Manning and the Broncos Sitting in a Tree

By Jeralyn, Section Colorado News
Posted on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 08:19:00 AM EST
Tags: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow (all tags)

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K-i-s-s-i-n-g. Football makes no sense to me. The Denver Broncos have signed a $96 million 5 year contract with Peyton Manning. Our local news reports it's the Biggest Contract Ever in NFL history. Manning didn't play last season due to multiple surgeries for neck injuries. Everyone seems to think he'll be able to play but no one seems to know for sure. Here's Manning today on the state of his neck:

“Could I play this Sunday? Yeah, I could,” Manning said. “I don’t know if I’d play as well as I’d like, but I could.”

His neck is apparently enough of a concern that his new contract has a neck injury waiver. But he's guaranteed $18 million for this season, meaning even if he re-injures his neck the first week, or his old neck injuries resurface, causing him to sit out the remainder of the season, he's guaranteed $18 million. Who wouldn't take that deal?

So what do the Broncos say about the possibility Manning's injuries will prevent him from being the Greatest Player Ever? [More...]

The Broncos are counting on never hearing those words, because all of their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since January 1999 now rest on Manning.

“Plan B? I don’t have a Plan B,” [John]Elway said, laughing. “We’re going with Plan A.”

Monetarily, the Broncos may only be out $18 million if Manning isn't up to the job during the first year, but is that the only measure of damages? Won't the other players and their fans also lose a season of momentum and the team have to go back to square one with a search for another quarterback, especially since Tebow will be gone? Wouldn't it have been easier to teach Tebow to pass the ball (assuming I read correctly that this is his shortcoming), or is that something that can't be taught?

Elway says he's ready to make Mannning the Best Quarterback Ever. But if Manning is merely suffering from neck injuries and already was considered the best of the best, what can Elway teach him? Either his neck works or it doesn't -- I guess I don't see where skill enters the equation. Plus, if Elway's such a great teacher, couldn't he have taught Tebow and saved the team a bunch of bucks?

Not surprisingly, Manning was all over the local news tonight. I've never seen him before, and he seems like a pleasant fellow, but to me, his neck looked stiff and his head seems to tilt to one side. He looked like someone who had just taken off a neck brace and needed to put it back on. (Of course for all I know, maybe he's always looked that way.)

From my admittedly uninformed point of view, it seems like the Broncos are taking a big risk and know it -- as evidenced by the waivers -- while Manning couldn't believe his good luck in landing such a big contract with any major team given the uncertainty about his ability to play.

I wonder how Tim Tebow feels, being tossed over for someone who was a giant in the past but may not even be able to play now. Maybe there were more problems with Tebow than the Broncos let on. None of the players interviewed on the news tonight seemed sorry he was leaving. They were all excited about getting "a new leader." The news anchors were implying the other players didn't think Tebow was a good leader and only today are feeling free to express that.

I wonder what the real story is behind the dumping of Tebow and hiring of Manning. And which one was the Bronco's primary goal. Was Manning the chicken or the egg, so to speak?

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Manning and the Broncos Sitting in a Tree | 97 comments (97 topical)

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Peyton (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by jharp on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:28:24 AM EST

Hopefully Peyton Manning does your town good. We really really enjoyed him in Indianapolis.

It honestly made me quite sad to see him go. It was some kind of remarkable run he had here.

Rumor has it (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by MKS on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:29:00 AM EST

Manning can't pass to the left due to the injury....

But Tebow couldn't pass to the right or the left.....

I do know a bit more about football (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by caseyOR on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:16:38 AM EST

than you, Jeralyn. Although, from what you said, that is a very low bar.

Manning has been a great QB. He could retire tomorrow, never play another down, and he is assured of a spot in the Hall of Fame. I doubt there is anything Elway can teach him about playing quarterback. Now, whether this makes Peyton worth all that money, given his age, 36, which is old for football, and his injury, is debatable. Still, he is being paid what the market will bear. Other teams wanted him and would have paid him even more money. So, I doubt Manning was surprised by the contract.

As good as he is, Manning by himself is not enough to take the Broncos to the Super Bowl. Manning's style is very different from Tebow's. Manning does not run. Tebow does. Manning is very good at short, quick passes that depend on a receiver who is excellent at running quick routes. Tebow is not good at that, but is decent with the long bomb. The current Broncos are a team more suited to Tebow that to Manning.

If the Broncos are to be big winners with Manning, they need to redesign a big chunk of the team. They need receivers who have the skills to play the type of game that Manning plays.

This is a big gamble for the Broncos. Hopefully, Elway has his sights on a good back-up QB whose style is similar to Manning's. Given the type of injury he has sustained, I think it is an even bigger gamble for Manning. Another injury could be very bad for him. IMO, the smart move for Peyton would have been to retire from football now as member of the Colts. He doesn't need the money. So, what we are talking about here is ego.

About Tebow. I don't think Elway could turn Tebow into the kind of QB who leads a team to the Super Bowl. And, while Tim may feel bad about this rejection, some other team will take him. Given that Denver is probably anxious to unload him, a new team could probably get Tebow pretty cheaply, NFL cheaply, but still, cheaply. Heck, Jacksonville might take him just on the chance that with a hometown hero ( Tebow grew up in Florida and played at U of FL) on the roster, they can finally sell enough tickets to fill the stadium.

spot on (none / 0) (#7)
by Amiss on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:41:58 AM EST

review/ My hubby even said if the Jags sign Timmeh, he will get us season tickets. I am sure they will go up if Tebow comes home.


Just curious (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 08:22:17 AM EST

Why do you spell his name wrong?

Do you dislike him so intently that you want to insult?

Is it a term of endearment?


I'd offer that given its use here, ... (5.00 / 1) (#86)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 08:57:19 PM EST

... she used "Timmeh" as a term of endearment.

The term "Timmeh!" actually comes from Comedy Central's animated series South Park. It's the nickname of Timmy Burch, a young wheelchair-bound character who suffers from some form of cognitive disability such as cerebral palsy or Tourette's syndrome, although the show has repeatedly declined to disclose his affliction.

Timmy always introduces himself enthusiatically as "Timmeh!", and is front man for a punk rock band called The Lords of the Underworld. He's treated by the rest of the South Park kids as one of the gang.


Makes some people (none / 0) (#19)
by Wile ECoyote on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:16:58 AM EST

feel even more superior than they already are.


With the screen name you have (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:39:35 AM EST

I find your answer pretty funny. You super genius you.

Timmeh Russert has sent you this message from beyond.


I do often wonder (none / 0) (#23)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:44:09 AM EST

why people intentionally spell names wrong. So in this camp (second time ever) I'm going to agree with Jim.


: You can't snark on a name? (none / 0) (#24)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:54:42 AM EST

Jeez. Does that mean I have stop calling Charles Barkley Chuckles? Shoot, I hope not.

: Context is everything (none / 0) (#65)
by NYShooter on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:34:27 PM EST

When you refer to Treasury Secretary Geithner as "Timmie" you are expressing the thought that the man is really an immature boy and not up to the solemn task of guiding this great country through its economic troubles..
However, when you're having a serious discussion on a topic such as the turmoil in the Middle East and, as I recently witnessed on a highly "sophisticated" blog, you refer to Prime Minister Netanyahu as "NuttyYahoo," it demeans the discussion and diminishes the chance to share meaningful points of view.
There are times to enjoy <snark> and times to be serious.

A bit of history (none / 0) (#93)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 08:22:16 AM EST

In ancient times, before poker became semi respectable I used Poker Player Jim.... TL asked me to change it because it was attracting spam.

So it became jimakaPPJ...a take off on the law and order flavor of TL.

As to my question, I am always curious why people dis Tebow. Best I can tell his one sin is to visibility give thanks to God for his life and actions.

Other than that he seems the epitome of a team player and walks the walk we wish all sports "heroes" would follow.


it's freaking sports (none / 0) (#27)
by CST on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:16:12 AM EST

Ask kdog to write a post about the patriots without including the words "brady bunch" or "belicheat" and this post might have some legs.

Sports is the one area where it's okay to hate people for no reason other than the fact that they play somewhere else.

With that said, I wish the Broncos many years of Manning-face. I "respect" Peyton, but I would like nothing more than to see him choke and cry again. Because that is sports.


Amen sister... (none / 0) (#30)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:24:57 AM EST

lighten up party people...it's just a little ball-bustin'...in my culture it is a sign of endearment, you worry when people aren't bustin' your chops.


In my culture (none / 0) (#95)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 08:32:52 AM EST

not so much, but it's a big country.

But in Tebow's case I sense that many of the snarks/attacks are tied to his religion.

And I note that people have that "right" but having a right doesn't always mean you should exercise it.


Absolutely right (5.00 / 1) (#96)
by NYShooter on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 10:08:23 AM EST

Tebow has the right to shove his religion in everyone's face but having a right doesn't always mean you should exercise it.

That makes 3 agreements with you this year already, Jim.

Who says you can't teach......well, you know.


: Uh, dropping to his knee (none / 0) (#97)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 08:37:55 PM EST

in a prayerful stance is not exactly shoving his religion in anyone's face....
And I agree. People have the right to act as if they are upset but we know they just want to find a reason to attack someone who is a public Christian.

It's why we, in Baltimore, sometimes (none / 0) (#34)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:43:25 AM EST

referred to Hines Ward as "Whines Hard," because he could dish it out, but complained about it when it came right back at him. Won't miss that s-eating grin, not even a little bit.

Peyton? Well, for me, his "Manning-face" is just so Eeyore.

My husband's brother lives in Boulder, so I hope for his sake that he gets to see some good football; it probably won't be as exciting or as intense as it was in the short-lived Tebow era, but if they're winning, I'm pretty sure he can deal with it!


name spelling (none / 0) (#91)
by Amiss on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 01:39:34 AM EST

I live near Gainesville, have been a life long Gator. Was sort of a nick name around this area. No intent to offend.


: Thanks and understood (none / 0) (#94)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 08:26:32 AM EST

and my comment above was not about you, but the other attacks we have seen on him.
And to be honest, as a UT fan I was always wishing he would goof up and help us beat FL.
He never did.

Just WOW! The pirate ship (none / 0) (#59)
by oculus on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:03:10 PM EST

won't need novstinkin cultcha.


Here in Pittsburgh (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by smott on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 09:08:56 AM EST

Sadly, Hines Ward announced his retirement in a press conference that had the whole city wiping away tears.

Great career, great competitor. Hall of Fame numbers. And Always Black and Gold!

We'll miss you Hines!

Broncos trade Tebow to Jets for 4th rounder (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by magster on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:02:52 PM EST

I can't wait for Sanchez to have a horrid game.

: Tebow and a 7th rounder... (none / 0) (#38)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:05:14 PM EST

for a 4th and 6th rounder...worth a gamble at that price.
One of my buddies just emailed me..."Great! We need a safety." lol

i agree with you jeralyn. (5.00 / 1) (#89)
by cpinva on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:13:01 PM EST

any team that signed mr. manning is none too bright, i'm just so glad the redskins were smart enough not to. having played many years of football myself, i do appreciate mr. manning's position: it's a fun game, pro's make a lot of money, and talk about ego inflation.

having said all that, i predict he won't last until mid-season, if that far. one big shot (and he will get hit, of this there is no doubt), and he's out, for good, and probably a quadriplegic to boot. i wouldn't want my team to be the one he's playing for when that happens.

the colts' owner, if he really cared about mr. manning as a person, should have done everything in his power to convince him to retire as a colt. should have promised him a coaching/admin job, whatever it took, to keep him off the field. should have had his wife talk to mrs. manning, should have talked to mr. manning's parents, to his brother, whoever mr. manning might conceivably listen to. that's if he really cared about mr. manning, as more than just a disposable cog in the company's wheel.

: I agree with some (none / 0) (#90)
by NYShooter on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 01:29:11 AM EST

of your implications, although I don't even want to think about a possible serious injury.
As a freshman at Syracuse U, having accepted a baseball scholarship, we were required to live at their new sports complex. As it happened, I was roomed with a third string defensive tackle from Alabama. He was the finest, fiercest, quickest physical specimen I had ever seen. My point is that the difference between a third stringer, and a starter, at the major college (or Pro) level is imperceptible to most average fans. A micro/mini difference in speed, agility, concentration, and/or strength is all that separates them.
That memory haunts me when contemplating Manning's future. The slightest, virtually immeasurable diminution of his former skills is all it would take to change his high hopes for several more S.B. rings, and an ignoble flop as his legacy.
I really, really hope my dread is misplaced.

In other OT NFL news (2.00 / 1) (#43)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:17:42 PM EST

Punishment for the Saints "Bountygate" have come down, and it ain't pretty. Saints coach Sean Payton suspended without pay for a year. Gregg Williams, Saints former (and St. Louis' current) D coordinator suspended indefinitely with possibility of reinstatement after the season. And more. (LINK)

Between this news and the Tebow trade, (none / 0) (#47)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:35:37 PM EST

I've just been muttering "holy crap" for about the last 5 minutes.

Appeals all around on the suspensions, I would imagine, but these guys aren't going to get off lightly even if some part of the suspension is reversed.

And Tebow to the Jets? What a sideshow that's going to be in the NY market...if this experiment goes sideways, I think NY won't have Rex Ryan to kick around anymore...

What a day.


Their appeals, (none / 0) (#60)
by Makarov on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:06:09 PM EST

if they bother to make them, won't be successful. That's because under league rules they can only appeal to the Commissioner's office. In this case, the punishment is also coming from Commissioner Roger Goodell.


Saints react via Twitter: (5.00 / 1) (#69)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:46:46 PM EST

Here's a link to a few, among them, Drew Brees:

I am speechless. Sean Payton is a great man, coach, and mentor. The best there is. I need to hear an explanation for this punishment

Really? He needs an explanation?


Ask Jim McMahon, Drew (none / 0) (#83)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 07:04:22 PM EST

You could easily end up just like him if you're not careful. (LINK)

But seriously, IMO, the NFL is has a big civil suit on them, filed by former players, and it's really just trying to cover its ace a bit with some late disciplinary action.


In reality, (none / 0) (#84)
by Zorba on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 07:16:08 PM EST

what's the difference between paying "bounties" for individual hits that take out the opposition, and paying a defensive guy more on his contract at the end of the year because he's been so successful in doing his job, which is to take out the offense? It's a violent game, and knocking the opposition out is part of the game. It's one of the reasons that I have a lot of trouble with football itself. It's the difference between paying for piecework and paying a salary. The whole thing is completely hypocritical.


Very true (5.00 / 0) (#85)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 07:39:39 PM EST

Can't really argue. And, hey, a baseball pitcher can end a guy's career, or kill him conceivably, when throwing some retaliatory chin music.

Then there's hockey...forget about it. Sigh.


: Not to mention what can happen ... (none / 0) (#88)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 09:37:37 PM EST

Dadler: "And, hey, a baseball pitcher can end a guy's career, or kill him conceivably, when throwing some retaliatory chin music."
... when one of them wields a baseball bat overhead. Remember this infamous moment in the Giant-Dodger rivalry, when Juan Marichal took a swing at Johnny Roseboro in an overheated moment during the 1965 pennant race?
And that's not the worst incident. During the 1966 season in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, Seattle Angel catcher Merritt Ranew was nearly killed by an enraged bat-wielding Santiago Rosario, outfielder for the Vancouver Mounties. He was taken by ambulance to a Vancouver hospital in critical condition, suffering from a severely fractured skull and multiple intracranial hematomas.
Ranew survived, but was left paralyzed on the left side of his face. He subsequently sued Rosario, the Vancouver Mounties baseball organization and the Mounties' MLB parent club, the Kansas City A's -- and won the case hands down.

I've never been a fan of Jim McMahon, ... (none / 0) (#87)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 09:11:03 PM EST

... going back to his college days at BYU. That said, the vicious and malicious hit put on him by the Packers' Charles Martin in Nov. 1986 -- which knocked McMahon out for the rest of the season -- has to be one of the single dirtiest and most unconscionable plays in the history of the NFL.

Ironically, Charles Martin was only suspended for two games by the NFL. He later died of kidney failure in 2005, at the age of 45.


Damn... (none / 0) (#52)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:58:07 PM EST

1 year is really harsh. Lost a 2nd round draft pick too.

Who dat gonna beat dem Saints? The league office, thats who.


My goodness (none / 0) (#57)
by smott on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 01:46:15 PM EST

If only they'd raped a woman or two, they'd have only gotten 4 games!


Had not thought (none / 0) (#1)
by Amiss on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:28:07 AM EST

of it in the chicken and egg scenario. From here(near Tebow's Home) mostly what they did was interview the people of Denver and their thoughts which surprisingly were slanted towards Timmeh. Of course we all know the news can be slanted the way the news teams want it to be.

Jerslyn, you are so courageousc (none / 0) (#3)
by oculus on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:28:56 AM EST

to write on this particular topic. I did hear on Afternoon Edition that because Tebow got the Broncos to the playoffs he paved the way for Elway to snag Manning.

I like Tim Tebow (none / 0) (#5)
by richj25 on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 01:42:08 AM EST

I think he'll be an excellent QB one day but, to be
realistic, that day is two or three years away. With
Payton Manning the Broncos are a likely division
winner this year and possible SB contender the
next. As far as his health is concerned, with all
that money on the line I'm sure the Broncos have
done their due diligence. I do feel a sorry for
Tim Tebow but he's a big boy and football doesn't
have much room for sentiment.

: Tebow is a multi-millionaire now (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:04:25 AM EST

I don't feel sorry for him at all.

All this talk about the Broncos' (none / 0) (#8)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 07:00:48 AM EST

acquisition of Manning, along with some of their other off-season moves, putting them in a position to win a Super Bowl is beginning to remind me of the extreme hype that surrounded the Eagles' moves last season that had people calling them the Dream Team - until reality set in and that dream died.

I hope for Manning's - and Broncos fans' - sake that he has a decent season, and this doesn't turn into one of those too-bad-he-didn't-retire-with-dignity things that we've seen before. John Unitas should have retired after the Baltimore Colts released him and he went to San Diego - Joe Namath should have retired instead of going to St. Louis.

The bar has been set so high now; Manning, coming off 4, and possibly 5, surgeries, with nerves that are still regenerating, with no real game playing time in over a year, is expected to be the Broncos' best chance to get to the Super Bowl.

And the Broncos will now all be learning Peyton's offense, not the other way around - he's not coming into an existing offensive system, where he's the only one who has to get up to speed - he's essentially handing the Broncos' offense a new playbook, so that could be a wrinkle people haven't considered.

If nothing else, I guess it will be interesting, but you can be sure there will be as many people convinced he will fail as there are those hoping he will succeed.

Broadway Joe never played... (none / 0) (#10)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 08:58:22 AM EST

for the St. Louis Cardinals...LA Rams Anne;)

On the flip, Joe Montana was old and off a major injury with people telling him to hang up the spikes when he went to the Chiefs...he made it to the AFC Championship Game.


: childhood flashback alert (none / 0) (#16)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:05:42 AM EST

Broadway Joe in the uni of my hometown L.A. Rams, sitting on his helmet, done like an overcooked steak.

: I knew it was the Rams, and forgot (none / 0) (#20)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:17:01 AM EST

that at the time, they were in LA, not St. Louis; darn - I hate making mistakes like that!
If you watched the HBO special, Namath, you saw just how sad that was; here in Baltimore, we're all hoping that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed have the grace to retire before they have to be released, and before their decline in play affects the team's fortunes.
I really thought Reed would decide to hang up his cleats after last season, but I guess he still thinks he has enough for at least one more season - he's another one with neck issues - and shoulder issues - and without the protection that Manning will get from his o-line.
As for Ray, he's definitely lost a step, can't cover sideline-to-sideline like he used to be able to, and while he's still a force to be reckoned with, I think - I hope - Ozzie Newsome has a plan to transition to a younger player before it becomes a crisis.

I Think It's Ridiculous (none / 0) (#12)
by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 09:17:30 AM EST

But it's not always about who's best for the team as much as who will put a$$es in the seats and sell jersey's. But to me, that amount is absurd.

That contract is huge, but not even close to being the largest. In 2000 Favre got $100M and there has been many $100M+ contracts in the NFL since, and I don't believe he was the first either.

Tebow sucks, but he's durable. Perfect back-up IMO. Just because BTD keep flaming the fires last year doesn't mean he will ever be a starter again for any team with over 6 wins. He beat some really bad teams, had a couple of really good come-backs, but no one seriously thinks he is all that. No one. He was Rick Santorum last year. No way did he have a chance, made a couple of remarkable wins, and the press loved to make it seems like he had a chance, but in reality, he's a scrub.

Certainly someone will pick him up, but at a fraction of Manning. I'm guessing $5M/year for 5 years. And if the idiots at ESPN are to believed, someone will put Tebow in the corner back position. I don't.

And although Manning has a medical clause in his contract, meaning he has to pass a physical to get paid. There is nothing about performance, meaning if he sucks, he gets paid. His only hurdle is the physical. And he got $27M last year and didn't have one play in the NFL.

The thing is if Manning plays like he did before the injury, Elway is a genius and the cost well worth it. I think he might, but he won't nor can he last 5 years at that level. Quarterbacks just can not play at the top of their game in their 40's. And with salary cap, the Broncos are going to be in a real pickle in 3 or 4 years when Manning starts showing sign of his age.

I did hear the Colts center, Jeff Saturday may go to the Broncos as well. I wonder how much talent the name 'manning' will help reel in...

IMO, Tebow is NOT a perfect backup (none / 0) (#18)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:10:47 AM EST

Especially not for a guy like Manning who is coming is also as the de-facto offensive coordinator. Because of Tebow's glaring deficiencies in the passing game, any offense he "runs" has to be greatly simplified in passing terms. I don't see how he can be a genuine backup in Denver, or anywhere else really, until his entire game fills out. His run with the Broncos last year was far too flukey to trust as a broad measure of his potential, and the final game against New England was probably more indicative. Freak fumbles and 50+ yard field goals are not the stuff a consistently winning team counts on, but you kind of have to with Tebow right now. Maybe he can speed up his release, maybe he can learn to read pass coverage better, but right now...not good.


: Not in Denver (none / 0) (#26)
by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:15:15 AM EST

Someplace like GB where the odds of the back-up players are slim to none. He can run a simple game, especially with his running ability.
I agree about his wins, some earned, but a lot of luck.

It has been reported (none / 0) (#21)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:34:54 AM EST

that the contract is the largest average dollar amount per season ($19.2 million) than any contract in NFL history.


: Yup (none / 0) (#28)
by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:19:36 AM EST

Johnson of the Lions was up there too.
Way too much IMO.

As for his neck (none / 0) (#13)
by Lil on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 09:24:55 AM EST

Manning has always appeared a little stiff to me, so is his brother, but not as much. So it's hard to tell how much is related to his injuries.

Tim Tebow (none / 0) (#14)
by indy in sc on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 09:50:17 AM EST

will be fine. He'll likely end up in Jacksonville (if they're focused on selling tickets). It would be a smart move, although it would be a headache for Gabbert (their current QB) b/c the fans will be clamoring for Tebow to start regardless of which one "earns" the starting spot. The only place Tebow would make a good back-up QB is a place where the starter is unquestionably successful. Otherwise you will have a QB controversy in the town until you let Tebow start (similar to what Denver went through before they started him).

Re Peyton, I do think Denver is taking a risk, but Peyton is taking the bigger one. As others have said, I wish he would have just retired a Colt. He has the superbowl victory, so I don't think he has anything left to prove. He is also set up to have a fantastic post-NFL career as a pitchman, analyst, coach, and/or whatever else he may want to pursue. Good luck to him...

Peyton does have (none / 0) (#17)
by Zorba on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 10:06:49 AM EST

one Superbowl victory, it's true. But his brother Eli has two. Maybe there's more than a bit of sibling rivalry there, and Peyton would like to have as many Superbowl wins as his brother. ;-)


I agree, Z (5.00 / 0) (#25)
by NYShooter on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:12:06 AM EST

With the incredible hype and accolades the "kid" received after the Jint's Super Bowl I know Peyton felt happy for his Bro.

But, having a brother myself, and knowing a little something about sibling rivalry, I could feel the teeth gnashing hundreds of miles away.


True, especially (5.00 / 0) (#31)
by brodie on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:32:09 AM EST

when it concerns a younger brother who has managed to eclipse the older brother in their shared field of endeavor. Peyton no doubt wants to match Eli, and also friend/boss Elway who also has two rings.

Then, if it all works out perfectly, he would have a shot at matching friend Tom Brady's three.

Lots of QBs have one ring, but the multiple championship club is far more exclusive, and it probably bugs Peyton that he has only one ring to show for all those years toiling in Indy.

Sibling rivalry -- it played out into adulthood for the two oldest Kennedy brothers in WWII, and for the Fogerty bros with Credence, two examples which come immediately to mind. I just hope it's a non issue for people like Jeb Bush.


: Agreed (none / 0) (#33)
by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:40:44 AM EST

But Payton said he didn't want to go to the NFC east where he would have been guaranteed 2 games a season against his bro. Or even the NFC, where the odds would have been better. Weird I thought.

: Aaarrrggghhhh! (none / 0) (#76)
by Zorba on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 03:44:26 PM EST

Peyton wanting to equal (or surpass) Eli is one thing. It's okay by me if sports figures want to have this kind of sibling rivalry. But Jeb Bush!!! Shhhh!!! Please, don't give him any ideas (that he probably already has, unfortunately).

We Will See (none / 0) (#32)
by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:38:28 AM EST

I don't get what Elway was thinking, maybe because Indy fell apart that Manning is a one man show.

And there is a serious rivalry, I read that Eli beat Payton in basketball at their parent's home and Payton didn't talk to him for a couple days.

And I am positive Payton would like 5 rings in 5 years, but so does every person in the NFL, and every fan as well.

The salary cap is around $120M, nearly a sixth of it on one man. They need pay 52 other souls, and the league minimum is $400k for a rookie to $900k for a veteran. If Manning isn't a one man show, they are screwed.

Denvers got all it's eggs in one basket, and that basket has been damaged.


The problem (none / 0) (#29)
by Makarov on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:24:19 AM EST

with Tebow isn't that people haven't tried to help him pass better. The problem is his mechanics are so bad he would need to be broken down completely and built back up again. There is literally nothing good about the way he throws a football - accuracy, throwing motion, and footwork are all terrible.

Statistically, he wasn't the worst QB in 2011 for only one reason. He didn't throw many interceptions. He also, generally, doesn't complete 50% of his passes.

Including 2 playoffs, Tebow appeared in 14 in 2011. He completed 50% or more of his passes just 4 times. Tebow was 9-18 against SD, 10-15 against MIN, 21-40 against CHI, and 11-22 against NE.

By comparison, 2010 5th round pick John Skelton appeared in 8 games in 2011. He completed less than 50% only once, a horrible 6-19 against SF.

First year QB Blaine Gabbert of JAC completed 50% or more in 10 of 15 appearances. Another rookie, Christian Ponder of MIN, completed 50%+ in 7 of 11 appearances.

In summary, Tim Tebow is not a good QB by any reasonable measure. I could easily see a team like Jacksonville, who wants to fill seats, spending a 5th round pick to acquire him. Still, I wouldn't expect him to start over Gabbert or, a much better QB, Chad Henne.

The most interesting thing I saw this week was how fast Miami signed David Garrard to a backup spot once news broke that Manning was heading to Denver. Garrard is a historically decent QB coming off a serious back injury that saw him sit out the 2011 season. Miami is a team that also wants to fill seats, but perhaps Joe Philbin and Jeff Ireland are smart enough to realize Tebow offers little to nothing when it comes to helping the franchise win actual games.

: Completion (none / 0) (#82)
by Socraticsilence on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 06:06:05 PM EST

percentage is the worst metric to judge Tebow by though- the Broncos offense was predicated on low percentage throws- Tebow had a decent QB rating because of the aforementioned low int rate and his relatively high ypa add his running ability to that and you have around a 20-25th type QB- not horrible for a second year player.

Breaking News.... (none / 0) (#35)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 11:54:52 AM EST

Tebow is gonna be a Jet according to ESPN Radio.

Wow.

HA (none / 0) (#37)
by CST on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:04:24 PM EST

awesome.

I can't wait to see the "chemistry" on the Jets this year :)

Truthfully, I'm a little bummed, I kind of wanted to see him come to NE to play tight end. But I think I was just making that scenario viable in my imagination.


Excited for the Wildcat package.... (none / 0) (#39)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:07:06 PM EST

dreading the endless media coverage.


I'm just hoping (5.00 / 0) (#42)
by CST on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:10:16 PM EST

you guys play him as your starting qb when you play us next year. That went well for Denver.


Cromartie has already tweeted (5.00 / 2) (#44)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:20:06 PM EST

"We don't need Tebow."

And they're off!!


Tebow should love Cro... (none / 0) (#48)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:41:59 PM EST

Cro obviously doesn't believe in rubbers with all them kids...they have something in common!


It's been said (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:51:07 PM EST

that it might take a Tebow built orphanage to house all of Cromartie's children.


I just hope... (none / 0) (#53)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 01:16:12 PM EST

all Cro's male brood have been circumcised already, lest Tebow bring a scalpel to training camp and think he's back in the Philippines.


Ha! (none / 0) (#54)
by sj on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 01:32:00 PM EST

A new spin on 8 is enough? (none / 0) (#55)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 01:33:03 PM EST

With eight different mothers so far and only 28 years old, I always assumed his goal was to eventually cover all 16 AFC cities.


Just had to pick up... (none / 0) (#56)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 01:41:38 PM EST

a co-worker off the floor when I hit 'em with "Cromartie is the modern day Abraham!".

All this Tebow talk is stealing the Knicks thunder...4 in a row, .500 once again in sight, big test on the road againt the Sixers tonight. Lin-dipitous with a sharp double-double last night in the victory over the Raptors. Mikey likes Woodson so far...he calls players out when they dog it.


If you could get some "Jets for Jesus" (5.00 / 2) (#58)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:01:58 PM EST

t-shirts printed up, you could probably make a significant contribution to your vacation fund...


LOL... (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:07:59 PM EST

for this pessimistic downtrodden fan base, "Even Jesus Can't Save the Jets" shirts might sell better.


Between now and September, (5.00 / 0) (#63)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:33:35 PM EST

when fans are feeling optimistic, you sell the "Jets for Jesus" shirts; if the Jets go into a slide - or - the locker room chaos continues, then you'll sell the "Even Jesus..." shirts (and there are so many possibilities for the "Even Jesus..." shirts - there's "Even Jesus Can't Save Rex Ryan," "Even Jesus Can't Save Mark Sanchez," and so on.

See? Perfect - you make out either way!


: Probably a non-starter... (none / 0) (#67)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:37:22 PM EST

copyright and whatnot...look what they did to Kim Dotcom, and all he did was link to sh*t.
Woody Johnson would poison my baby shampoo;)

Only if... (none / 0) (#49)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:49:20 PM EST

all of those kids were conceived in Holy Wedlock! Otherwise, Cro's just another sinner in a town full of sinners and liberals.


Hmmm.... (none / 0) (#51)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:55:44 PM EST

whats the greater sin, wasting sperm while fornicating outside of wedlock or having children fornicating out of wedlock?

Can we get a ruling over here big guy? ;)

What am I saying, hate the sin love the sinner...Tebow is contractually obligated to love everybody, even a heathen liberal fanbase such as ours.

What's the over/under on when the NY media drives Tebow to drink....2nd week of training camp? Opening day? Week 4?


I can see it now (5.00 / 1) (#68)
by NYShooter on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:46:23 PM EST

The first time Timmie bows and thanks the Lord, 80 fans jump up, grab their crotches, and yell, "Thank THIS!"

Welcome to New York, Mr.Tebow.


ps the onion (none / 0) (#72)
by CST on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 03:00:03 PM EST

is already on it.


: LOL (none / 0) (#73)
by NYShooter on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 03:21:35 PM EST

this is gonna be the most fun Gang Green has had since Joe Willie tap danced his white spikes from the field to Broadway.....and stayed there.

That's what I said (none / 0) (#40)
by vicndabx on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:07:16 PM EST

wow


This wont make his Mama (none / 0) (#92)
by Amiss on Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 02:01:05 AM EST

happy.


Ha ha. (none / 0) (#41)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:09:31 PM EST

Tebow to the J-E-T-S. Have fun, k-dog!

: Sanchez's nightmare (5.00 / 0) (#45)
by indy in sc on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:27:23 PM EST

come true! The chaos of the NY media market mixed with QB controversy should be fun/excruciating to watch.
Couldn't have happened to a better team. ;)

: {head desk} (5.00 / 0) (#46)
by nycstray on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 12:29:29 PM EST

that outta be interesting . . . .

Tebow trade (none / 0) (#62)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:25:58 PM EST

could be nullified due to contract language? Or so is the word bouncing around ESPN.

Don't tease. What's the (none / 0) (#64)
by oculus on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:33:57 PM EST

hang ip?


I'd need a lawyer (none / 0) (#66)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:36:29 PM EST

Tim Tebow contract has $5 million worth of recapture language.


Thought maybe he wouln't agree (none / 0) (#70)
by oculus on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:50:50 PM EST

to no Tebowimg.


From ESPN: (none / 0) (#71)
by Anne on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 02:51:46 PM EST

Tebow has about $5 million worth of recapture language in his contract, meaning the Jets would have to pay back some money to Denver, and the Jets might be unwilling to do that.
The teams agreed to the terms of the trade -- the Jets dealt fourth-round and sixth-round selections in 2012 in exchange for Tebow and a 2012 seventh-rounder from Denver -- before the Broncos asked New York to pay back a portion of bonuses and salary already paid to Tebow, sources told Schefter.
One league source said he believes the trade will go through. Sources also said that, if the trade falls apart, the St. Louis Rams could be in play for Tebow.
The same money issues in Tebow's contract caused complications for Jacksonville trying to complete a trade for Tebow earlier, sources told Schefter.

: Due to bonuses (none / 0) (#74)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 03:32:47 PM EST

that were already paid but credited to future seasons (likely to play with salary cap issues), Denver wants the Jets to pay the Broncos $5.06 million in salary advances that have already been paid to Tebow for the next three seasons.

Jacksonville (none / 0) (#77)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 03:47:15 PM EST

reportedly back in discussions this afternoon with the Broncos to trade for Tebow, as the Broncos now appear to also think the trade to the Jets could be nullified.


Jacksonville, if they know (5.00 / 2) (#80)
by Zorba on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 05:30:03 PM EST

what's good for them, ought to be moving heaven and earth to get Tim Tebow. UF in Gainesville is, what, about an hour or an hour and a half away from Jacksonville? They're still over the moon about Tebow down there, as are all their alumni (just look at BTD's old posts last year about Tebow). Jacksonville will fill their stadium if they sign Tebow, and let's face it, win or lose (although every team likes to win, of course), in the end, it's all about the Benjamins and filling the stands.


I'd imagine... (none / 0) (#78)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 04:44:57 PM EST

Tebow is praying on steroids right now for exactly that.

And for the lord to smile upon his agent for the immaculate contract construction.


kdog (none / 0) (#79)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 05:00:34 PM EST

just for you because I'm feeling a little mean today

Tebow vs Jets


: I'm a Jet fan... (none / 0) (#81)
by kdog on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 05:36:41 PM EST

who vividly remembers the Rich Kotite era...you'll have to do better than that CG.

Obituary for a Bronco Fan (none / 0) (#75)
by CoralGables on Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 03:36:16 PM EST

in the Columbia Daily Tribune:

"James H. "Jim" Driver, 78, of Eagle, Colo., formerly of Columbia, passed away Monday, March 19, 2012, at South Hampton Place in Columbia after a brief illness. An avid Broncos fan, he abhorred Manning and evidently wanted out before a deal was done."