No Matter What, Tim Tebow Will Be Great To Watch In The NFL posted by Colin Linneweber

Quarterback Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators demolished the previously unbeaten Cincinnati Bearcats 51-24 Friday night in the 76th Sugar Bowl played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Tebow, 22, the 2007 Heisman Trophy Award winner who concluded his career as the all-time NCAA leader in total touchdowns with 145, completed 31 out of 35 passes for an astounding 482 yards and three scoring strikes.

“It was incredible,” said Tebow, whose 533 yards of total offense were the most in BCS history. “Just a great game. It was exactly how you want to go out with these seniors and these coaches in your last game and your last time together. It just really doesn’t get any better than this.”

Tebow’s spectacular performance against the Bearcats (12-1) bolstered the notion that he is the greatest collegiate football player ever.

“Tim Tebow will go down as one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player, in college football history,” said Gators (13-0) Head Coach Urban Meyer.

Tebow has an unorthodox throwing motion and he does not toss the prettiest of spirals.

Largely because of his flawed mechanics, many analysts do not believe that Tebow will succeed as a player in the NFL.

However, many tremendous football coaches contend that Tebow will continue to flourish once he enters the professional ranks.

One of those coaches is Jon Gruden who has stated that Tebow could “revolutionize” the game.

“Tim Tebow is 250 pounds, and he’s the strongest human being that’s ever played the position,” said Gruden, 46, who coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship in 2003. “He can throw well enough at any level.”

Pick Six: Week 16 posted by Randolph Charlotin

When a game in played in just over two and a half hours, there’s really not much to say:

1. After struggling on offense, the Pats exploded with 35 points. It was the most points in a game since the win over Tampa Bay in week seven. The 28 first half points was more than New England scored in a game the previous four weeks.

2. With TE Chris Baker catching a pass during the opening drive, it foreshadowed his first touchdown since week three against Atlanta.

3. As well as RB Laurence Maroney has improved after the bye week, there’s a serious problem. He fumbled for the fourth time this year, the second fumble inside the five yard line. After the fumble, Maroney didn’t get another carry. Those carries went to Sammy Morris, who almost became the third running back to run for 100 yards this year with 95 on Sunday.

4. The tide turned on two consecutive defensive plays. S Brandon Merriweather made a great stop on third down, showing he learned from last week’s blown tackle. S James Sanders then made the stop on RB Maurice Jones-Drew on fourth down. The offense scored after the turnover on downs.

5. Two new high water marks. WR Wes Welker broke the team record for receptions in a season when he caught his 113th pass. Welker has 122 receptions in 13 games with the season finale still left to play. And Merriweather got his career high fifth interception this year. Merriweather almost had his second interception return for a touchdown if only OLB Adalius Thomas was able to block Jaguars QB David Garrard.

Hours Before Kickoff: Week 16 posted by Randolph Charlotin

In 2005, the Patriots “lost” the season finale to the Miami Dolphins. Because of that “loss,” the Pats hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card game instead of facing Pittsburgh.

Was it cowardly to throw a game to avoid playing the hottest team in the playoffs? You could say that. But it was also ingenious by head coach Bill Belichick to arrange the best match-up for his team.

With the playoffs just two weeks away and New England insured to play a Wild Card game, is there a team fighting to get in that would be the easiest prey for the Patriots in the first round?

A lot of probabilities have to work for certain teams to get in. But two of the teams that need help are the Patriots final two opponents, Jacksonville and Houston.

If the Pats win out, they may eliminate the Jaguars and Texans in the process. With that in mind, which of the remaining teams would be most desirable?

Denver – Personally I’d like to see the Patriots get another crack at the Broncos after they blew the regular season game. Since starting 6-0, Denver is 2-6. Though they’re reeling, they created the blueprint of doubling WRs Rand Moss and Wes Welker. Until the Pats have a consistent third target, they are at risk of blowing it against the Broncos a second time. Chances: Even

Baltimore – I’m sure LB Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense haven’t forgotten the week 4 loss that they attribute to favorable calls from the referees. Maybe if receiver Mark Clayton caught that pass for a first down, B-more wouldn’t have something to whine about. Chances: Even

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16 posted by Joe Anello

Happy Holidays everyone! After watching the San Diego Chargers take hold of the number two seed in the AFC by knocking off the Titans Christmas evening, I'm ready for a great Sunday in the NFL. Even though the NFC playoff picture is pretty clear, the AFC is still wide open. Let's get to the Opening Drive of week 16! 

(8-6) Baltimore Ravens at (7-7) Pittsburgh Steelers

After a string of poor losses, the Steelers are back and in command of their playoff lives. Beating the Ravens would pull them back into the mix while simultaneously putting the Ravens on the outs. Without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers must rely on another big game from Big Ben Roethlisberger. With their week twelve meeting ending with an overtime field goal, this rematch is up for grabs. On Heinz Field, I'll give a slight edge to Pittsburgh.

(7-7) Houston Texans at (7-7) Miami Dolphins

With six 7-7 teams hoping to get a shot at two wildcard slots, this contest will definitely crush one team's playoff dreams. Houston hasn't had a winning season in their short franchise history, much less a playoff berth. Needless to say, the Texans have plenty to play for. (As does their coach, who will likely not return if one of those two goals are not met.) Miami won't catch New England to repeat as AFC East champs, but they could make noise in the playoffs if they can claw their way in. Chad Henne gives them hope for the future as well as the present. I have an urge to take the Texans for the win.

Joe's Final Drive: Week 14 posted by Joe Anello

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

(13-0) New Orleans Saints 26
(6-7) Atlanta Falcons 23

A Chris Redman-led Falcons mounted a valiant comeback, but Drew Brees and the Saints pulled out a thriller to clinch the NFC South. With a Saturday night game against Dallas coming up, the unbeaten New Orleans is proving they are the true team to beat in the NFC, winning in a variety of ways. 

(7-6) Miami Dolphins 14
(7-6) Jacksonville Jaguars 10

Jacksonville had control of their playoff destiny. That is, until Miami won in a squeaker. Now the last AFC wildcard spot is up for grabs in a free-for-all. Sorry Jaguars, you had you chance. Chad Henne continues to impress and Ricky Williams continues to shoulder the load without Ronnie Brown. 

(13-0) Indianapolis Colts 28
(8-5) Denver Broncos 16

Even when he throws three interceptions, Peyton Manning finds a way to crush your dreams. Josh McDaniels' defense looked lost at times and could never get anything substantial going on offense. I could care less about Brandon Marshall's NFL record 21 receptions. It happened in a loss where the Broncos were forced to pass all the time. Color me not impressed.

Joe's Opening Drive: week 12 posted by Joe Anello

With three utterly craptacular contests on Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to a little competitive football this Sunday. However, it’s not until Monday that the real showdown of week 12 takes place. Let’s get some Opening Drive in your diet!

Washington Redskins (3-7) at Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)

I don’t even know why this is even on my list of games to watch this week. Oh wait, Jim Zorn’s job is on the line. (If he hasn’t lost it already.) If the ‘Skins get embarrassed by a division rival, Zorn is gone for sure. On the Philly sidelines, they still have a chance to catch the Cowboys for the NFC East crown, so expect Andy Reid to come out McNabb’s blazing. I don’t expect it will be close for long.

Indianapolis Colts (10-0) at Houston Texans (5-5)

It may not important for the Colts, but this game is paramount for any chance of a Texans appearance in the postseason. With Jacksonville climbing past them last weekend, Gary Kubiak’s squad is losing pace in the AFC wild card race. Standing in their way is Peyton Manning: Crusher of Dreams, Destroyer of Worlds.

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-6)

This game has the recipe to be ugly. Jacksonville and Tennessee both love to mercilessly pound the ball at their opponent. The difference will be at the quarterback position. Between Alex Smith and David Garrard, the quarterback that makes the least mistakes will walk away with the win. To me, that means a Jaguars victory as Alex Smith hasn’t shown he’s dependable at all. Keep an eye on these Jags; they’re right in line for a wildcard slot.

Rex Ryan Cried and He is Still a Good NFL Coach posted by Colin Linneweber

The New York Jets were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-22 Sunday at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

The floundering Jets (4-5) have lost five of their last six games and the odds that Gang Green will now qualify for the playoffs are slimmer than Kate Moss.

The Jets soared to a perfect 3-0 record through the first three games of the season mainly because their defense was performing at a truly dominating level.

Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan was deservedly credited for the prowess the Jets displayed on defense.

Ryan, 46, who played defensive end at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, devised chaotic blitz packages that flustered the opposition into mercy and his “Mad Scientist” nickname seemed to be appropriate.

Unfortunately for Ryan, although the Jets have continued to play solid defensively, his beloved unit has only executed sporadically during their recent swoon.

In the aftermath of this past weekend’s debacle in East Rutherford, Ryan fired his defensive-line coach, Kerry Locklin.

At first glance, skeptics would presume that Locklin was utilized as a scapegoat for the Jets recent crashes on the gridiron.

However, according to sources in the know, Locklin, who was an assistant coach with Ryan at Morehead State in the early-1990’s, had been badmouthing the “Mad Scientist” behind his back like a yellow weasel.

“There were some disagreements, let’s put it that way,” Ryan admitted. “There were some issues, some personal issues that are behind this.”

Joe's Final Drive: Week 5 posted by Joe Anello

Still love me some NFL. Josh McDaniels kicked Bill Belichick’s Patriots right out of Denver while Matt Ryan picked apart a supposedly stout San Francisco defense. Oh, and Peyton Manning is still awesome. I wrap up week five in the NFL in the Final Drive! 

(1-4) Cleveland Browns 6
(1-4) Buffalo Bills 3 

Ugliest. Game. Ever. Derek Anderson goes 2 for 13 in a WIN. Mangini should have stuck with Brady Quinn. In Buffalo, things could be even worse after signing T.O. in the offseason. Dick Jauron will lose his job during this season. You can almost lock it in. 

(3-2) Dallas Cowboys 26
(0-5) Kansas City Chiefs 20 

Wade Philips needs to thank Tony Romo and Miles Austin for saving his job. Austin’s 10 catches for 250 yards was a Cowboy franchise record and could not have come at a more significant moment with Roy Williams on the bench. While winless, Kansas City is at least keeping things close. 

(1-3) Carolina Panthers 20
(2-3) Washington Redskins 17 

Take THAT Jim Zorn! Oh man, it is SO sweet to watch Dan Snyder’s Redskins give teams their first win. I can’t imagine Zorn or Jason Campbell’s jobs are safe for long. A do-over in DC is coming this offseason. Welcome out of the loser’s club Carolina. 

(4-1) Cincinnati Bengals 17
(3-2) Baltimore Ravens 14 

The Ravens may have cost themselves some opportunities with awfully-timed penalties, but make no mistake, the Bengals won this game on their own. They are legit and in control of that division. Carson Palmer should be back on his way to the cream of the quarterback crop. 

Joe's Final Drive: Week 4 posted by Joe Anello

Someone finally looked like a rookie quarterback; things are going south in Tennessee, and some guy named Brett Favre made headlines. I wrap up week four in the NFL with the Final Drive! 

(3-1) New England Patriots 27
(3-1) Baltimore Ravens 21 

Okay, so has everyone gotten the “don’t touch or breathe on Tom Brady’s legs” memo? Ray Lewis, you can complain all you want about bad penalties or ball spots; it still doesn’t change that fact that your defense let Tom Brady get fourteen points in the second quarter. You’re 3-1; it wasn’t the AFC Championship game. Man up and take the loss.

 
Seriously. Don't touch him. 

(2-2) Jacksonville Jaguars 37
(0-4) Tennessee Titans 17 

Um, what teams were on this field? David Garrard threw like the QB that earned his massive contract and Mike Sims-Walker is turning out to be the Jaguars’ best receiver. In Tennessee, things are a mess. Their defense is crumbling after the loss of Albert Haynesworth. If they lose to Indianapolis next week (and they should) and fall to 0-5, look for Vince Young to take over for Kerry Collins. Even if its not Collins’ fault, the team needs a spark.

Where have you been?  

(4-0) New Orleans Saints 24

NFL Week 3: Notes and Commentary posted by John Frascella

(I've also posted this on my blog at FanNation.com).

It's been an interesting NFL Sunday thus far, so I had the urge to get my two cents in on the day's events. First thing that comes to my mind, it's going right into this post...

-New York football is riding high, as both the Jets and Giants have improved to 3-0. The Giants had a walk in the park against the laughable Tampa Bay Bucs, but the Jets had to work extremely hard for their victory against the desperate Tennessee Titans. Rex Ryan's boys (and my favorite team) certainly earned the win, but Tennessee's wide receiver drops had a little something to do with it. Kerry Collins' statistics were very misleading today; he actually played well. 

-My preseason predictions suggested a bit of a surprising season for the Washington Redskins in the NFC East, but the surprise is how BAD they are. Congrats to the Detroit Lions on breaking their seemingly endless losing streak against the 'Skins. Jim Zorn's crew had the opportunity to steal away the victory in the late fourth, but Detroit held its ground. Washington simply doesn't have the weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Clinton Portis played banged up but didn't provide much. 

-The Houston Texans continued their enigmatic ways, falling to 1-2 and giving the Jaguars their first victory of the season. Maurice-Jones Drew showed up in a big way for you fantasy addicts out there. Houston was about to tie the game at 31, but Chris Brown (aka Chris Breezy) fumbled away a sure touchdown. Tough one for the Texans and their faithful. 

Cullen new Jaguars defensive line coach (AP)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired defensive line coach Ted Monachino and replaced him with Joe Cullen. Monachino, who had been with the team the last four seasons, essentially became the scapegoat for a defense that ranked last in the NFL in sacks. The Jaguars finished with a franchise-low 14 sacks in 2009 and got picked apart by experienced quarterbacks. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Patriots LB Seau retires for fourth time (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Jags' Del Rio says he's staying in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are sticking with coach Jack Del Rio, atleast for another season. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Del Rio to remain Jaguars coach (AP)

After conducting his most extensive review in 15 years, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver decided to stick with coach Jack Del Rio. At least for another year. Weaver held a half-day meeting with Del Rio on Tuesday, then said the two would continue their rebuilding project with the Jaguars. "I believe in Jack, that's he's the guy," Weaver said two days before his 75th... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports