Why can't Tebow make it in the NFL?

[widgeon13]

What's the story for this guy? Nobody wants him because he's clean cut? Can't he be coached to be good for some team.

Tim Tebow cut by Patriots, NFL career in jeopardy - NFL - Sporting News

[Don Ro]

I recall hearing that his motion is somewhat sub-optimal.
Not really a precision passer.

[McLovin]

It's a puzzling thing, but I think the answer is becoming more clear.

I do think there has been some amount of "discrimination" against him because of his image, his outspoken religious beliefs, his abortion commercial, etc.

But ultimately, pro sports really do remain one of the last bastions of a pure meritocracy. In other words, if you are a great player who will help the team win, that's pretty much all that matters.

So, *IF* you're a great player you can be a psychotic person and not be kicked off the team until you actually murder someone (e.g. Aaron Hernandez). You can be a dog murder and convicted felon, and still come back, if the team thinks you will help them win (Michael Vick). You can be a drug abusing wife beater, and you're ok if you're a good player (half the NBA). Etc.

Tebow has now been on three teams, and has been cut by all of them. The Jets, being so bizarre and disfunctional, don't really count and are one of the few examples of a team NOT being a meritocracy (instead run by politics and bizarre behavior), but the Broncos and esp. the Patriots are well run organizations. I think they gave him fair shots, and they ended up cutting him. I believe they cut him because they didn't believe he gave them their best shot at winning games, simple as that.

I got Tebow's biography as a gift last year, and read it. I think he's a terrific person, an unbelievable athlete (some of his athletic feats at Florida, such as his demonstrated speed, strength, etc. are incredible. He was basically as fast as a wide receiver, as strong as a linebacker, etc.), and a super hard worker. I consider myself a Tebow fan. But I think he's now been given a full, fair shot, and he just doesn't have the complete package to work as an NFL QB.

(His style of game is perfect for college, but not the modern NFL. To net it out, he's just not accurate enough as a passer).

[Tobra]

He does not throw well enough, pretty simple.

[widgeon13]

Thanks for the well thought out explanation. I'm starting to feel sorry for the guy, all that talent and no home.

[stomachmonkey]

If he would entertain a move to a different position like TE he may do just fine.

[nostatic]

I don't follow football much these days, but I don't think 36% completion rate is really going to get a roster slot.

[Moses]

If Tebow converts to tight end he could play for half the teams in the league. As a QB, he could back up Vick in Chip Kelly's new Eagles offense or back up Terrelle Pryor in Oakland.

In Denver, Tebow was named the starting quarterback beginning with the team's Week 7. Tebow compiled an 8–5 record (including a playoff win against Pittsgurgh. He had a six-game win streak from Weeks 9–14) including game-winning drives in the fourth quarter and/or overtime in six of those games.

There should be a place for him in the league.

[mreid]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

If he would entertain a move to a different position like TE he may do just fine.

The Patriots had an opening at TE. Apparently, he's not good enough.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by mreid

The Patriots had an opening at TE. Apparently, he's not good enough.

When the Patriots grabbed Tebow I thought "will they try to make him a TE" to fill in for Gronkowski till he heals? Then the Hernandez thing broke and I thought for sure the Pats knew something about it earlier on and Tebow started making more sense to convert.

Unless they were keeping Tebows work at the position behind closed doors it does not appear they even made an attempt or considered it.

Brady has 3 years left and barring a major injury he'll be the guy until the end of his contract.

Pats have some time to find and prep an heir.

Although that is made tougher by their consistent record and low draft order.

So I'm left with WTF? Why'd they even try Tim?

[Lapkritis]

Tebow got a shot because his contacts within the organization threw him a bone. I expect he'll be signed to the practice squad.

As for his talent: he's not an NFL quarterback as others have stated before me. He lacks vision of the field and understanding of pass defense at this level. It doesn't seem to be a lack of experience... he doesn't seem to improve given the opportunities. I think he would make a great tight end and could have a successful NFL career in that position. He should begin that transition and practice now.

[widebody911]

But I thought he had Jesus on his side?

[Moses]

Originally Posted by Lapkritis

As for his talent: he's not an NFL quarterback as others have stated before me. He lacks vision of the field and understanding of pass defense at this level.

His record suggests otherwise. His record when starting is 8-5 including a come from behind playoff win. That's not awful no matter how you dissect it. He may be a guy who just gets it done on the field.

I think he could probably be a pretty good TE, but to think he can't make any NFL squad as a second or third string QB is just bizarre. Look at his record.

Rex Ryans' love affair with Mark Sanchez killed Tebow's career.

[weseeeee]

I would love to see Tim change positions and play well enough to start in the NFL. I went to Florida games mainly to see him play because he is and was such a great role model and college athlete. I'm a huge fan of his and I hope he considers a new position so that he stays in the game.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by widebody911

But I thought he had Jesus on his side?

On Saturdays, yes. Sundays Jesus has got other stuff on his plate.

Leinart, Vince Young, Tebow, etc...it is about the mental transition as much as anything, especially at QB. That and the safety from Memphis State that you juked in college is a position in the pros filled by Polamalu.

You can time Tom Brady in the 40 with a sun dial. What works is the mental aspect...there are no scrubs in the NFL.

[Lapkritis]

Originally Posted by Moses

His record suggests otherwise. His record when starting is 8-5 including a come from behind playoff win. That's not awful no matter how you dissect it. He may be a guy who just gets it done on the field.

I think he could probably be a pretty good TE, but to think he can't make any NFL squad as a second or third string QB is just bizarre. Look at his record.

Rex Ryans' love affair with Mark Sanchez killed Tebow's career.

Agreed on all points.

Some may argue how far that Broncos team would have gone with Manning or Brady at the helm.


There are such things as as a "gamer" and a "practice hero." Watching his preseason performance with the pats this year with a roster spot on line made it apparent that he plain sucked. The stakes couldn't have been higher. There's a lot of talent in the league not just in Tebow's graduating class. He was a beast in college but not in a league of beasts.

[sammyg2]

He is the toughest and most competitive athlete in the league.
he is winner and makes everyone around him play better. All it takes is a GM with some vision and balls.

36% completion percentage? That's late in preseason games, with players who don't know the offense and will be bagging groceries in a month. Not really representative.

You wanna see what kind of QB he really is? Watch the broncos games where he WILLED the team to win.


THIS is what Tebow is about:

[mreid]

I watched the video. Is he a bright man?

[Tervuren]

Tebow brough a lot of unpredictability, he just didn't do things like other QB's, which makes up for his slow throw as other team's defenses would misread him. This is why he had a lot of early success. Once studied, he probably became more predictable.

He makes a lot of misses that never go anywhere, but also makes "big ones" that count. He's not reliable, not "talented"(compared to others), but can still get games won anyway.

[Buckterrier]

Because he doesn't have enough talent??

End of thread.