach in the ACC.
In just two seasons, he guided the expansion franchise from birth to the brink of a Super Bowl. In his fifth he led them back with a 14-2 record. By comparison, it took the Houston Texans nine seasons to finally earn their first playoff berth. All Tebow did was rattle off seven straight victories and lead the 1-4 Broncos to an AFC West titlep.
Likewise, Tebow joined the NFL ranks as a first round pick with fourth round talent and had none of the characteristics of a successful quarterback. His throwing motion was funkier than a Nappy Roots concert and he was built more like a fullback than a pocket quarterback. He still doesn’t fully understand NFL defenses, struggles from the pocket and he has a tendency to create mile high craters with inaccurate throws.
However, in the fourth quarter, something inside his cerebral sportex seemed to click. Suddenly, he channeled Joe Montana and led his team to a string of shocking victories in improbable fashion.
The same can be said for Coughlin. Despite being famous for setting his wristwatch five minutes early and fining Giants stars for arriving to meetings "on time", Coughlin’s Giants teams always seem to sit back and wait to pounce in the fourth quarter. Like Tebow, his success is explicable. Against good times (Patriots) and bad (Dolphins), the Giants rallied back in the fourth quarter all season. Their most impressive was a 12 point fourth comeback against Dallas on Dec. 11 that was the result of two touchdown drives in the final 3:41.
In early January, Tebow delivered a record setting performance against the Steelers on the heels of an atrocious 2-for-8, 69 yard passing display in a 7-3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. Throughout the week, rumors were rampant of his benching if he struggled in the first half. Meanwhile, Coughlin's teams have been at their greatest when his job is in jeopardy. Coughlin's first Super Bowl came in the final year of his first contract after signing a one-year extension in 2007. His second came with questions swirling about his job security. The Giants responded to an embarassing loss to the Washington Redskins by winning their final two regular season games including a primetime, de facto sudden death matchup with the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football to win the NFC East.
Coughlin is a noted dictator but he’s not a defensive mastermind or an offensive guru. From week to week, Coughlin’s Giants find new ways to win. Manning threw for nearly 5,000 yards this season and led the Giants upset of Green Bay last week, however, Coughlin’s defense led the charge against San Francisco.
You either love Coughlin or you hate him. There is no in between. Those words could be spoken for Coughlin, Tebow or the aforementioned Bill Parcells. Soon you could put them both in the same category as two-time Super Bowl winning head coaches. 20 years ago, Coughlin coached under Parcells on the Giants staff. However, he was never Parcells’ favorite apple on his coaching tree. While Sam Bradford was preferred over Tebow in the 2010 NFL Draft, Coughlin will be staring at Parcells' favorite on the other side of the field on Super Bowl Sunday.
In New York, Coughlin has had Eli. However, in New York, the Tuna had Lawrence Taylor…and he had a young defensive coordinator named Bill Belichick. In Belichick’s second year as defensive coordinator, the Giants won their first Super Bowl in 1986. Another one followed in 1990. When Belichick linked up with Parcells again in New England in 1996. That season, the Patriots beat Coughlin’s Jaguars en route to the Super Bowl. Parcells only experienced marginal success as Cowboys head coach in the 2000’s without Belichick.
While Belichick was flaming out in his first head-coaching job with the Cleveland Browns, Coughlin was building a winning organization with the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars without the aid of the football equivalent to Einstein or Nicolas Tesla on his staff.
Tuna managed to turnaround the Patriots and Jets with Belichick by his side before faltering as Cowboys head coach. However, Coughlin arrived in New York with a nifty resume of his own. Coughlin is New York’s comeback king. Both he and Tebow studied Ali’s Rumble in the Jungle, Rope-A-Dope strategy against the New York media. Insiders have suspected that square jawed CBS analyst, Bill Cowher coveted the Giants job. The love affair between Cowher and Giants fans was mutual. However, each time, the media and the lynch crowds call for Coughlin's head, and put his back against the ropes his teams bounces back with a flurry of punches.
Tim Tebow is familiar with critics. While Tebow hasn’t fully silenced his, he did knock them down a notch this season. For Coughlin, another Super Bowl win against Parcells' favorite would be the ultimate TKO to his.
Tim Tebow is not be heading to the Super Bowl this year. Perhaps he is angling for a spot in the halftime show instead?
Last night, the Denver Broncos quarterback joined country superstar Brad Paisley on stage for a duet of "I'm Still a Guy" during a concert at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
KATY PERRY'S PARENTS WANT HER TO DATE TIM TEBOW
"We’ve seen you throw an 80-yard touchdown pass, but can you sing?" Paisley joked, inviting Tebow to the stage.
Tebow joined him to a loud wave of applause, looking casual in jeans and a black hoodie. As the two switched off singing lines of the song, Tebow got ample hoots and hollers, even though his vocals were barely audible in recordings.
Splash News
Tim Tebow sang a duet with country singer Brad Paisley last night.
"Thanks for singing with me @TimTebow," Paisley wrote on Twitter after the show. "But don’t quit your day job pal, Still a Guy has never been so exciting. Or quite so beautifully off key."
Tebow responded, "Had a great time hanging out with my brothers and friends at the Brad Paisley concert in Denver this past weekend... awesome show!"
Ashton Kutcher & a friend catch the Colcci runway show during the Sao Paulo fashion week 2012 presentations. From the looks of it Ashton enjoyed it immensely.
ZANESVILLE -- Denver Broncos star quarterback Tim Tebow is in demand for Christian audiences in Ohio.
A church youth ministry program is raising money in hopes of landing Tebow speak at an annual faith-based event in Zanesville in eastern Ohio.
Youth Pastor Adam King with New Hope Gospel Church tells the Zanesville Times Recorder that an announcement was made at Sunday services and that thousands of dollars was already donated by Sunday night. A flyer says the goal is to raise $50,000 to have Tebow appear at the event called The Restoration on March 2.
Meanwhile, multiple media outlets report that Tebow has committed to come to Ohio Christian University in Circleville for a leadership forum on April 24.
The Associated Press
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow will appear at the Butte Civic Center Tuesday, March 6, for a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser.
The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tickets will range in price from $25 to $100. They will go on sale by the end of next week, via the Civic Center box office or its website. They will also be available at Fuel Fitness locations in Butte and Helena.
The event will consist of Tebow speaking for a short time, then taking questions from the audience.
Michael Burks and Craig Vukasin are the owners of the Fuel Fitness locations and chief organizers for the event.
“The reasons for the event are to bring in an exciting, positive role model to the Butte community as well as to raise enough funds to allow Habitat for Humanity to build a new house for a family in need,†Burks said.
“We have priced the tickets so that anyone can afford to come to the event, and if we can fill every seat, we will raise enough money to allow Habitat to provide a brand new home to a local family.â€
Sponsorship opportunities will be available for local businesses that include such benefits as catching a signed football thrown by Tebow, a VIP private luncheon, meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Tebow at the Montana Club restaurant on Harrison Avenue.
The Butte stop is one of several for Tebow in Montana
Tebow is scheduled to speak about his Christian faith at the University of Montana on March 7 at an event organized to raise money for a Christian teen center in Missoula. Tickets range from $30 to $100. Big Sky High School senior Emerald Gyuricza is raising money for the City Life Community Center as her senior project. She hopes Tebow’s speech will bring in up to $250,000. City Life says the event will cost $60,000, including Tebow’s speaking fee.
Tebow is scheduled to speak in Billings on March 5, be in Great Falls for a banquet on March 6 and appear in Kalispell on March 7. All those events are fundraisers for Christian schools.
People interested in becoming sponsors for the Butte Habitat for Humanity project may email fuelfitnessmt@gmail.com.
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow will appear at the Butte Civic Center Tuesday, March 6, for a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser.
The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tickets will range in price from $25 to $100. They will go on sale by the end of next week, via the Civic Center box office or its website. They will also be available at Fuel Fitness locations in Butte and Helena.
The event will consist of Tebow speaking for a short time, then taking questions from the audience.
Michael Burks and Craig Vukasin are the owners of the Fuel Fitness locations and chief organizers for the event.
“The reasons for the event are to bring in an exciting, positive role model to the Butte community as well as to raise enough funds to allow Habitat for Humanity to build a new house for a family in need,†Burks said.
“We have priced the tickets so that anyone can afford to come to the event, and if we can fill every seat, we will raise enough money to allow Habitat to provide a brand new home to a local family.â€
Sponsorship opportunities will be available for local businesses that include such benefits as catching a signed football thrown by Tebow, a VIP private luncheon, meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Tebow at the Montana Club restaurant on Harrison Avenue.
The Butte stop is one of several for Tebow in Montana
Tebow is scheduled to speak about his Christian faith at the University of Montana on March 7 at an event organized to raise money for a Christian teen center in Missoula. Tickets range from $30 to $100. Big Sky High School senior Emerald Gyuricza is raising money for the City Life Community Center as her senior project. She hopes Tebow’s speech will bring in up to $250,000. City Life says the event will cost $60,000, including Tebow’s speaking fee.
Tebow is scheduled to speak in Billings on March 5, be in Great Falls for a banquet on March 6 and appear in Kalispell on March 7. All those events are fundraisers for Christian schools.
People interested in becoming sponsors for the Butte Habitat for Humanity project may email fuelfitnessmt@gmail.com.
CONCORD, N.C. -- Tim Tebow doesn't have anything to do with NASCAR or the Sprint Media Tour, but he's made an impression on one team owner.
"I love Tebow," said Joe Gibbs, the owner of Joe Gibbs Racing and former head coach of the Washington Redskins.
Gibbs knows a thing or two about quarterbacks. No other coach in NFL history has won three Super Bowls with three different signal-callers -- as Gibbs did with Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/NASCARFormer NFL coach Joe Gibbs, right, on Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow: "I admire him. There's not many young guys who would stand up and say the things he says. That takes guts."
So when the conversation Monday turned from racing to the popular Denver Broncos quarterback, the Hall of Fame coach couldn't say enough good things.
It had nothing to do with Tebow's outward expression of his faith, something Gibbs doesn't hesitate to share with others. It wasn't an attempt to be a part of the so-called Tebow bandwagon.
Gibbs genuinely is impressed.
"I think he's a player," Gibbs said of Tebow as he took a break from racing to talk football. "Everybody is talking about his throwing motion and all of that. I can't tell you how many guys up there have bad throwing motions."
Gibbs mentioned San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich, to name a couple.
"Don't get caught up in that stuff," Gibbs said of throwing technique. "Tebow brings a real different deal to the game. He can run and he's a great competitor. Up there, one thing is for sure, you can't fake it. It's like driving these race cars -- you can't talk your way to the front."
Gibbs knows a thing or two about drivers, as well. He has won three Sprint Cup titles with two drivers -- Tony Stewart in 2002 and 2005, Bobby Labonte in 2000 -- and has a stable in Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano capable of adding to that list.
But we were talking football, and Tebow was the topic. Gibbs laughed at the suggestion that NFL coaches can change the Heisman Trophy winner's throwing motion.
"Anybody that starts telling you they're going to change somebody's throwing motion when he spent 16 years playing football and throwing that way is kidding you," he said. "What you see is what you get."
And Gibbs likes what he sees in Tebow, including his faith.
"Everybody deals with faith differently," Gibbs said. "In his case, he just said 'I'm going to take a stand.' It's been interesting to see how that polarizes stuff.
"I admire him. There's not many young guys who would stand up and say the things he says. That takes guts."
And for the record, Gibbs likes the New York Giants over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
"I'm an NFC guy," he said. "I'm not going to jump ship."
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow jumped on stage and joined country star Brad Paisley in a duet at the Pepsi Center in Denver, according to CBSSports.com.
As Tebow jumped on stage, Paisley asked the Broncos quarterback, “We’ve seen you throw an 80-yard touchdown pass, but can you sing?†As he did on the field, Tebow responded and stepped up to the challenge as seen in this video.
After the concert, Paisley later tweeted “Thanks for singing with me @TimTebow. But don’t quit your day job pal, Still a Guy has never been so exciting. Or quite so beautifully off key.â€
Tim Tebow is known for many different things, but it wasn't until a surprise appearance with country singer Brad Paisley that the world learned he can sing too.
Tebow surprised the sold-out Pepsi Center audience in Denver when he joined Paisley on stage to sing the popular "I'm Still a Guy."
Paisley had egged Tebow on to sign something, according to KWGN, when he told the popular Broncos quarterback, "You can throw an 80-yard touchdown pass but can you sing?"
Tebow certainly didn't disappoint, though he admitted on Twitter that he "won't quit my job day job."
The appearance at the Paisley concert marks the end to a whirlwind first week of off-season for Tebow. Earlier in the week he appeared in Las Vegas and met with a Cirque du Soleil cast. Those have been his first public appearances since his Broncos team was blown out by the New England Patriots, 45-10, in an AFC Divisional playoff game.
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Tebow emerged as one of the most-talked about players in the NFL this season due to his performance on the field. He guided the Broncos to a stunning six-game win streak, as "Tebow Time" became one of the most buzzed about topics in the country. The Broncos ended the season on a slump but still managed to win the AFC West and make the playoffs.
The season ended with the crushing loss to New England, but Tebow did manage to lead the Broncos to a thrilling overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC Wild Card game. His detractors will point to his poor performance against the Patriots, but his legions of fans will reminisce fondly about that incredible victory against the Steelers.
In yet another example of incredible, make sure to take a look at a video of Tebow's performance at the Brad Paisley concert on Saturday.
Ric Tapia/Icon SMITim Tebow's toughness is something that stands out.
It’s funny. It was debated hotly for the past few months whether or not the option-running Tebow could actually fit in this era. Yet, according to the Hall of Famers, Tebow could play in any era in NFL history partly because of his toughness and aggressive playing style.
Former Denver running back Floyd Little explained why he pushed for Tebow: “He might not be the greatest quarterback, but he could play at any position you want him to play at. He’s a guy I’d like to play with if I was still playing. He’s a winner, he’s mobile, strong, and gets the job done regardless, whether he’s blocking, throwing, running or just fooling you. He finds a way to win and people need to recognize that. A “W†is a “W†and it doesn’t matter how you get it, if you win ugly it’s still a “W.†Mechanics don’t play the game, people do.â€
Added former Miami running back Larry Csonka: “I’m picking Tim Tebow, who’s a controversial choice. But that kid, a lot of people say he’s not a pure passing QB. But neither was Fran Tarkenton. You can take Tebow and compare him to a lot of quarterbacks over the years, great QBs who could roll out and be a threat. When it comes down to it, I think he can throw the long ball, maybe not consistently, but consistently enough to win. And in the final analysis, isn’t that what matters? He’s not going to statistically pass Dan Marino, but he may end up in a Super Bowl and Marino didn’t. He has a combination of things that come down to winning.â€
What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with the men the yellow jackets? Fill up the comments section below with your thoughts on Tebow’s selection to the Any Era team.
CONCORD, N.C. -- Tim Tebow doesn't have anything to do with NASCAR or the Sprint Media Tour, but he's made an impression on one team owner.
"I love Tebow," said Joe Gibbs, the owner of Joe Gibbs Racing and former head coach of the Washington Redskins.
Gibbs knows a thing or two about quarterbacks. No other coach in NFL history has won three Super Bowls with three different signal callers -- Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/NASCARFormer NFL coach Joe Gibbs, right, on Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow: "I admire him. There's not many young guys who would stand up and say the things he says. That takes guts."
So when the conversation Monday turned from racing to the popular Denver Broncos quarterback, the Hall of Fame coach couldn't say enough good things.
It had nothing to do with Tebow's outward expression of his faith, something Gibbs doesn't hesitate to share with others. It wasn't an attempt to be a part of the so-called Tebow bandwagon.
Gibbs genuinely is impressed.
"I think he's a player," Gibbs said of Tebow as he took a break from racing to talk football. "Everybody is talking about his throwing motion and all of that. I can't tell you how many guys up there have bad throwing motions."
Gibbs mentioned San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers and Pittsburgh's Byron Leftwich, to name a couple.
"Don't get caught up in that stuff," Gibbs said of throwing technique. "Tebow brings a real different deal to the game. He can run and he's a great competitor. Up there, one thing is for sure, you can't fake it. It's like driving these race cars -- you can't talk your way to the front."
Gibbs knows a thing or two about drivers as well. He has won three Sprint Cup titles with two drivers -- Tony Stewart in 2002 and 2005, Bobby Labonte in 2000 -- and has a stable in Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano capable of adding to that list.
But we were talking football, and Tebow was the topic. Gibbs laughed at the suggestion that NFL coaches can change the Heisman Trophy winner's throwing motion.
"Anybody that starts telling you they're going to change somebody's throwing motion when he spent 16 years playing football and throwing that way is kidding you," he said. "What you see is what you get."
And Gibbs likes what he sees in Tebow, including his faith.
"Everybody deals with faith differently," Gibbs said. "In his case, he just said 'I'm going to take stand.' Its' been interesting to see how that polarizes stuff.
"I admire him. There's not many young guys who would stand up and say the things he says. That takes guts."
And for the record, Gibbs likes the New York Giants over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
"I'm an NFC guy," he said. "I'm not going to jump ship."
After the season that was for Denver Broncos second-year quarterback Tim Tebow (you might have heard about him), it seems a good time to sit back, take a deep breath, and try to make sense of it all.
1. Tim Tebow was not as good as his most avid supporters said he was. In a league where 5,000 yards passing has become the new 4,000, Tebow passed for just 1,729 yards in 11 1/2 regular season games at a rate of 6.4 yards per attempt, tied for 26th in the league. In a key Denver win at Kansas City in November, Tebow completed exactly 2 passes. The following weekend against the Jets, the Denver coaching staff clearly was reluctant to let Tebow attempt passes even when the Broncos were trailing late in the fourth quarter. Even in his signature game, a dramatic 29-23 overtime playoff victory over the Steelers, Tebow completed just 10 passes (9 in regulation). In truth, Tebow had just two very good games: when he went 10 for 15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns in Minnesota, and the Pittsburgh game. This for a player whom some were mentioning in the MVP conversation. And even with his first-round playoff heroics, he had the worst completion rate (40.4 percent) of any quarterback this postseason.
2. At times, he was as bad as his detractors said he was. He was the only full-time starter to complete less than half of his passes in the regular season. This included his 18-for-39, 172-yard performance at home against Detroit, his 13-for-29, three-interception, 185-yard output in Buffalo, and his abysmal 6-for-22, 60-yard game versus Kansas City in the season finale when the Broncos thought they had a playoff berth riding on the game.
3. The "he just wins" argument fans quickly attached to Tebow during Denver's six-game winning streak was quickly disproved thereafter -- as it usually is. More often than not, the "he just wins" label is used to explain away the lack of passing proficiency of a signal caller who benefits from a strong surrounding cast. (Trent Dilfer has a Super Bowl ring from the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, which is one more than I have, but it doesn't make him a great quarterback.) Remember that many fans and commentators also pointed to Kyle Orton's winning record when he came to Denver in 2009, forgetting that most of his wins had come in his rookie season of 2005 with Chicago, when he was mediocre at best (5.1 yards per attempt and just 9 touchdowns to 18 turnovers) but benefited from a Bears defense that held the opposing team to single digits in eight games. Ironically, Denver started 2009 with a six-game winning streak built on some dramatic, last-second wins but then collapsed at season's end and missed out on the playoffs. Orton would lose his starting job to Tebow after five games in 2011 and was eventually waived by the team. Tebow built his own six-game streak on some dramatic, last-second wins in November and December; not to be lost in that streak are the four games in which the defense held the opposing team to 13 or fewer points.
4. Tebow is hardly the first NFL player to be outspoken about his Christian faith. Players have been thanking their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for their touchdowns and sacks for years and years. And if NFL players had mocked the religion of, say, a Jewish or Muslim player the way Tebow was mocked by some Detroit Lions during a game in October, those players probably would have been fined if not suspended by the NFL and widely vilified by the media.
5. That said, if people find the teachings of the evangelical faith in which Tebow was raised to be objectionable, they have every right to say so in a society that values free speech. Just because a player (or anyone else) might profess certain beliefs under the label of "religion," it should not make those beliefs immune to scrutiny.
6. Forgetting the religion issue -- granted, this is almost impossible thanks to the incomparable attention surrounding the Broncos quarterback -- Tebow comes across as a good guy who welcomes being a role model. One might say this is refreshing in a league marred by such stories in recent years as players allegedly committing sexual assault, beating up a stripper, taking a loaded gun to a club, or participating in animal abuse. He also is, by most accounts, a good teammate who helped inject life into a lifeless team that had started the season losing four of its first five games. Broncos players talked about the sense of team camaraderie that grew as the season progressed. In one late-2011 contest, veteran Pro Bowler Champ Bailey was seen standing on the sidelines watching the offense almost like a fan watching from the stands, rather than resting between defensive series on the bench next to the oxygen tank. It seemed to sum up the vibe of the team's strange and wild ride to an improbable division title.
7. John Elway's recent statement that Tebow has earned the starting job going into next season's training camp was one of the biggest non-stories of the week. The Broncos have only one other quarterback (Adam Weber) under contract, anyway. And even if the Broncos were to draft a quarterback this spring, it would be highly unlikely for them to name an untested rookie QB as starter going into training camp. Let's also remember: Tebow went into last season slated as the starter before temporarily losing the role to Orton.
8. Tebow and the Broncos had a great ride but could very well take a step back next season. In the NFL scheduling formula, Denver as a defending AFC division champion will be matched against the other three defending division champions within conference in 2012. (After finishing last in their division in 2010, in 2011 they were pitted against two other AFC teams outside the division who'd likewise finished last, and just one defending first-place AFC team from outside their division.) Denver also cannot count on getting all the bounces next season. The team went 5-1 in close games with Tebow as starter. This includes three overtime wins in which Denver (1) recovered an onside kick as they overcame a late, 15-point deficit in Miami, (2) beat San Diego after blocking placekicker Nick Novack's 53-yard field goal in overtime, and (3) beat Chicago after the Bears' Marion Barber made a mental error that stopped the clock and eventually enabled Matt Prater's stunning 59-yard field to force overtime. If any one of those games had gone the other way, the Broncos would have finished with a losing record and missed out on the playoffs.
9. The Broncos need to get rid of the option. While it's an asset to have a quarterback who can run -- and run Tebow did, gaining 660 yards on the ground last year -- there's a reason why other NFL teams don't put the option in their offensive playbooks. It won't work consistently against elite NFL defenses, and by the end of the season, teams had scouted Tebow and taken it away from the Broncos' arsenal.
10. To be a consistent success in the NFL, Tebow will need to demonstrate proficiency in passing when the other team is looking for Denver to pass the ball. You can't always expect your defense to keep the game close so you can win it miraculously in the end. You can't base your entire passing attack on play-action passes and the element of surprise. You need to pick apart defenses when your team is trailing and the other team knows you need to drop back and throw a few.
It was a memorable roller coaster ride for the Broncos and their quarterback this season. Heading into next season -- when Tebow will benefit from having his first full training camp as a starter -- we know this: Broncos fans can neither count on him to be the quarterback of the future, nor can they count him out.
Follow Rob Kirkpatrick on Twitter: www.twitter.com/wrappedupinboox
MOSCOW, January 23, 2012―Robert Paul Reyes, a Virginia columnist, believes Tim Tebow's on-field praying makes him a hypocrite. And Mr. Reyes has a scripture verse to prove it. He quotes Jesus who said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.â€
But as so often happens, the quoted scripture is taken out of context and misapplied.
In the Gospel of Matthew â€" where this verse is to be found â€" Jesus referred to a specific group of people called Pharisees. The Pharisees were religious leaders of Jesus' day who prided themselves on their minute adherence to religious regulations. Self-righteous and smug, they also liked to show their piety in public.
Prayer was one means of doing this. The Pharisees had a certain number of daily prayers which they were obliged to recite at certain times of the day. Often they would arrange their activities in such a way so as to be out in public when the set prayer time arrived. They would then stop and assume a praying posture to be seen by all. Not infrequently, they would position themselves on street corners to increase their visibility.
What Jesus condemned in the Pharisees was the disingenuous nature of their praying. They did not pray because they wished to worship or honor God. They prayed because they wanted to impress others and hoped to be admired for their false piety. It was for this purpose they sought out public places where they could perform their ostentatious acts in broad view.
Tim Tebow, on the other hand, was in the habit of praying on the field long before he began playing in front of cameras and national audiences. He did not begin this practice when he came into national spotlight. Raised by deeply devout parents â€" his father is a pastor â€" Tebow has been unabashedly expressing his faith since he was a boy.
So the question is this: Why should he change now, just because some people don't like what he is doing? Why should he stop being who he is to satisfy the whims of others?
It is a fact of life that we cannot make everyone happy. There will always be someone who will be offended no matter what we do. It appears to be something of a rule that the more rightful one's motives and actions are, the more opposition he will encounter. Just ask Jesus or George Washington or Galileo or Gandhi or Martin Luther King. Even though they lived under different circumstances and pursued different goals, they shared one thing in common: They all strove for a just cause and they all encountered bitter opposition. There was no shortage of critics who wanted to stop them. So much so that three of these men were killed while the lives of the other two were in danger on more than one occasion.
But back to Tim Tebow. Apart from his long years of consistency in prayer, there is also a considerable amount of concrete evidence that seems to point to the sincerity of his faith. We can, for example, mention the fact that for many years he regularly travelled to the Philippines to help with the orphanage which was founded by his missionary parents.
Tebow's critics would do well to ponder this: How many young men are there who engage in this kind of activity?
Tebow's early philanthropic efforts â€" which were obviously not done for the sake of publicity â€" are all the more remarkable for the fact that it was apparent from his early teens that he was a talented athlete with a potentially promising future in sports. Young people with this kind of outlook tend to be self-focused, working single-mindedly to advance their career prospects. Not many of them travel regularly to far away lands to work with orphaned children. Most young athletes think that their time is better spent practicing their passing skills or their swing. There is, of course, nothing wrong with that, but it does make Tebow's conduct seem all the more remarkable. And it also seems to testify to the genuineness of his spiritual beliefs.
If I could say one thing to Tim Tebow, it would be this: Heed the voice of God, be who you are and don't listen to your critics of whom there always be many.
And may God bless you and keep you.
You can also read Tim Tebow and worship of darkness
________________
Born and raised under communism, Vasko Kohlmayer is a naturalized American citizen. He has lived in several countries under various forms of government, but he still marvels at the goodness of God and the wonder of life.
He has written for a number of newspapers, magazines and internet journals. Vasko currently lives in Europe with his long-suffering wife and two beautiful daughters. He is the founder of The Christian Writers Foundation.
His column "Higher Things" deals with matters pertaining to God. You can read more by clicking on this link.
If you wish to be notified of Vasko's new articles you can subscribe for updates here.
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Updated: Monday, 23 Jan 2012, 7:10 AM EST
Published : Monday, 23 Jan 2012, 7:10 AM EST
CLOVIS, CA (WOFL FOX 35) - Denver broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has been making waves all over the world this football season and a California church youth group decided to honor him in a puzzling way.
Using 864 Rubik's cubes, they made a mosaic of Tebow in his famous kneeling pose! It took just under three hours to construct.
The church group says they're not Broncos fans but wanted to pay tribute to Tebow for being "a good witness to god!"
Video courtesy: Nick Bradley
The Auburn Tigers hired away Temple Owls offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler to replace new Arkansas St. Red Wolves coach Gus Malzahn. While Loeffler's been sold to SEC country as Tim Tebow's position coach with the Florida Gators, his experience goes beyond just Tebow. Which is good news for Auburn fans hoping for, you know, traditional quarterbacking.
He's remembered well by former Michigan Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr, whose quarterback depth chart included both Loeffler and Tom Brady at one point. Loeffler may have first gotten the coaching bug while tutoring Brady as they both sat below Brian Griese on the Wolverines depth chart:
Brady in many ways was Loeffler's first protege, his first pupil, even though he was only three years older.
"I was able to begin my coaching career with him," said Loeffler. "It was a great experience; as much as I was able to give him, he gave to me.
"We talk every three weeks or so and it's the same old Brady and the same old Scot."
Loeffler later returned as a graduate assistant before being hired as Central Michigan's quarterbacks coach for two years. He then headed back to Ann Arbor again, coaching UM quarterbacks until Carr left, then working for a year with the Detroit Lions before landing at Florida.
None of this is to say Loeffler has a perfect reputation among all who've come into contact with him, but who does?
@pat_dooley I didn't deal much with Loefler when he was here but the UF beat guys thot he was a jerk. Certainly didn't help Tebow.
For more on the parties involved, visit SEC blog Team Speed Kills and Auburn blog Track 'Em Tigers.
By Eliott C. McLaughlin CNN
POSTED: 4:23 am EST January 22, 2012
UPDATED: 4:23 am EST January 22, 2012
Copyright CNN 2012
Many people have questioned lately whether Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has been getting too much media attention. A lot of people have said yes, but I disagree, and this is why.
Tebow has been covered heavily ever since he was a high school All-American in 2006, six years ago. He's always been in the spotlight, but people are just now noticing it. They didn't notice when he was the only college player being talked about when he won the Heisman, but now that he starts praying on the field it's become an issue.
Which brings us to another question, is religion the reason he is being covered so extensively?
My answer is possibly. The "Tebowing" sensation is sweeping America. This has been all over the news lately, especially since students have gotten in trouble for doing it. I personally think that people need to stop criticizing him and let Tim be Tim. He is a very religious man, and I think people need to respect that.
Another question is why is he being covered so heavily when other quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers were playing so well?
Well, I will admit that Rodgers had a very good year and that he was overshadowed by Tim, but that's not Tebow's fault. It makes me even wonder if Tebow is doing the religion thing for attention or not. It's a mystery that only Tebow knows the answer to.
Another possible reason for why the media is covering him so heavily is because of his slow NFL start. He was a great college player for the University of Florida and won the Heisman trophy and the BCS National Championship for the Gators twice, but he started his NFL career as a backup to Kyle Orton, the quarterback for the Broncos at the time. Even despite being a backup, his jersey was still the most sold for the Broncos that year.
When he was pushed back to third string at the beginning of the season, fans were furious and started chanting "Tebow, Tebow" in games in which Orton struggled. Denver fans put up a sign that said "Play Tebow!"
Shortly afterwards, John Fox, the Broncos head coach, decided to play Tebow, and he actually did very well, spurring the Broncos to a seven-game winning streak. During this streak, Orton was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs and was their starting quarterback at the end of the season.
From the quarterback controversy at the beginning of the season, to the "Tebowing" now occurring in cities everywhere, the media has been there to document every single thing Tebow has done. There is probably enough video footage of him we could make a movie, even after only two years in the NFL.
I'm not saying Tebow doesn't get a lot more coverage than other professional players, I'm just saying let him play, stop criticizing him, and let's see how things play out next season.
Kayla Slavik is a seventh-grader at East Middle School and a member of the Tribune's Teen Panel.
