Tim Tebow is one reason why people need to stop scrutinizing Johnny Manziel

The in thing leading up to the NFL Draft is to pick apart quarterback Johnny Manziel. From analyst Ron Jaworski saying he wouldn't pick Manziel in the first three rounds to former college and pro coach Barry Switzer labeling Manziel as an 'arrogant little prick'. Manziel bashing is in full swing.

While I do question his off field activities, Manziel can play and is a winner on the field. I wouldn't trust the guy with the family dog but I'd certainly put my trust in him to win football games. I'm sure there are plenty that will question my judgement, but to those who do, I'll bring up one name. Tim Tebow.

Yes, Saint Tebow could do no wrong off the field and was a proven winner. But he wasn't a conventional quarterback and couldn't throw, yet he parlayed his on field faults into being selected in the first round by the Denver Broncos. He eventually was named the starting quarterback and led the Broncos to a playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In my opinion if a team can put trust in Tebow, who was a flawed product, then skeptics shouldn't pick on Manziel so much.

While it's true that he's a hard driving individual off the field, there is no doubt about his abilities on the field. I believe Manziel can succeed if he's put in the right team environment. Right now Manziel is more sizzle than steak and if he can't be reined in off the field then he'll have a short career.

Former NFL receiver Reche Caldwell arrested in illegal gambling ring

The lasting image of former NFL receiver Reche Caldwell was one of amusement after his reaction after dropping a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC Championship game while he was a member of the New England Patriots.

Caldwell is now in the news for the wrong reasons. Caldwell was arrested for his involvement in what Tampa police said was an illegal gambling operation.  Police say Caldwell was one of three leaders of the operation. Five other men are facing a variety of charges including probation violations, possession of a control substance and illegal gambling.

The 34-year-old Caldwell was a standout wide receiver at Florida and was chosen in the second round of the 2002 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers. He also played for the New England Patriots and Washington Redskins. His younger brother Andre Caldwell is a receiver for the Denver Broncos.

Caldwell was held in the Orient Road Jail and released early Monday on $4,000 bail.

Tony Dorsett says he deals with depression, suicidal thoughts

Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett says that his quality of life is deteriorating along with his memory. The former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos great told Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on WFAN in New York that he deals with suicidal thoughts and depression.

Dorsett played in the NFL from 1977-88.

“Well, you know, I’ve been diagnosed with all that,” Dorsett said. “That’s private stuff and I don’t want to get into all that stuff, but I’ve been diagnosed. I’m just telling you, I’ve been diagnosed with that, yes.”

Dorsett was part of the class action lawsuit against the NFL that ended in a $765 million dollar settlement. For Dorsett that isn't enough. He believes the league should be paying for NFL retirees health insurance.

“I’m one of those guys,” he told Boomer and Carton. “My quality of life is deteriorating every day.”

“All I want to do is have health insurance for the rest of my life,” Dorsett said. “I signed up for this, obviously. My family is worried about me. I’m worried about me in some respects.”

Dorsett recently found out that he was graded a three out of four on the memory loss scale.

“My memory is really, really, really getting bad, and it’s going down,” Dorsett said. “I take my daughters to school, I take my daughters to practices, and all of a sudden the one day comes up and I’m saying ‘Well, how do I get there?’”

Dorsett isn't blaming anyone for playing the game and he knows he signed up for it. All he's asking for is the league to take care of it's own. He's a proud man who refuses to let his current condition keep him down.

I know the players make enough money to last a lifetime but the league should set something up for retired players who eventually suffer from memory loss and conditions of that nature.

Eric Decker and his fiancee get a reality show

Another professional athlete will be getting a reality show. Denver Broncos receiver Eric Decker and his fiancee, country singer Jessie James, will have a realtiy show on the E! network. According to James filming will not occur during the football season. 

The show will be titled "Love and Other Contact Sports: Eric and Jessie."  Decker and James have been engaged since April 2012.

From Khloé & Lamar to Kendra & Hank, E! has followed the romantic celebrity relationships of popular athletes and their gorgeous companions for years. The new Love and Other Contact Sports franchise will take viewers inside the confines of even more celebrity/athlete romances starting with country/pop singer Jessie James and her fiancé, Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker whose wedding is quickly approaching. The series will chronicle the sexy young couple's road to the altar as they juggle careers, relationships, family and more. Currently residing in their Denver dream home, they share an ambition to succeed, a charmingly fun and unfiltered outlook on life, and most of all, a red-hot attraction for each other.

Broncos executive John Elway is on board with the project, but probably won't have the show on his watch list. "I gave him my blessing. I don't think [the reality show] will affect him," Elway told USA Today.

I don't know how big of a hit the show will be as the casual NFL fan probably doesn't know too much about Decker and this is the first time I've heard of James. Considering the  reality TV boom, it may last awhile.

Broncos-Ravens highlight NFL week one schedule

After a devastating playoff loss sending the high flying Super Bowl ready Broncos home early, and sending the Baltimore Ravens on the road to win the second Super Bowl of legendary linebacker Ray Lewis's career. The Broncos have been chomping at the bit for the last 3 months to know when they will get their shot at revenge against the defending Super Bowl champs, and they won't have to wait long as the Ravens will be making the trip into the Mile High city on week one for a rematch of the double overtime thriller in Denver last postseason.

Broncos' Quinton Carter caught cheating at a Vegas casino

Denver Broncos safety Quinton Carter is facing felony charges for allegations that he cheated at a craps game at a Las Vegas casino. Before I get to the arrest, I would love to ask Mr. Carter, why he was gambling at Texas Station? Out of all the casinos in Vegas, that is the last one I would expect to find a NFL player cheating at craps.


Carter, 24, was arrested late Saturday at the Texas Station casino in North Las Vegas. Security officials reported he was videotaped adding a $5 chip to three bets after the dice already rolled, according to a police report. Carter denied wrongdoing when police arrived.

Carter faces three counts of committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment, a felony in Nevada that carries a possible sentence of one to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He provided a North Las Vegas address when he was booked at the Clark County jail in Las Vegas and released with a Monday court date.

The Broncos are aware of the matter and are investigating the situation. Carter seems confident that he will beat the rap.


Carter said on Twitter:
"Regarding the matter that allegedly occurred during a brief trip to my hometown of Las Vegas, I am fully confident that when the facts come out I will be cleared."


What the hell was he thinking? Anyone in their right mind knows that you're not gonna cheat the casino. Eventually you'll get caught. Besides Carter should have a six figure income and shouldn't have to worry on trying to get over on the house.

I think Carter will get away with a light penalty in this case, but he should learn from his actions.

Broncos will pursue Freeney if Dumervil doesn't take a pay cut

The Indianapolis Colts decided to part ways with defensive end Dwight Freeney. He's now a free agent and will be exploring his options when free agency kicks in next Tuesday.

One team to keep an eye on for Freeney's services are the Denver Broncos. A source told Mike Klis of the Denver Post that the Broncos might be a player for Freeney. But that's all contingent if current Broncos defensive end, Elvis Dumervil, doesn't take a pay cut. Throw in the fact that Peyton Manning has been recruiting Freeney and it's almost a lock that he becomes a Bronco.

Freeney (33) is four years older than Dumervil (29) and isn't the force he once was but if Dumervil doesn't want to take a pay cut, the Broncos could sign Freeney and parlay the extra money into a few players to fill needs at different roster spots. They are similar players so the dropoff shouldn't be too significant.

The Broncos would love for Dumervil to return but I don't see him being too pleased to to a loss in pay. If that's the case Elvis will indeed leave the building.

Von Miller says Broncos will win the Super Bowl

The NFL Draft  and free agency hasn't even kicked in and Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller is already talking about winning the Super Bowl.

Not do much of him being cocky, but it's more of a dedication to his cousin who was in a car accident according to the Denver Post's Mark Kiszla.

“I fully believe in the Broncos winning the Super Bowl and am fully committed to it,” Miller said Tuesday, during a telephone interview. That was the whole feeling behind this guarantee. It wasn't because I felt all cocky," Miller continued. "This is bigger than me. This is all about my little cousin coming back from a serious accident."

Miller is dedicating the 2013 season to his 6 year old cousin, Jeremiah, who was involved in a car accident and just awoke from a coma.

1. Von Miller ‏@MillerLite40

   You can post this where ever.. Denver broncos will win the Super Bowl 2013 #4UJEREMIAH #IGUARANTEEIT58 if you are with us Retweet

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2. 19 hrsVon Miller ‏@MillerLite40

   This is why we win the Super Bowl 2013. My little cousin Jeremiah came out of a coma frm a car wreck In west Tx I ❤ U

Some might call it cocky or boasting but this guarantee is pure emotion. He' fired up for his little cousin and wants to win one for him.

Brandon Flowers "not too worried about Peyton Manning"

Anyone who has ever played a sport knows that you must have confidence. Sometimes one can be too confident in his/her or their teams ability. So do you think Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers is overconfident by thinking that the Chiefs will win the AFC West and that Peyton Manning is nothing to worry about? Maybe. That'll all get played out on the field.

Flowers has no doubt that Manning is a great player but experts shouldn't be so quick to give the division to the Denver Broncos. Flowers says the Chiefs plan to take the division this year.


“We’ve got the mindset we’re going to win the AFC West,” Flowers said. “Peyton Manning, he’s a quarterback that everyone wants to have. He’s not going to turn the ball over, he’s not going to make critical mistakes.


“But I’m going out there saying if my man can’t get open, he won’t have no one to throw the ball to. So as long as I do my part, we’re not too worried about Peyton Manning.”

Manning has made corners look foolish in the past, but this is a post neck surgery Manning we're talking about. He is one of the great quarterbacks of all time but he could possibly be a shell of himself.

As for Flowers, just hope his mouth isn't writing any checks that he won't be able to cash.

Denver Broncos to ditch playbooks in favor of iPads

In a league full of copycats, the latest trend is starting to take form. The Denver Broncos are moving from the traditional playbook to using the iPad. 

The Denver Post reported that the Broncos are tossing out the tradition of printing 500-page playbooks every week for each of the 120 players, coaches, scouts and other personnel. The iPad will feature the week's game plan, scouting reports and more. The Broncos aren't the first team to switch to an electronic format as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens were the first two teams to make the switch.


"The advantage is that when they leave the building, they can take everything home with them very easily and watch tape at night and review the game plan installation," said Broncos general manager Brian Xanders. "This is their full-time job — to prepare and do whatever they can to help us win each week. "

Teams won't be allowed to keep the iPads or other similar tablets on the sideline. But from what I'm reading it might give teams that use them an advantage, which means that every team will gradually start making the switch.  

Von Miller predicts that Tebow will start in New York

Von Miller of the Denver Broncos is now in the prediction business. And he's speaking up for former teammate and current New York Jet, Tim Tebow.

Miller was one of Tebow's biggest supporters last season and thinks that he'll eventually take the starting quarterback job from the incumbent starter, Mark Sanchez.

Miller said: ''I think everybody's mistaken if you think he's just going to go over there and be a wildcat quarterback or a situational quarterback. The Tebow that I know is going ... to be able to compete for that starting job.''   


If Sanchez gets off to a slow start, he should definitely be looking over his shoulder because the fans will be calling for Tebow should he falter.

Cromartie doesn't want Tebow with the Jets

With Peyton Manning signing with the Denver Broncos, everyone figures Tim Tebow will be useless. So everyone is in a haste to trade Tebow. I wouldn't but I'll save that for later. The frontrunners in the Tebow derby are the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. I'm sure new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano could develop a package of plays for Tebow and the Jaguars probably could sell more tickets and jerseys.

There is one Jet that doesn't want Tebow with the Jets. The outspoken Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie says the Jets don't need Tebow and they should let him go elsewhere.

"We don't need Tebow," Cromartie wrote on his Twitter account. "We sell out every home game, let him go to Jacksonville, Tampa or Miami. Out wildcat offensve can (be) run by (Jeremy) Kerley or Joe McKnight. We straight."


At least Cromartie is showing support for other teammates. But he's not in the front office and they are the ones that call the shots. Also if I'm the Broncos I might be in no hurry to trade Tebow. I know he's not the greatest quarterback, but maybe, just maybe he could watch and learn under Manning and be a better player because of it. Also, what if Manning gets hurt because his neck isn't right? Then you're back to ground zero. Unless John Elway already has a plan for the draft and free agency for a backup.   

Philip Rivers wants Peyton Manning in Denver

You can't fault Philip Rivers' competitive nature, even as the team around him looks like it's falling apart. The San Diego Chargers missed the playoffs last season and conceded the AFC West crown to the Tim Tebow led Denver Broncos. Now Rivers would love to see the Broncos bring Peyton Manning aboard. Not because he has a personal vendetta against the guy. It's because he says it's good for the division to stop being looked at as the weak sisters of the NFL. And he loves the thought of battling Manning twice a year.

“It would make it that much tougher to win the West,” Rivers said on San Diego’s XX 1090 radio, via the Denver Post. “All the sudden, at least from a media’s perspective, it would become a division that’s not lost in the shuffle like it’s been in years past. I kind of hope that that’s the case just because it’s always fun to play a Peyton Manning-led football team. To play him twice a year that would be a battle like crazy to win the division. I hope it happens. One thing you know about him, he’s going to be thorough and make the best decision for him that gives him the best chance to go win. And if that ends up being Denver then it will be exciting.” 


And another hurdle for your slow starting team to overcome. If I'm Rivers I'm begging John Elway to leave Manning alone and let him go elsewhere. How about concentrating on how the Chargers can avoid a slow start or midseason swoon that ruins their season.

Tebow Has A Champ (Bailey) In His Corner

Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is one of the stronger voices in the team's locker room. So when he speaks teammates listen. Bailey has given quarterback Tim Tebow a vote of confidence following John Elway's announcement that Tebow will be named the starter going in to next season's training camp.

Bailey says he's behind Tebow, but also points out what he needs to work on.


“I think Tim has a lot to prove still,” Bailey said today on Jim Rome Is Burning. “He’s proven he can win some tough games. Now it’s just being consistent. One thing about him, he’s going to work at it. And I’m behind him 100 percent.” 

“I think at some point he’ll have to be if he wants to play a long time,” Bailey said. “That’s one area he’s going to have to improve to be elite in this league. But the things he does running the ball — he can make some throws, it’s just being comfortable doing it. He’s got to get better at it, and when he does, the sky’s the limit for him.”


“I think at some point he’s going to have to improve with his arm, which would make him even more deadly,” Bailey said.

Bailey points out what everyone knows, but I give him credit for not trashing Tebow for his style of play. I wasn't a big Tebow fan when he was at Florida, but I couldn't find a reason to bash him because the man was a winner. 

I second Bailey's opinion because I do believe Tebow will work hard to make himself better which will make his team better. We all know he can win games, even if he did it in an ugly manner.    

Tim Tebow Dancing With The Stars? Maybe

More Tim Tebow. All Tebow all the time. The Tebow train keeps on rolling and everyone wants a piece of him. Will Tebow be 'Dancing With The Stars'? If Karina Smirnoff has her way, he'll be on the show and her dance partner.

"All I want for my birthday is for Tim Tebow to dance on Dancing with the Stars," she said Saturday, not long after Tebow and his Broncos team were ousted from the NFL playoffs by Tom Brady and his Patriots. "Tim is a very talented athlete, that was clear when we saw his performance this past season with Denver." 

 "He can run, jump, pass, throw touchdowns," she told PEOPLE. "All [that] is missing is to see if he has the dance skills. That would make him an all around athlete and someone that I would love to dance with on the show." 


It's fairly obvious that Smirnoff is impressed with Tebow's athletic skills. After turning down CBS, I don't think Tebow will be accepting a dance invite anytime soon.

Tebow Invited To Lead Prayer At Colorado House Of Reps.

All Tebow, all the time. it seems we can't get away from Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. There is always some kind of news involving Tebow. See how many times I've mentioned his name?

The latest news is that Democratic Rep. Sal Pace has invited Tebow to lead them in the morning prayer. Pace said in the letter that Tebow is an excellent choice to "give Colorado's elected officials guidance as we take on the important task of leading Colorado."

"You have inspired Colorado. You have inspired America!" Pace wrote. "Throughout your career you have consistently proven the naysayers wrong."


"By leading the Denver Broncos into the playoffs, and giving us our first playoff victory in six years, you have given all of Colorado something to cheer about, in times that have been filled with all too often negative news," Pace said in the letter.


"Our schedule is flexible, as we do not want to take you away from any practice prior to the AFC Championship game or Super Bowl," Pace wrote while making the assumption that the Broncos will pull off another upset this weekend.

Tebow's not my favorite player, but I do give him scores of credit for putting together the kind of season he has. Not many gave him a chance when he came out of Florida for the NFL Draft. Now he's quickly embarking on legend status, at least in Denver. I just find it comical that he receives all this press and others look to him for inspiration.

I don't think he can pull off the win against the New England Patriots  this weekend, but anything is possible in the world of Tebow.













Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71419.html#ixzz1jRUfb76N

Crennel Wants To Knock The Broncos Out Of The Playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs have endured a tough season. They've seen some of their key players (Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Cassel, All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles, Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry and starting tight end Tony Moeaki) lost to season ending injuries, the head coach fired and a fair share of ugly losses. Through it all they came close to playing for the second straight AFC West title.

With the season about to end they have a chance to put an end to Tebow-mania and knock the Denver Broncos out of the playoffs. This also is a personal revenge game for the Chiefs' Kyle Orton, who was benched and released in favor of Tim Tebow. Interim head coach Romeo Crennel knows he'll be coaching for a shot at the permanent job and has no plans to lay down against Denver.

"All these players, they want to win. They want to try to win," the interim coach said Monday. "I don't think anybody goes into a game trying to lose. Every player wants to win."

"I know there are some questions about my status and how this game might affect my status. I've said all along that at the end of the year, a decision is going to be made, and I was going to do the best I could for the three games I had an opportunity to do that," Crennel said.



"The first game was a really good game. This game wasn't as good, and now I've got one more game. I try to win every game. Every game is important to me. So what will happen will happen. I don't believe what I say, what I think, is going to make any difference. It's what I do, the work that I put out there. That's the thing that will make the impact."

The ironic twist about the game is that a Kansas City win would help their bitter rival, the Oakland Raiders. I'm sure that's not why Crennel plans to go all out in this game. He wants to go out on a high note and possibly land a permanent job in the process. 









   

Marcell Dareus Can't Wait To Play The Panthers And Broncos

Buffalo Bills first round draft pick, Marcell Dareus, is a little pissed about being taken number three in the draft. To me and many others that's not to shabby. Anyone would be happy to be chosen that high. Marcell should remember that Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders was selected at number three. Don't try to tell that to Dareus.

He was specific in an interview about what teams passed him over in an interview with Michel Irvin on   WQAM in Miami. It doesn't take much to figure it out either since he was selected at number three. And he was hot about it.

When he was asked whether he should have been picked number one, his answer was "Yes". Then he let the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers know that he's going to bring the pain.

“If I ever get a chance to play Carolina I’m going to make them pay for passing up on me,” said Dareus. ”Denver I’ll get a chance to play them in the regular season (this year) and I’m going to make it hell for them every time I play against them.”



“I worked my butt off to the point where I’m not going to give you a reason not to pick me,” he said. “You’re not going to look at me and be like, ‘Well he’s good, but…” That ‘but’ word is never going to come up when you mention my name. My sole focus was for me not to give you a reason to not pick me and you still don’t? Okay, I understand you have needs somewhere else, but if you need somebody to control your front and be a commander across the front and not let anything happen? I work my butt off to do that, and you pass me up still? Okay, I’ve got something for you.”


This is something I may keep an eye on if there is an NFL season.

John Elway's New Gig

A report from the Denver Post says Denver Broncos have hired John Elway to be their vice president of football operations.  It's not yet a done deal as they have to finalize a deal.

"If and when we reach an agreement with John Elway, Pat is very confident that John's intelligence, his leadership, business savvy, his knowledge of the game, and competitive fire, plus the respect that everyone in this building will have for him, will make us better right away," Broncos chief operating officer Joe Ellis told the Denver Post.


Considering how they've played the past few years, I doubt the Broncos will be better in the short term. Unless Elway decides to turn back the clock and play quarterback and the Orange Crush defense is reincarnated. Also, Elway may have a good business acumen, but the trying to put together a football team is a different story.

The Broncos insist this isn't a PR move, but think about it. The team isn't doing to well and what better way to get fans back to the gate than to bring back a local legend. For Bronco fans' sake, just hope he isn't the next Matt Millen.