TIM TEBOW TO NEW ENGLAND

TEBOW TIME IN NEW ENGLAND


When the Jets released Tim Tebow a few weeks ago, everyone thought it was the end of his NFL career. NFL reports stated that there were no teams interested in Tebow. On top of that, hopes were that he may find interest in the Canadian football league. Just when you thought the ride was over, the New England Patriots announced that they would be signing Tim Tebow. Tebow is expected to join the Patriots tomorrow at mini camp.

There are more questions then answers right now as to why New England would sign Tim Tebow. It is obvious that New England has a plan for him or they wouldn't have signed him. Tebow will get the chance to make the New England roster and rumor has it as a quarterback. Everyone knows that Tom Brady is the starter, that is a given, However, there may be a chance that Tebow will compete against Ryan Mallett for the back up job at quarterback. Beyond that, sources say that New England may be interested in trading Mallett for a second round pick.

Nobody can deny the dedication and work ethic of Tim Tebow. We do have the right to question why New England would make such a decision. Tebow has already stated that he won't play no other position then quarterback. Has Tebow changed his mind? Perhaps the Patriots are considering using a wildcat package as the Jets stated a year ago. Could Tim Tebow move to tight end? One thing you can't doubt is the genius known as Bill Belichick.

What do you think? Are the Patriots making a mistake? Could Tebow learn from Brady? The one fact that can be said is Tim Tebow is in the best coaching position in his NFL career. Tebow will reunite with Josh McDaniels once again and New England is a great fit for a player like Tebow. Brady would never be threatened by Tebow so he is likely to help him. Brady is one of the best to ever play the position. This could also be a positive for Tebow.

At the least, he is in a much better place. The Jets signed Tebow for publicity and mearly ruined his career. With Marc Sanchez playing like he did, anyone would have been better. Coach Belichick knows what he is doing and I assume that he knows what Tebow will be doing. Only time will tell if it all pans out, but for now, Tebow is a Patriot.

Ray Lewis-Tribute To A Legend

REMEMBERING AN ICON

When it comes to grits and determination, they are only two of many words that could decribed former Baltimore Raven linebacker Ray Lewis. Ethics and hard work? Leadership and intellect? Purity and ability? Yes, they all describe Ray Lewis and you could probably find 1,000 more. After 17 Hall of Fame years for the Ravens, Lewis has finally called it quits. Then and now, we take a look back at one of the greatest athletes to play the game.

Lewis began to be noticed all around the country as a freshman linebacker for the Miami Hurricanes. In his freshman year, he recorded 81 tackles and 2 sacks. Lewis won freshman honors despite starting only 5 games. He really turned heads as a sophomore and junior, recording 154 and 160 tackles respectively. He led the Big East in tackles both seasons. Going into the 1996 NFL draft, Lewis was considered to be at the top of the linebacker class.

Despite his agility, speed, and football IQ, many doubted that Ray would be a starter in the NFL. This doubt would only add fire to his determination. Four linebackers were drafted before the Baltimore Ravens chose Ray Lewis with the 26th pick in the NFL draft. For the new franchise, it would turn out to be their best pick to date.

All the doubters were proved wrong as Ray Lewis quickly became a dominant force as a rookie. In just his second season, Lewis recorded 184 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 interception. It was enough to earn his first Pro Bowl appearance. A few years later, Lewis anchored a defense that many called the best in NFL history. The Baltimore Ravens then won their first championship in SuperBowl XXXV as Lewis was named SuperBowl MVP. Lewis was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2000.

One of the greatest records in NFL history is the streak that Baltimore put up during 51 consecutive games. The Ravens defense played 51 straight games, 1998-2001,  without allowing a 100 yard rusher. In 2000, the Raven defense only gave up 165 points and only 970 rushing yards for an entire season. In 2003, Lewis won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award. For the next decade, the Baltimore defense would prevail as one of the best defensive units ever equipped. Since 2000, Baltimore has been a continuous SuperBowl contender. Any fan knows, if defense is mentioned, you think about Baltimore.

Any NFL fan would appreciate the battles between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Every game they have played is physical and well worth watching. If you ever watched these two teams play, you know exactly what I mean. Lewis was and still is a motivator. Ray brings so much fuel and emotion to his team. Due to this, Lewis had the ability to make players better. He was an on-the-field coach and his dedication to the game will be seen forever.

Having the chance to watch Ray Lewis for his entire 17 year career has been a highlight of my life. He has touched many and inspired the rest of us. When I watched Ray play, I saw him give 100% always. Lewis was a true professional, a gentlemen's man. He was a warrior on the field, but when the final whistle blew, he was a friend. The love and passion that he had for the game is undeniable. He gave the NFL and the fans all he could. As a fan of the NFL, I appreciate that. I know certainly, there will never be another Ray Lewis.

Lewis finished with 2,061 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 31 interceptions. Lewis played 21 playoff games and recorded 214 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions. In 2012, Lewis suffered from injuries and only started 6 games. He came back in the first round of the playoffs when Baltimore took on the Indianapolis Colts. In arguably his best post season performance, Lewis led the team with 51 total tackles in just 4 games. When the dust cleared, he went out in style as Superbowl XLVII champions as Baltimore defeated the San Francisco 49ers. In total, Lewis was selected to 13 Pro Bowls.

We will be seeing Ray Lewis sooner then later as he signed on with ESPN in March. It will be great to hear his voice and see him again, even though it won't be on the field. Ray Lewis was the best to ever play the position. He is an inspiration and the way he lives his life inspires. He is one of a kind and never could be replaced. Ray, thanks for all the memories. Worthy of note, Lewis has also done a lot of charity work and continues to work with his foundation. Ray has a beautiful heart and soul. The player is gone, but a legend is born.

2013-2014 NFL Preason Rankings

2013-2014 Preseason NFL Rankings

June is already here and the 2013-2014 NFL season is just a few months away. The draft is now over and summer workouts are very near. Is your team ready to take the next step? The 2013 NFL draft saw big winners and a few losers. Free agents are signed and ready to make a name with their new respective teams. Every transaction matters and we have the new official rankings. To the board!

1. San Francisco
2. New England
3. Denver
4. Green Bay
5. Baltimore
6. Houston
7. Seattle
8. Cincinnati
9. Indianapolis
10. Atlanta
11. New Orleans
12. Pittsburgh
13. Washington
14. Minnesota
15. New York Giants
16. St. Louis
17. Chicago
18. Carolina
19. Dallas
20. San Diego
21. Kansas City
22. Detroit
23. Tennessee
24. Philadelphia
25. Miami
26. New York Jets
27. Cleveland
28. Tampa Bay
29. Buffalo
30. Jacksonville
31. Arizona
32. Oakland

The San Francisco 49ers take our top spot in this years 2013-2014 preseason rankings. The 49ers have a dangerous weapon in Colin Kaepernick. He showed last season that he could play and did in a big way. San Francisco reached the Superbowl only to fall short against Baltimore. After two straight seasons of heart break, the 49ers will be focused on the goal of a championship. Nearly all of their starters are back. They drafted Eric Reid at safety and picked up Marcus Lattimore at running back. Gore, James, and Lattimore in the backfield? Very dangerous!

The New England Patriots top our rankings in the number two spot this preseason. For over a decade, New England has always been a championship contender. Patriot quarterback Tom Brady is back and he will have a few new weapons this year. They did lose Wes Welker to Denver but they picked up talented receiver Aaron Dobson in the draft. Dobson has great hands and is a great route runner. The passing defense will be better with the addition of Adrian Wilson. The question is if Gronk can make an impact as well as Danny Amendolla.

The Denver Broncos round out the top three on our preseason rankings. Denver finished 13-3 last season and Peyton Manning looked like he always has. The Broncos signed Wes Welker, an immediate upgrade. Welker will free up Demaryius and Decker both. This may be the best wide receiver trio in the NFL. Denver picked up Monte Ball and Sylvester Williams in the draft, both great picks. With all the additions, this could be Denver's year to win it all.

Green Bay is ranked fourth on our charts. The Packers needed a running back and they drafted Eddy Lacy. The offense is now complete as Lacy will contribute as a rookie. Green Bay made some changes on defense but we will have to see how it all pans out. The Baltimore Ravens complete out top five in the 5th position. The Ravens won it all last season but they have lost a living legend in Ray Lewis. Ed Reed and Kruger are both gone, but experts agree that Baltimore had the best draft. Baltimore made many moves but only time will tell if they made the correct offseason choices.

New York Jets Quarterback Battle

Geno or Sanchez? Which Will It Be?

As the New York Jets more toward summer workouts, their quarterback battle is only beginning. Most of us figure that the number one spot will belong to Marc Sanchez and Geno Smith will be the back up. However, would you start Sanchez after last season's meltdown? The Jets are in a tough situation. They already owe Sanchez guaranteed money, nearly 9 million dollars. If Sanchez starts or ride the pine, he is making every penny.

The Jets took a chance on Tim Tebow last season and it made the franchise look like fools. Never mind Tebow's skill set, he should have started at the end of the year. Hell, anybody would have been better at the time. Tebow is gone and Geno is in. West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith has a big arm and big time abilities. He has the potential to be a NFL starter but he still needs to work on his craft.

Most of us have already forgot about what Sanchez has done in the past. He took the Jets to the conference championship twice. However, this is a "what have you done for me lately" league. Sanchez has struggled the past two seasons. If it wasn't for the guaranteed money, I believe he would have been traded.

You also have to take into account that Sanchez had no weapons. Their biggest weapon was Tebow and they didn't even use him. I'm sorry, they did him wrong! Anyway, Jet head coach Rex Ryan was only signed for a one year deal. It is now or never for the coach. The defense was sound last season as it has been since Ryan took over. The major questions are all on offense.

I want to know what you think about Marc Sanchez and Geno Smith. Who do you think should be starting at quarterback? Marc has paid his dues and he has showed that he has the talent. Even so, the last two seasons have been awful. Geno Smith is the new kid on the block, but he has talent. A big NFL arm and smarts for the playbook. He also has a great work ethic. The NFL is new for him so it could take time to translate it all.

Some people believe that Geno's fate was signed on draft day. Experts believe that if he is put in to start, he will fail. Jet fans, what do you think? Who is your starting quarterback?