The Denver Broncos came to terms with their second and third-round draft picks

Tebow might be the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart when the Broncos open training camp Sunday, but he's been the No. 1 subject in town since the Broncos traded three draft picks for the right to select him No. 25 overall in April's NFL Draft.

Broncos fans didn't know quite what to expect when the team added Tebow - a college legend with questionable passing mechanics - to a roster that already had two veteran quarterbacks.

"People started ordering shots because they were so mad they Brian Dawkins had to get drunk," Nikki Owen, a bartender at the popular Sports Column in Denver, told The Post the day after Tebow was drafted.

But fans are quickly warming to the idea of Tebow, the former Florida Gators star, taking hold of the franchise the way John Elway did in the 1980s.

"I think there's a connection with Tim Tebow and the way he's acted, come in and (shown) the type of person he is. He fits perfect into this community," Elway said. "Everyone is excited about him because they kind of feel like, you know, he's the next son of Denver.Champ Bailey  That's how I felt when I came in."

No. 1 quarterback Kyle Orton and back-up Brady Quinn can't match Tebow's allure. Already, his jersey is the No. 1 seller in the NFL. The league website sells his jersey in orange, white, and blue and in all adult and youth sizes. NFL.com also offers two versions for women, the "Zebra Field Flirt" and "Pink Sweetheart."

Tebow hasn't had any effect on season tickets - the Broncos football jerseys have sold out every home game since 1970, the second-longest streak in the NFL behind Washington. But Patrick Smyth, the Broncos' director of media relations, expects a record crowd when the team opens training camp in Englewood, Colo.

The club has been inundated with requests from local organizations for appearances by Tebow. And several Florida radio stations inquired about carrying Broncos' regular-season games (the team turned them down to honor their agreement with existing affiliates in the Rocky Mountains).

Colorado's evangelical community, which includes Christian-based groups Focus on the Family and Promise Keepers, can barely contain its excitement over the presence of Tebow, who is widely known for his missionary work.

"We've received an overwhelming response," one of Tebow's agents, Angel Gonzalez, told Fanhouse.com. "Denver is like a satellite office of the Bible Belt."

And everyone from CNN and Fox News to "a 12-year-old in St. Louis who owns his own Christian-based website," Smyth said, has been trying to interview Tebow.

He hasn't had much time to honor such requests. Aside from a speaking engagement at a church in suburban Atlanta and an autograph show in Fort Pierce, Tebow has been focused on overhauling his throwing mechanics and learning the Broncos' encyclopedic playbook.

The Denver Broncos came to terms with their second and third-round draft picks, offensive lineman Zane Beadles and wide receiver Eric Decker, the team announced on Tuesday.

Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Beadles, taken with the 45th overall selection from Utah, started 50 of 51 games over his collegiate career and was named the team's most valuable offensive lineman twice.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder also was named the All-Mountain West Eddie Royal Conference team in two seasons.

"He's a very smart player," Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said about Beadles. "He's tough, a good finisher and he's played a lot of games."

Decker, who was taken 87th overall, is expected to report for the first day of training camp on Wednesday.

Detroit Lions were to roll into south Florida

Wouldn't it be unbelievably fantastic if the Detroit Lions were to roll into south Florida and feast on 'Phish for an after-Christmas delight on Sunday afternoon, December 26, 2010?

 It could happen, and it isn't as far fetched an idea as some might think.

 I got to wondering the other day, what would it take for the Lions to pull off an upset,  on-the-road victory against a team highly capable of winning the AFC East? What conditions would have to be present in order for the Lions to beat the Dolphins on the road at Sun Life Stadium?

My first response?

A miracle.

One of my most anticipated matchups during Week 2 of the 2010 NFL season is Miami at Minnesota.  The league and its fans will have a pretty good idea of what they have on their hands in both teams by close of business on September 19, 2010.

Fortunately for the Detroit Lions and their fans, a Sunday afternoon contest on the day after Christmas in Miami comes in Week 16, the week before the regular season finale.

It would actually be in the Lions favor if they were facing a Miami team boasting a 12-win record.  If the Dolphins had the AFC East already locked up by Week 16, there's a good chance the Miami leadership might suggest a pragmatic "rest" for certain key starters in lieu of risking injury to them right before the start of the playoffs.

Go Dolphins, Go!

Right up until Christmas, that is.

The Dolphins will face each team in the NFC North this year, and I will be especially interested not only in their second-week game against the Vikings, but also their October 17th trip to Green Bay, not to mention their hosting of the Bears on the 18th of November.

I will be hoping for DE Jared Odrick and LB Karlos Dansby to put the "Mallachi Crunch" on both Aaron Rodgers and Jay "Breaded Veal" Cutler, as each co-stars as Pinky Tusacdero (yes, Happy Days, circa 1976).  (Think Dick Sergeant – Rodgers - then Dick York – Cutler - and you'll be just fine.  Yes, Bewitched, but you get it I think.)

Many pro football fans find it okay to have a home team that your root for —you know, "your team" (for me, obviously the Detroit Lions). They also happens to be in the National Football Conference, which means I have a team to secondarily cheer for in the other conference.  So as a youth, my team was the Detroit Lions followed by my AFC team, the Miami Dolphins.

Larry Czonka (Hall of Fame Class of 1987) was probably my favorite Dolphins player on offense, and I loved to watch the "Killer B" defense.

Although the Miami Dolphins offense presents its own particular threat to any NFL defense, it is the Miami defense that concerns me the most.

Now if the Dolphins leadership team finds it practical to rest certain defenders, I for one wouldn't mind at all.  I would find their "rather safe than sorry" attitude a real blessing for the Detroit Lions in late December. It gives the visiting Leos a good shot at ending 2010 on a victorious note.

Of all the 2010 Detroit Lions jerseys road games I would be most interested in attending, the Miami contest is my runaway winner.  For vanity's sake, it would be nice to let the south Florida sun tan my freshly shaved dome, but that is neither here nor there.  A natural tan on New Year's Eve is a rare thing for us Michigan folks!

From an offensive perspective, if Chad Henne and Matthew Stafford both start and finish the game, football fans of the quarterback position should be in for a real treat.

Two former first-round Michigan men will start at left tackle, Jake Long Calvin Johnson for the 'Phins, and Jeff Backus for the Leos.  For many Lions fans, that's where the comparison stops.

Regardless of Jim Schwartz' declaration that the play of Jeff Backus was worthy of pro bowl votes based on his 2009 campaign, fans will remain "from Missouri" until they see Backus' sack total reduced to around three or four on the 2010 season.

There were a lot of eyebrows raised when it was announced that the new Detroit Lions jerseys signed veteran cornerback Dre Bly. Some of that skepticism is warranted, some of it is not.

Bly, who just turned 33, is entering his 12th NFL season and his best days are clearly behind him. He was a full-time starter for seven years before starting just six of 16 games with the San Francisco 49ers last season.

The Broncos defense had numerous lapses last season

QB Kyle Orton will once again be the starter as he has proven to be an unspectacular but capable player at the pro level. He finished the season with 3,802 passing yards, completing 62.1% of his attempts. He threw for 21 TD's against 12 interceptions for a passer rating of 86.8.

One major loss on offense will be WR Brandon Marshall, who was traded to Miami back Eddie Royal in April. Even though he wanted to be traded before last season, he ended the year with 101 receptions for 1,120 yards. That production will be hard to replace with their current core of receivers. They have to hope that first round pick, WR Demaryius Thomas can quickly adapt to the pro game.

Much of the offseason chatter about Denver has revolved around them using their other pick in the first round to select QB Tim Tebow. Even though he is currently listed as third on the depth chart, do not be surprised if they find a way to work him into the lineup for some wildcat type plays.

The Broncos defense had numerous lapses last season Champ Bailey but still finished the season ranked seventh overall and 12th in total points allowed. While they were ranked third against the pass they had trouble stopping the run, ending up ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed. Since they primarily used the draft to address the offensive side of the ball, they will be going with pretty much the same roster as last year. They did add LB Akin Ayodele as a free agent from Miami and resigned DE Elvis Dumervil to a restricted free agent tender.

 Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Colt McCoy married his longtime girlfriend Rachel Glandorf over the weekend, and friends led by best man and former Texas teammate Jordan Shipley were so enraptured that they wrote a song for McCoy and his bride set to country music.

According to TMZ and various other entertainment news outlets, the ode contained a reference to Tim Tebow, a previous Heisman trophy winner with the Florida Gators now with the new Denver Broncos jerseys.

People at the reception reportedly booed when Tebow's name was brought into the lyrics. Or so said TMZ and other sites that posted the video.

McCoy, of course, is a rookie with the Cleveland Browns after a storied career as quarterback of the Texas Longhorns. Shipley was a draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Training camp starts soon, and you can bet any honeymoon with Browns fans will be short — if McCoy even gets on the field for any length of time this season.

The same can be said for Tebow, as some wonder how much impact he will have as a rookie with the Broncos jerseys.

Dallas Cowboys and Tony Romo

We won't have as much to go on," said Cowboys executive V.P. Stephen Jones. "We usually have a lot more contracts to go off of. That will make it more challenging."

According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys Roy Williams have decided to not take their usual wait and see approach but they will instead open up contract talks with wide receiver Dez Bryant. Dallas traded up for Bryant in the first-round last April. No first-round picks have been signed to this point, which would make Bryant the first.

Owusu-Ansah, who will sign a four-year deal, had shoulder surgery following his senior season at Indiana (Pa.). He was held out of minicamp and organized team activities. He is close to being cleared to play but will not be ready when the Cowboys begin camp in San Antonio on Saturday.

Carrollton Christian Academy football coach George Teague has been selected to attend the NFL-USA Football Summit later this week in Canton, Ohio.

The former Cowboys safety was the selection from Texas, and will join coaches from the other 49 states and Washington at the summit.


Tony Romo has a reputation in big games and the NFL Playoffs. Romo is described as a choker and a quarterback that is not capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl title by his detractors. Romo supporters stand behind him, despite his lack of titles but this is the season of no excuses for Romo and the Dallas Cowboys.

Can Tony Romo Deliver a Hometown NFL Super Bowl to Owner Jerry Jones?

Once Jerry Jones built his new Cowboys Stadium for over one billion dollars, the pressure was on. Tony Romo has yet to prove he can win under pressure and this NFL season will be pressure filled from the opening game and will compound with each subsequent game.

There is another way to look at the pressure Jason Witten filled season for the Dallas Cowboys and Tony Romo. They will be accustomed to the pressure once the NFL season starts and Romo may be able to shake his reputation as a great regular season QB and a terrible NFL Playoff QB.

Dallas Cowboys Have the Best Offensive Weapons in the NFL

Pick your poison with the  new Dallas Cowboys jerseys. Dallas can run the ball down an opponent's throat with a straight ahead banger, Marion Barber or send Felix Jones around the end for a huge breakaway run. Jones and Barber are a perfect tandem in the backfield. Jones has the speed on the outside and Barber can punish the defense like no other running back.

Shortly after the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl

Nate Jones played running back and defensive back at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. As a senior, he was a first-team all-state selection, rushing for 2,474 yards and 36 touchdowns along with 6 interceptoins.

Nate Jones played college ball at Rutgers, where he was a four year letterman. He finished his career with 219 tackles, 5 interceptions, 18 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. He also blocked three kicks and returned 82 kickoffs for 3 touchdowns.

He was then drafted in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys Brian Dawkins  in the 2004 Draft. He played in all 16 games in his rookie year while recording 31 tackles and a sack. In 2005, he continued his role as a backup and notched 2 tackles on defense with 12 on special teams. In 2006, he was inactive for the first 12 games, but in the final four he recorded 8 tackles on defense and 3 on special teams. In 2007, he was inactive for one game and played as a backup in 15. He recorded 17 tackles, a sack and 2 forced fumbles on defense and 9 tackles, 6 kickoff returns for a 20.4 yard average on special teams.

After the 2007 season, Nate Jones became a free agent and signed a two-year new Denver Broncos jerseys deal with the Miami Dolphins. The obvious connection is Bill Parcells, who drafted Jones as the head coach of the Cowboys in 2004. In 2009, the Dolphins used Jones much more extensively than he was used as a Cowboy. He was lined up in nickel packages and often covered the slot receiver. He recorded a career-high 45 tackles. From reports I've read, he did a great job of playing nickel corner, last year, but the reason he was cut is likely because of how Wes Welker shredded his coverage twice last year to the tune of 19 receptions for 251 yards. Let's face it, though... not many people in the NFL are going to be able to cover Wes Welker. Also, if you assume he made the tackle on most of those Welker receptions, you could say that Welker was almost half of his receptions allowed and that was only in two games. That has to count for a moral victory, at least.

It's true that Shanahan would never win a Super Bowl without Elway. But Elway was 0-3 in the "Big One" before Shanahan became his head coach.

It was widely expected that Bubby Brister, Elway's longtime backup, would inherit the Champ Bailey starting job for the 1999 season. It was here, however, that Shanahan first demonstrated his unpredictability in handling his team's quarterback situation. Instead of Brister, Shanahan started second-year quarterback Brian Griese, the team's third-round draft pick in 1998.

Shanahan also had to overcome the loss of another key offensive weapon, running back Terrell Davis. The 1998 NFL MVP was lost to a knee injury four games into the season.

Davis' replacement was rookie Olandis Gary, a fourth-round draft pick. All Gary did was rush for 1,159 yards in 12 games. He became the first in a long line of "plug and play" running backs who were able to crank out 1,000-yard seasons running behind Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme.

Despite the success of Gary, the Broncos' chances of a Super Bowl "three-peat" were dead in the water by early October after a 0-4 start. Griese performed just like one would expect a first-year starter to perform - he was consistently inconsistent.

In 2000, Shanahan and the Broncos rebounded to post an 11-5 record. The designated Eddie Royal beneficiary of Denver's run-blocking machine was 26-year-old rookie Mike Anderson, who had played for the band in high school and had spent a four-year hitch in the Marines. The sixth-round pick ran for 1,487 yards.

But the Broncos lost to Baltimore 21-3 in the first round of the playoffs. That started a disturbing trend for Shanahan. After going 7-1 in his first eight playoff games, Shanahan and the Broncos went 1-4 in the postseason for the rest of the coach's tenure in Denver.

Shanahan's last playoff loss was particularly hard to swallow. The 2005 Broncos had rolled to a 13-3 regular-season record and held the second seed in the AFC playoffs. Jake Plummer, acquired by Shanahan as a free agent, had replaced Griese at quarterback and reeled off a Pro Bowl year. Anderson (1,014) and Tatum Bell (921) combined to rush for nearly 2,000 yards. The defense did its part, holding opponents to 258 points, the third-best mark in the NFL.

The Broncos knocked off the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots in the divisional round.  But the Steelers, a wild-card team playing its third road game of the playoffs, came into Denver and thumped the Broncos 34-17.

Shanahan would last in Denver for three more seasons. The Broncos went 24-24. Some questionable draft picks, and some free agency signings that didn't work out hurt. The defense morphed from one of the "bend but don't break" variety to a sieve. They gave up over 400 points in 2007 (409) and again in 2008 (448).

Who would be that team in 2010?

Who would be that team in 2010? After missing the playoffs in 2009, it would be easy to suggest a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers would rebound; even though the division they're in makes it tough for anyone to assure a lock for a playoff berth. The San Francisco 49ers have as good a shot as any, considering the NFC West is arguably the least competitive division in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals going through many downgrades throughout the offseason.

Of the twenty teams that didn't make the playoffs in 2009, one must consider Chad Ochocinco  the offseason moves, as well as the moves from the competition in their division.

During the offseason, the Oakland Raiders picked up a quarterback in Jason Campbell; a vast improvement over JaMarcus Russell. Improving the 26th ranked team defense, the Raiders drafted linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive tackle LaMarr Houston while trading for linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive end Quentin Groves and signing John Henderson. Having a defense that incorporates youth with veterans will assuredly help a defense that has an offense like the San Diego Chargers in the same division.

However, in the same division, you have to ask who else has improved? The Denver Broncos traded their best wide receiver in Brandon Marshall and their tight end Tony Scheffler with a quarterback competition between Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn expected. Kansas City made moves that will improve their offense by keeping receiver Chris Chambers and signing running back Thomas Jones Andre Smith while improving the defense through the draft with safety Eric Berry and Javier Arenas. While the Chiefs are noticeably improved, it's questionable if they'll be ready for a playoff run. While the team signed receiver Josh Reed, the San Diego Chargers will lose their primary receiver Vincent Jackson, who will serve a three-game suspension to start the season.

 

The most important offseason move might have been the re-signing of right guard Bobbie Cincinnati Bengals jerseys Williams, whose return brings back a unit that played better than expected last season, particularly in the running game. The Bengals were 9th in the league in rushing offense and averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Whether quarterback Carson Palmer can elevate his game or not, will determine their ultmate success. What many don't realize is that the Bengals were surprisingly 26th in overall passing offense last season. In a pass-dominated league, they will definitely have to improve that. Moreover, with a possibility of a Cedric Benson suspension, Palmer may have to take this team by the reigns and carry a majority of the load. If Chad Ocho Cinco can keep his mind on football and tune out all the extra-curricular activities, it should provide a huge helping hand for Quarterback Carson Palmer. The 2010 Cincinnatti Bengals AFC North Odds to win the division is

 

I tend not to talk about the Broncos

The former Tiger football player — originally from Campbellton — begins his fourth season with the new Denver Broncos jerseys this year, and is in his first year as the club's assistant director of pro personnel.

Kelly spent the last two years with Denver as their assistant coordinator of pro and college scouting after joining the club as a Northeast region scout in 2007. In his current position, Kelly is responsible for assisting the director in the evaluation and acquisition of free agents in addition to advance scouting and compiling research for the club.
He was hired by the Broncos after working as the general manager and wide receiver coach for the Lexington Horsemen of United Indoor Football during their 2007 campaign.

Being a former wide receiver himself, at the University of Kentucky, Kelly was well cut-out for the job. He continued his playing career with the Horsemen from 2003 to 2006 as a defensive standout and was a two-time first-team UIF All-Star.

During his final season with the Horsemen, Kelly received the UIF Man of the Year Award, an honor recognizing leadership both on the field and in the community. 
But even with all his accomplishments, Kelly says his true pride is with his recently formed non-profit corporation, Heart Power, which funds "The C.H.A.M.P. Camp," a non-profit youth football camp throughout the state. Kelly founded the organization with his wife Stephanie Kelly.

"I tend not to talk about the Broncos jerseys, because even though I am thankful for my opportunities, my true pride is in this program," Kelly said. "I believe in offering youth a chance to see what they are made of. I want to inspire those who may not believe in their abilities, that anyone can accomplish what they put their mind to. It's about grading out the doubt."

 

The long drought is about over as National Football League camps open the end of July, and college football practice shortly thereafter. Now, with blood coursing through my veins again I'll write random articles about various teams and players, both professional and college. This first one is about the Florida phenom Tim Tebow, and his possible impact on the Denver Broncos jerseys.

 

Ripples of disbelief ran through the NFL when Denver picked Tim Tebow with pick #25 in the first round of the draft. A quarterback, Tebow graduated from Florida with impressive stats but considered a work project because of his unorthodox passing style, and lack of experience as a drop back passer. Switch him to a different position was the consensus opinion, but Denver coach Josh McDaniels seems to have made Tebow his personal project.

 

From all appearances, McDaniels doesn't intend to ask Tebow to switch positions, and it looks like Tebow may see playing time this year. If that's all true, McDaniels has a situation to resolve. Right now Denver has three quarterbacks Kyle Orton, the projected starter, Brady Quinn and Tebow as backups. NFL rules state the #1 and #2 listed quarterbacks cannot return to a game if the #3 quarterback enters the game, before the fourth quarter. So, at what position or what number quarterback is Tebow listed at game time.

 

 

The New York Jets

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team hadn't announced the signing.

Ducasse, the 61st overall pick, is competing with Matt Slauson for the starting left guard spot. Alan Faneca  had started there the past two seasons, but was cut after the Jets drafted Ducasse.

There is no question that the new New York Jets jerseys finished the 2009 season with a bang making it all the way to the AFC Championship Game, but few remember this was a team that really struggled in the middle of the season losing six of seven and at one point were just 4-6. The Jets went on a tear to finish the season winning five of their final six to sneak into the playoffs at 9-7. They then upended the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers before falling victim to Peyton Manning and the Colts in the AFC title game. With some big acquisitions this offseason the Jets head into the 2010 season with huge expectations, but I for one am not sold on the Jets being the team to beat in the East this season. Here is a look at what the Jets will bring to the table on both sides of the ball in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the year in the division.

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Offense: Mark Sanchez started from day one as a rookie in 2009, and had his ups and downs throughout the course of the season. Sanchez finished the year with just 12 touchdowns to 20 interceptions, but really cut down on his interceptions once head coach Rex Ryan focused more on the run.

I want Mike Mitchell on the damn field.

Compounding Russell's problems were a work ethic and body type that didn't exactly go hand in hand. The QB would often balloon up to body sizes you normally only see on OTs and NTs, not something that gave Oakland's fans a lot of faith in the man who was supposed to be leading their team. Reports that came out around the time Russell was cut suggested that he was close to 300lbs.

Recently rumors surfaced the Jets were looking into the possibility of adding Russell as a backup QB for the 2010 season. With a small contract the Jets would have seen this as a low risk and high reward move and Russell would have got the opportunity to resurrect his career in a new city all the way across the country. If the deal with the Jets had not come to fruition chances are that a team needing an extra body for training camp would have called later in the summer.

 

This led to Mitchell slotted as the backup strong safety behind Oakland Raiders and the third—string free safety behind Michael Huff and Hiram Eugene.

 

As the season got underway, Mitchell was a special teams gunner, making his mark by laying out a return man or two.

 

Towards the last half of the season, Mitchell's play seemed to inprove. He began laying in what looks to be a Wolverine package; where he had free will to either blitz off the weak side or drop back into three-deep coverage. He recorded 12 tackles and a sack in this scheme.

 

Sure, safety is an extremely important position. It's your your last line of defense against the run and the pass.

 

Against Oakland Raiders , Pittsburgh, and even Dallas, Mitchell was dropping back more than mad rushing. Funny thing is, he looked very good; no blown coverage. In fact, most Raider fans didn't notice he was on the field, which is good in the sense that he played shut-down coverage.

 

Tyvon Branch is a lock at SS, and a Pro Bowl is coming his way.

 

Michael Huff may switch to CB, and if he underachieves, Mitchell will be right there to oust Eugene for the spot.