Tebowing in the Big Apple

            Quarterback Tim Tebow has been traded to the New York Jets for a 4^th round and 6^th round pick in this year’s draft.

            This young superman and his obvious kryptonite for a left arm would undoubted be shipped out after the acquisition of Peyton Manning. But, was it the right choice for Denver and the Jets? One has to look at the different aspects of this trade. What are the positives? What are the negatives?

            Sure, Tebow fits perfectly into the Jets wildcat formation that they like to run. When placed behind a few blockers, he seemingly can’t be stopped. When placed in the right offense, the man can simply score. His attitude is never in question. He has the capability to bring a broken team back together.

            His ability to win games is simply astonishing. They were never pretty wins, but he did win. As a team, as a fan, one has to respect that. But, how will Tebow react to being brought in as a “package” player. After all, he has made it known that he wants the chance to start and continue improving.

When pertaining to the negatives, what will Denver do if Peyton Manning reinjures that neck? What happened to trying to secure locker room chemistry? How will the seemingly fragile Mark Sanchez handle Tebowmania?

What happens when Santonio Holmes doesn’t receive 10 balls a game? Cornerback Antonio Cromartie already made a statement claiming they don't need Tebow. We all saw what happened when former Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton had a 1-4 start. Tebowmania proceeded with a deafening Tebow chant throughout the whole game.

            The pressure is now on Mark Sanchez to perform. If Sanchez throws one interception, one incomplete pass, or loses one too many games, count on Tebowmania to rise to the occasion. New York fans made it obvious they are not sold on Sanchez anymore. If his confidence wasn’t already low enough, the recent acquisition of Tebow will not help matters.

            Tebow’s never die mentality grew on his former Denver teammates. How long will it take to evolve under the bright New York City lights? This acquisition will undoubtedly divide the Jets locker room even more. It may be for the good, it may be for the bad. In the end, the 2012 season should be one to never forget.

Forever Black and Gold

            After 14 years in the NFL, former Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward has decided to hang up his cleats. Despite drawing interest from other teams, Ward had announced his retirement this morning.

            He ended his career as the Steelers' all-time leading receiver, totaling 1,000 receptions for 12,083 yards with 85 touchdowns. Ward was named the MVP of Super Bowl XL when he dominated the Seattle Seahawks secondary for over one hundred yards and a touchdown.

            Ward said, "I don't want to play in any other uniform. The black and gold runs deep in me and I will remain a Steeler for life." When asked about playing for another team he said, "I wouldn't feel right." Even though he may have lost a step towards the end of his career, he will be remembered for the fire power he brought to the field.

            No other wide receiver played the game like number 86. When he was on the field, he let opposing teams know it. Whether he was catching touchdowns, moving the chains, or smashing his helmet into their chest, the defense knew not to take their eyes off this man.

            This blue collar receiver defined how to take over the middle of the field. For Ward's average size, he always seemed to play bigger than normal. At times, he played like a tight end. Other times, he played like a safety. While most receivers shy away from hits, Ward seemed to look for them.

            Now, he'll be on the outside looking in.  But, he did it the right way. Ward always claimed he started his career as a Steeler and he wanted to end it as one. His smash and dash style of play will be missed. No one could score, smile, and leave a defender shaken like he did.

            While Ward may have been released from the Steelers, but he was never released from the hearts of the black and gold nation. Keep on smiling the whole way into the Hall of Fame. Stay classy 86.

Didn’t See That Coming

            Four-time MVP Peyton Manning has signed with the Denver Broncos. Manning reportedly signed a five year 96 million dollar contract with the team this morning.

            Manning chose the Broncos over the Tennessee Titans and the San Francisco 49ers. Honestly, I’m not sure if this was a wise choice. Manning has expressed his desire to win another Super Bowl. Well, I’m not sure if that’s going to happen with the Broncos.

           Manning statistically does not perform well in the cold weather. Unfortunately for him, mile high city isn’t exactly a warm place. Besides the weather, the team is overall pretty young. This could be good and bad. If I were the Broncos, I’d be looking into bringing in some of Peyton’s former comrades from Indy. How about signing free agent center Jeff Saturday and tight end Dallas Clark?

            Make no mistake about it. Manning is just as good as people say he is. But, he is coming off four surgeries. The man is 36 years old. He is obviously towards the end of his career. Will he be able to help the Broncos stampede into a Super Bowl? Was choosing the Broncos over the talented 49ers and the Titans the best choice? Only time will tell.

All About the Benjamin$

  Wide out Calvin “Megatron” Johnson and defensive end “Super Mario” Williams signed two of the biggest contracts in NFL history. Johnson inked his name to an eight-year deal worth up to $132 million, making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL. Of that 132 million, 60 million is supposedly guaranteed money.

As for Williams, he reportedly signed a 6 year deal worth up to a 100 million dollars. Out of the 100 million dollars, 50 million is guaranteed money. Williams said, “I'm ecstatic, very excited. I can't wait for the opportunity." Of course he is excited. Who wouldn’t be excited after being guaranteed 50 million dollars?

            Yet we hear countless athletes say, “It’s not about the money.”

            Not to take anything away from these superstars, but they once again just proved it is exactly about the money. These two men are genetic freaks at their position. Their capabilities could have landed them on any team they desired. Yet, Johnson chose to stay with the Detroit Lions and Williams chose to make home out of Buffalo?

            When it comes down to it, neither one of these teams are capable of winning a Super Bowl right now. What happen to wanting to win a championship? What happened to wanting a ring?

             The Lions improved tremendously last year. But, they are still not the team to beat. The Lions have an injury prone quarterback, a below average offensive line, and a slowly rising defense. Why would you want to stay? Face it, their best chance at winning lies in the hands of Ndamukong Suh and hoping Matthew Stafford stays healthy enough to get Johnson the ball.

            Hypothetically speaking, could you imagine Johnson with the Patriots, Saints, Steelers, 49ers, Chargers, or the Giants? The same thing goes for Williams.  Why not ink your name to an overall championship caliber team? Did he even contemplate winning a ring with the Bills? Or did the zeros on that check he signed distract him too much?

If the Bills biggest threat is wide out Stevie Johnson and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills fans better hope defense wins championships. These 2 men got the team off to a great 5-2 start last year and ended up not even making the playoffs.

            However, with Williams being added to the mix, Buffalo might have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Williams will be playing beside, Kyle Williams, MarcellDareus, and Chris Kelsay. This front line will be sure to cause havoc. However, not enough havoc to win a ring.

Trade Bait

            In the 2009 NFL draft, the New York Jets traded big to acquire current quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jets gave up the 17^th overall pick, their 2^nd round pick, defensive end Kenyon Coleman, Safety Abram Elam, and quarterback Brett Ratliff, for the 5^th overall pick from Cleveland.  However, I suggest using this draft to trade even bigger to get rid of Sanchez.

    During his 47 regular season games he has thrown a mere 55 touchdowns, 51 interceptions, and coughed up 17 fumbles. With those numbers, head coach RexRyan will be forced to eat his words every year he claims they will win the Super Bowl.

The last couple seasons, the Jets have had the talent to make at least one or two Super Bowl appearances. They have had all the talent minus a good quarterback that is. One might dispute that the Jets have won 4 out of 6 playoff games with Sanchez under center. But, the other facts prove otherwise.

            Some may ponder; maybe Sanchez just needed a better supporting cast? Well, that was never the case with the young quarterback. Over the years, he was provided Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, Braylon Edwards, Dustin Keller, Brad Smith, and Jerricho Cotchery. With those weapons at hand, there’s no reason for Sanchez’s lack of success. Maybe it was the defense let Sanchez and the offense down?

            That was definitely not the case. The Jets simply had a stingy defense that kept the rest of the team a float. Since Sanchez was drafted, the Jets defense ranked number one in 2009, number three in 2010, and number five in 2011. One can’t discredit the Jets productive running attack either. The Jets had future hall of famer Ladanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene pounding the rock consistently.

            In the end, one is left to believe Sanchez’s lack of experience has finally caught up with him. For the Jets sake, maybe they should have listened clearly when Sanchez’s former college coach Pete Carroll said Sanchez was not prepared for the NFL. When it matters most, Sanchez has simply been lights, camera, and no action.

            Furthermore, the next guarantee Ryan should make, is that he plans to shake up the draft and make a run at a new starting quarterback.



A Bit Pricey

(Yes, this video displays touchdown after touchdown. But, pay attention to exactly how. Pittsburgh can find another speedster to simply go deep and catch the ball.)

            Wide receiver Mike Wallace may have proven to be too fast, even for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This pro bowl wide receiver out of Ole Miss is set to become a restricted free agent and is looking to be paid.

            While talking with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Wallace gave an open answer when asked about playing for the Patriots or the 49ers. "Most definitely. Those are two playoff-caliber teams. Super Bowl-caliber teams," said Wallace. He continued to say, “I definitely want to get my money.” That is probably the last thing that Steelers fans wanted to hear.

            With Wallace being a restricted free agent, he will be able to talk with other teams and even sign an offer sheet. If Pittsburgh chooses not to match the offer, the signing team will owe Pittsburgh a 1^st round draft pick.

            The question that comes to mind, how much is Wallace worth? If they want to keep him, they need to get his name inked on a long term contract. If the Steelers tag him, it could end up being detrimental to the rest of the roster. That 9 million dollar check will be money they cannot spend on draft picks or potential free agents. Also, consider another veteran as good as gone if the tag is applied.

            Wallace has proven to be one of the best deep threats in the game. But, that is all he has proven. He rarely wins a jump ball and lacks the ability to break up possible interceptions. I also believe he displayed a little quit in him when Antonio Brown started marking up the stats sheet. Overall, if he can’t speed past the defender then count him out. The Steelers need to consider something. What kind of receiver do you have when you take away his speed?

            I say let him pursue other options and take the first round compensation. Acquire the extra draft pick and start the rebuilding process. The Steelers have two bigger issues than signing Wallace. Their offensive line has done nothing but prove they will get their 100 million dollar quarterback killed and their secondary failed to attend a game.

            History has shown the Steelers like to build through the draft. What better way to build than having two first round picks? If they were to use the picks to address their below average line and to help a seemingly winded secondary, I would find nothing wrong with Wallace leaving.

            The Steelers need to consider their overall needs as a team. Some fans may not like it, but the deal needs to be done. It’s time to keep your quarterback upright and acquire the talent to play against a passing league. Let Wallace walk and do whatever it takes to keep this team a legitimate threat.

The Heat is on in Dallas

Still America's Team?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is on the hot seat. This quarterback is one of the most overrated players at his position. Overall, he is a good quarterback. However, the great ones help put a ring on your finger and he has repeatedly failed to do so.

Romo threw for 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions last season. Since Romo has started, the Cowboys have only made a mere four playoff appearances in nine years. Out of those four appearances, they only notched up one playoff win against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys have a DeMarcus Ware led defense, two great halfbacks, and some of the most bright young receivers in the game. But, when the game is on the line, the quarterback position seems to be of vacancy.

The fact of the matter is this; Romo seemingly punches in throughout the regular season. However, if the post season arises, he’ll be known for making plays such as this.

One can blame it on the coaching, trainers, teammates, or simply slightly better opponents. But, Romo started off his career on the bench for a reason. He was left as an undrafted free agent for a reason. Other teams obviously saw a weakness that the Cowboys did not.

Self note to owner Jerry Jones, the NFL draft starts April 26th and free agency starts March 13th. By time free agency starts Drew Brees, Matt Flynn, and possibly Peyton Manning will all need new homes. Leave Romo work on his gulf swing and find yourself a quarterback up to the challenge.

86 is His Jersey Number Not Age

Despite turning 36 in March, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward still has the desire to play this upcoming season.

"I'd probably have to restructure my contract," Ward told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That's fine with me. I recognize that. I'm telling you I want to be here, I'm telling you I'm willing to do that. And I understand the ramifications -- we have the cap number and stuff, but I want to be here."

This season, Ward finished with a near career low 46 receptions for 381 yard and 2 touchdowns. Don’t be too fast to claim it’s because he lost a step. That’s not the main reason for his decline this season.

It’s obvious; Ben Roethlisberger’s new found love for the deep ball practically took Ward out of the passing game. Ward cannot continue to prove himself, if the ball is not thrown his way. Another fact to consider, most active 36 year old receivers in the league wouldn’t start over the likes of Mike Wallace and emerging Antonio Brown.

One might consider Emmanuel Sanders to solidify the number 3 spot. But, keep in mind Sanders is good, when healthy. Which these last couple of years has proven that isn’t too often. The Steelers recently let go of wide receiver Arnaz Battle. Fellow wide out Jerricho Cotchery already has a foot out the door. Next to Ward, that leaves tight end Heath Miller to keep the receiving game dangerous.

Ward may not have a full tank of gas but he sure isn’t on empty either. He deserves credit where credit is due. The emergence of Wallace and Brown doesn’t just happen naturally. One has to believe that Ward took the liberty of mentoring these two young stars. But, do you pay 4 million dollars next year for a mentor?

No, I do not think they should. However, I believe if he was to restructure his deal then one would have to retain him. Ward’s stats speak for themselves. It is obvious that he has never had speed. But, he is one of the most sure handed wide receivers in the game today. Over a 14 year span, Ward had only 12 career fumbles, 85 receiving touch downs, 1,000 receptions, and an immaculate 12,083 receiving yards.

Keep in mind, Ward was a college quarterback who got drafted to play receiver on a running football team.  If you ask me, that’s not too shabby.

Whether he is catching touchdowns, moving the chains, or slamming his helmet into a defender, will the Steelers risk having to game plan against him? One has to wonder, if the price is right, will the team retain the future hall of famer? If you don't remember what number 86 has brought to the table, take a few minutes out and click this link.

An Epic Rematch

Video highlights of the last time these two met in the Super Bowl.

 

It's Tom Brady and the Patriots, Eli Manning and the Giants, and its Super Bowl XLVI. This highly anticipated rematch is sure to be one to never forget.

Brady, in search of his 4^th ring, will have to go to war against some overwhelming odds. Not only will he be facing an overpowering Giants defensive line, he will have to face the man that beat him in his last Super Bowl appearance. However, do not expect the same outcome as the last time these teams met in the Super Bowl.

Brady has 2 new weapons in his already loaded arsenal. Tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski will be the “X Factors” in this year’s game. According to the NFL network, Gronkowski was spotted walking without a boot or a limp. Does this story sound a little familiar?

Before Brady’s last Super Bowl appearance, he was caught walking around in a boot and considered questionable. He was considered questionable all up until game time, when he took the field and never looked healthier. There is a difference between injured and hurt. This late in the season everyone is hurt, including Gronkowski. Expect him to deliver tomorrow when his number is called.

Other notables, Brady’s former go to guy Wes Welker. Welker isn’t the biggest, strongest, or the fastest. He simply gets open and he catches practically everything. As for my nonfactor, Chad Ochocinco has filled that slot. Next to the action he sees on Twitter, Ochocinco should not be thought of by the Giants or the Patriots.

If Brady gets the ball out quickly then points should appear on the board as expected. But, if the Giants get to him this could be deja vu all over again. When rattled Brady plays like a sub-par quarterback. I’m sure the Giants will use that to their advantage. Count on Jason Pierre Paul, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora to apply the pressure.

If they don’t apply the pressure, the Giants will need to rely heavily on an Eli Manning to Victor Cruz connection. This surging dynamic duo will keep the Patriots defense on their heels. One mishap by the Patriots below average secondary and count on seeing a salsa dance in the end zone.

Overall, the Giants are the better all-around team. They have a prolific passing game, good running game, and they play phenomenal defense. However, if one took away Brady and their passing attack then we are talking about a team that never made the Super Bowl. In the end, I pick the G-Men to win in a nail biter 24 to 21.

A Matchup Nightmare

In the 2^nd round, with the 42^nd overall pick, the New England Patriots selected TE Rob Gronkowski out of Arizona State. Gronkowski plagued by injury his throughout his college career, dropped into the 2^nd round of the NFL draft due to back surgery.

As bad as this may sound, the Patriots should be thankful he was injured. This 6’6, 265lb beast at tight end has almost single handedly lead quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots to Super Bowl 46.  Every team that let him drop that far in the draft has been haunted every time he touches the ball, ask the Washington Redskins.

Gronkowski defined going into “Beast Mode.” He had 6 receptions for 160 yards and 2 touch downs. Most notably, he turned an easy 10 yard out route into a bulldozing 49 yard reception. In doing so he posturized multiple Washington defenders, making them look like they hadn’t ever made a tackle. Click on this link to witness for yourself. "Gronk Goes Beast Mode"

For the Patriots sake, they better hope Gronkowski is healthy enough to do the same against the New York Giants this Sunday. Even though Brady has other weapons, 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touch downs might let the Giants know who Brady trusts most. If Gronkowski is out, this Super Bowl is sure to be closer than expected.

Considering the Giants have one of the most threatening defensive lines in the NFL and Brady might be “Gronkless”, we might be viewing a whole different ball game. No team can replace a player like him. After seeing him play, it seems most teams can not cover a 6’6, 265lb target like him either.

New England’s head coach Bill Belichick might want to figure out a new red zone offense if Gronkowski is unable to play Sunday. With his speed, strength, height, and incredible ability to snatch the ball away from his body, Gronkowski has proven to be a sure thing. Considering he has a “bad wheel”, only game time will tell how big of a threat he will continue to be.

High ankle sprain history has shown to be detrimental for any player, even a guy like “Gronk.” For the love of wanting to watch the most competitive game of all, on the biggest stage of all, I hope Gronkowski plays in the Super Bowl. I want to see the best against the best and Gronkowski has already proven to be one of the best.

Tebowed

Pittsburgh- On January 8, 2012, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost in overtime to the Denver Broncos 23 to 29. This game was predicted to be a secure win for the Steelers. Instead, the Steelers fell victim to the Broncos stout defense and ended up being "Tebowed”. Or were they "Tebowed"?

The only ones who "Tebowed" the Steelers, were the Steelers themselves. Obviously, Tim Tebow is a work in progress. Tebow has shown sparks and flashes throughout his short career, as a great running back. Those who think Tebow was the reason the Broncos won the game, should of watched more closely.

Tebow completed 10-21 passes for a total of 316 yards and 2 touch downs. Tebow put 7 on the board with one flawless back shoulder pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal. His other 9 completions were complete "ducks". His completions were to unchallenged wide open wide receivers. Excluding the Royal touchdown, Tebow had no reason not to complete the rest of his passes. The Steelers not only gave him a thirty minute lunch break in the pocket, they left him wide open looks all game. The defense gave him looks that a rookie quarterback could have completed.

The Denver quarterback and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas practically played pitch and catch up and down the grid iron. Thomas alone contributed 4 receptions for two hundred and four yards and 1 touch down. It looked like Ike Taylor’s first ever football game. Thomas destroyed the coverage and simply posturized Taylor.

However, Tebow proved a couple things during this game. He throws one of the most erratic passes that any viewer has ever seen. Also, when using his feet, he might possibly have one of the best noses for the end zone that any viewer has ever seen. When he takes off, the defense needs to be ready to tie his shoelaces together. Tebow doesn’t go down easy and he seems to always break the goal line.

With no respect to Tebow's rising capabilities, the Steelers simply beat themselves. The Broncos not only won physically, they won mentally as well. Every time the Steelers played the pass, the Broncos ran. When the Broncos set up to pass, the Steelers set up to defend the run.

Overall, any sports fan with a slight interest couldn’t ask for a more exciting game. It was the AFC wild card game, involving the six time Super Bowl Champion Steelers, against the evolving Broncos led by the miraculous Tim Tebow. These types of games keep the viewer tuning in for more.

 

5 Deep

PITTSBURGH – The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers entered the season with possibly the best five receivers that the team has ever had. This receiving corps is arguably the best since Lynn Swann and John Stallworth from the 1970s. If not considered the best, they have many years left to prove otherwise.

Obviously, the number one wide receiver is “Catch Me If You Can” Mike Wallace. This third year pro out of Ole Miss has literally sped right past our expectations. This dynamic playmaker could possibly be the fastest receiver in the league. Countless times Wallace has proven he can blow the top off the coverage. This young man’s talents will keep the opposing defense honest for years to come.

Second year wide receiver “Downtown” Antonio Brown has solidified the number two spot. What a breakout year this young man has had. Brown can shake and bake his way to the end zone on punt and kick returns, and he has become a legitimate receiving threat too. One slip up by the opposing team and Brown is capable of putting six points on the board. His ability to run after the catch and go over the middle sets him apart from most receivers in the game today.

Due to their sticky hands, red zone capabilities and blazing speed, wide out Hines Ward and tight end Heath Miller are tied for my number three spot. There was no possible way to put one of these men before the other.

Let me explain exactly why. Every quarterback simply needs a go to guy.

Ben Roethlisberger has two go to guys. Miller alone has given the Steelers 193 career receiving first downs. Ward has accompanied the Steelers with 618 career receiving first downs.

Deciding who was in the number four slot was difficult. Due to being younger and hopefully having a brighter future, the number four slot goes to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. When healthy, Sanders has game changing ability that an NFL team looks for. Whether the ball is kicked to him or thrown to him he will keep the opposing defense on their toes. If Sanders can stay healthy, he is sure to leave the Steelers with one of the most threatening receiving corps for years to come.

My final spot goes to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery has showed the ability to step in when his number is called. If not for being injury prone and competing with the likes of Wallace, Brown, Miller, Ward, and Sanders, Cotchery would be higher on the depth chart.

That being said, an opposing team should give their defense a good night’s rest when playing the Steelers. Once one of these playmakers gets their hands on the ball it’s off to the races. These six men have proved to keep opposing defenses honest. Week in and week out they prove to us all why the NFL is now a passing league.