Okay, so my Rocky Mountain Showdown pick didn't exactly pan out. The Rams suffered a 28-14 defeat to the Buffs. A botched block punt (I still can't believe that a blocking a punt could be a game-changer... for the other team. Ugh.) by the Rams led to a CU touchdown that really changed the complexion of the game. Dumb penalties and an inability to get off the field on third-and-long doomed the Rams. They did bounce back last week with a 35-34 win in double-overtime against the Aggies of Utah State and are now 3-1 heading into this weekend's game against San Jose State.
Anyway, back to the main topic here: Gears of War 3. The third entry in Epic Games' hit franchise for the Xbox 360 was released last week with great success, selling over 3 million copies, but is it any good? The answer: yes, yes it is.
Gears of War 3 takes place about 18 months after the events of Gears of War 2. That game ended with the last human stronghold, Jacinto, being collapsed into the Locust Hollow, stopping the enemy advance in a flood of water but leaving the remaining human survivors stranded at sea. A new enemy was revealed: the Lambent.
The campaign in Gears of War 3 is the best to date. Written by author Karen Traviss, the Gears 3 story is the most seamless of the three and has quite a bit of an emotional impact. It's a story of survival; with their leaders having abandoned them, the surviving humans scrounge for whatever they can find, trying to persist for another day in the face of the Lambent onslaught. Without giving too much of the story away, Marcus Fenix and the members of Delta Squad discover that Marcus' father is still alive and may hold the key to humanity's survival.
As I mentioned earlier, Gears of War 3 has more of an emotional impact than the previous games. The settings and artwork really convey this. The towns and cities are largely abandoned and destroyed with rubble and rusted, abandoned vehicles strewn about the streets. The Stranded shantytowns really add to the desperate feel, and you are forced to scrounge for whatever ammo you can find at times.
The level set in the city of Char was the most haunting, impactful experience in Gears 3. Char was devastated during the Hammer of Dawn strikes early on in the Locust-Human conflict, and the designers at Epic did a phenomenal job driving that feeling home. The city has a post-apocalyptic feel, but most striking were the ashen remains of its citizens, frozen in time like the Romans at Pompeii. It's quite sobering and one of the most emotionally-powerful scenes I've ever witnessed in a game.
This is certainly the most tightly-written and most-developed story of the trilogy, but I did have some minor quibbles with it. First, past events are alluded to without explanation or fleshing out, and they weren't events from the previous games. My hunch is that they are from the Gears of War novels, which were also written by Karen Traviss. While I find it pretty cool that they might be integrating the books into the overall storylines of the games, I do wish they had explained those story references more in the game for those players who haven't read the novels. That might not matter to many players, but for those who do enjoy a game's story, it is an annoyance.
Story quibbles aside, playing the game itself is a lot of fun. The control scheme and gameplay are good. The cover system works well, and there is a wide variety of weapons at your disposal. The voice-acting and dialogue's nothing to complain about, and the wide range of environment keeps the game from looking repetitive. The game is visually arresting, with the dark, gritty, forlorn look of the ruined cities contrasting with the rich opulence of Azura. It was nice to be able to see and explore more of the world of Sera.
The multiplayer component is the component that separates Gears of War 3 the most from its predecessors, however. Gears of War and Gears of War 2 were plagued with multiplayer issues and problems. They just did not run as smoothly as other games such as Halo and Call of Duty. I'm an avid online gamer, and these problems really turned me off to playing Gears online. I barely played either of them online. I have yet to really play Gears of War 3 online, but I did heavily participate in its multiplayer beta this year, and I can safely say that it got me hooked. The big problems seem to be a thing of the past. Gears of War 3 is a fun game to play online. There is a bit of a learning curve, but I quickly found myself holding my own more often than not, which was a far cry from my online forays in the earlier games. There are some annoying tactics, such as the shotgun roll (roll at a guy then blast him with a shotgun), but they don't overpower the game like similar strategies in other games like Call of Duty, for example. Besides the typical online offerings, Gears of War 3 brings back the popular Horde mode from Gears of War 2, where players team up to hold out against waves of attacking enemies. Gears of War 3 ups the ante with Beast mode, where players control Locust units and try and defeat computer-controlled Human soldiers.
I must mention that this is definitely a mature game. While players are able to turn off the blood, Gears of War is a violent game that is not suitable for young children. The famed chainsaw bayonet on the Lancer assault rifle is back, allowing players to saw enemies in half. Each weapon has its own gruesome execution, and players and enemies alike can literally be blown apart.
In the end, Gears of War 3 is nothing revolutionary or ground-breaking. Rather than reinvent the wheel, Epic chose to make small refinements on its ultra-successful franchise. It will feel familiar to those who have played either of the first two installments in the franchise, but that's a good thing. The original Gears of War was a great game, and Gears of War 3 is that much better. Boasting great graphics, superb gameplay, a well-crafted story, and a much-improved multiplayer suite, Gears of War 3 is a must-have for any hardcore first-person shooter aficionado.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Rocky Mountain Showdown
It's here! The Rocky Mountain Showdown is finally upon us! Traditionally played on Labor Day weekend, the rivalry game between the University of Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams is the third game of the season for both teams. CU, in its first year in the Pac 12, enters the game 0-2, losing its opener to Hawai'i 34-17 and suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Cal 36-33 in overtime despite a school-record 284 receiving yards from sophomore receiver Paul Richardson. Colorado State comes in with a 2-0 record, having beaten New Mexico 14-10 and Northern Colorado 33-14.
On paper, it would seem that CSU has all the momentum heading into this game, but as Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!"
CU is starting its first year in a new conference and has a new coach, so enthusiasm and excitement are rampant. Jon Embree, a former Buff, has taken over for Dan Hawkins and brought in several former Buff stars such as Eric Bienemy and Kanavis McGhee as assistants. After getting manhandled by Hawai'i, CU improved dramatically against Cal, falling in overtime to a team that had thrashed the Buffs 52-7 one year prior. The Buffs have an experienced quarterback in senior Tyler Hansen, and the aforementioned Richardson and senior tailback Rodney Stewart, who ran for over 1,300 yards last season, are CU's main offensive weapons. Plus, even though it's still early in the season, this is practically a must-win game for CU. A loss drops them to 0-3 with a trip to Columbus, Ohio to play #17 Ohio State looming ahead. A loss to CSU means CU will likely be 0-4 heading into conference play. That's not how the Buffs want to start off their first season in the Pac 12.
CSU comes into the game 2-0 led by sophomore quarterback Pete Thomas and a much-improved defense. The Ram defense stifled the Lobos, recording 10 sacks. Defensive end Nordly Capi set an NCAA record with four forced fumbles, including one with under a minute to go to stop a New Mexico drive deep in Ram territory and seal the win for CSU. The Rams came out firing on all cylinders a week later against the Bears of Northern Colorado building a 28-0 halftime lead and racking up 501 yards of total offense on the day. Any win over archrival CU is a big win, but a win here means the Rams will be 3-0 with a great chance to be undefeated at 5-0 heading into a showdown with #4 Boise State in Fort Collins on October 15.
However, there are some cracks in the Rams' armor that CU may be able to exploit. CSU has been hit hard with injuries, losing defensive lineman Broderick Sargent for the season against New Mexico and defensive stalwart Mychal Sisson to a fractured ankle suffered against UNC. Sisson, a senior linebacker, leads the nation with 40 career tackles for loss and was tops in the country with seven forced fumbles last year. He is the team's best player, and losing him is a big blow. Also, as good as the Rams were against UNC in the first half, they were just as bad in the second, getting outscored 14-5. Pete Thomas has shown marked improvement over his true freshman campaign, but he threw three interceptions against the Bears. Finally, the Rams have not faced a receiver as explosive as Richardson.
For the Rams to win, they must do four things:
1. Protect the football -- In last year's Showdown, Thomas was intercepted three times in a 24-3 CU victory. In previous games, the Rams had double-digit leads in the fourth quarter only to lose after inopportune turnovers by quarterbacks Justin Holland and Caleb Hanie. The Rams must protect the football and not allow CU to capitalize on turnovers.
2. Run the football -- CSU operates a traditional pro-style offense that is based off of the running game. In order for the offense to be truly effective, it has to have an effective running game. The last time the Rams defeated the Buffs (2009 in Boulder), they ran for 168 yards and pulled off a 23-17 upset. Being able to run the ball not only takes pressure off of Thomas, it sets up the play action passing game and will allow CSU to employ the deep ball. Thomas has improved greatly from a year ago, but it's probably asking too much for him to win this game on his own without the help of a running game.
3. Stop the run -- CU coach Jon Embree has stated that he wants the Buffs to be a power running team that will run the ball down their opponents' throats. Rodney Stewart has struggled so far this year and has failed to rush for over 100 yards. The CU offense is much like CSU's in that they need balance. CU is not going to have much success if they have to sling it around the whole game. Hawai'i was able to force the Buffs to become one-dimensional and harrassed Hanson all night. The Buff's senior quarterback is capable and experienced, but he's not the kind of guy who should be throwing 50 passes a game. CSU must keep Stewart in check. If they don't, that will allow the Buffs to open up their offense. The Rams will have to bring another guy into the box, leaving one fewer guy to cover Paul Richardson. If that happens, he could have another big day. Finally...
4. Blanket Paul Richardson -- The explosive sophomore lit up Cal's defense to the tune of 284 yards receiving on 11 catches with 2 touchdowns. He currently leads the nation in receiving yards and is the Buffs' big-play threat. The Rams must not let him take over the game and give CU a lift with some big plays. The Rams will probably look to double-cover Richardson since CU's next-leading wideout is true freshman Tyler McCulloch with 4 receptions. If the Rams can limit Richardson, they stand a good chance of winning the game.
Rivalry games are tough. The emotions and intensity are ratcheted up. The team that is able to handle those best will come out on top. This is a game that could go either way. CSU enters the game with confidence and looks much improved from a year ago. However, they are banged up. CU has some weapons but has yet to win on the year.
My prediction? As a proud Colorado State graduate and Ram fan, I can never pick CU to win. I think CSU will pull it out, 24-17.
On paper, it would seem that CSU has all the momentum heading into this game, but as Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!"
CU is starting its first year in a new conference and has a new coach, so enthusiasm and excitement are rampant. Jon Embree, a former Buff, has taken over for Dan Hawkins and brought in several former Buff stars such as Eric Bienemy and Kanavis McGhee as assistants. After getting manhandled by Hawai'i, CU improved dramatically against Cal, falling in overtime to a team that had thrashed the Buffs 52-7 one year prior. The Buffs have an experienced quarterback in senior Tyler Hansen, and the aforementioned Richardson and senior tailback Rodney Stewart, who ran for over 1,300 yards last season, are CU's main offensive weapons. Plus, even though it's still early in the season, this is practically a must-win game for CU. A loss drops them to 0-3 with a trip to Columbus, Ohio to play #17 Ohio State looming ahead. A loss to CSU means CU will likely be 0-4 heading into conference play. That's not how the Buffs want to start off their first season in the Pac 12.
CSU comes into the game 2-0 led by sophomore quarterback Pete Thomas and a much-improved defense. The Ram defense stifled the Lobos, recording 10 sacks. Defensive end Nordly Capi set an NCAA record with four forced fumbles, including one with under a minute to go to stop a New Mexico drive deep in Ram territory and seal the win for CSU. The Rams came out firing on all cylinders a week later against the Bears of Northern Colorado building a 28-0 halftime lead and racking up 501 yards of total offense on the day. Any win over archrival CU is a big win, but a win here means the Rams will be 3-0 with a great chance to be undefeated at 5-0 heading into a showdown with #4 Boise State in Fort Collins on October 15.
However, there are some cracks in the Rams' armor that CU may be able to exploit. CSU has been hit hard with injuries, losing defensive lineman Broderick Sargent for the season against New Mexico and defensive stalwart Mychal Sisson to a fractured ankle suffered against UNC. Sisson, a senior linebacker, leads the nation with 40 career tackles for loss and was tops in the country with seven forced fumbles last year. He is the team's best player, and losing him is a big blow. Also, as good as the Rams were against UNC in the first half, they were just as bad in the second, getting outscored 14-5. Pete Thomas has shown marked improvement over his true freshman campaign, but he threw three interceptions against the Bears. Finally, the Rams have not faced a receiver as explosive as Richardson.
For the Rams to win, they must do four things:
1. Protect the football -- In last year's Showdown, Thomas was intercepted three times in a 24-3 CU victory. In previous games, the Rams had double-digit leads in the fourth quarter only to lose after inopportune turnovers by quarterbacks Justin Holland and Caleb Hanie. The Rams must protect the football and not allow CU to capitalize on turnovers.
2. Run the football -- CSU operates a traditional pro-style offense that is based off of the running game. In order for the offense to be truly effective, it has to have an effective running game. The last time the Rams defeated the Buffs (2009 in Boulder), they ran for 168 yards and pulled off a 23-17 upset. Being able to run the ball not only takes pressure off of Thomas, it sets up the play action passing game and will allow CSU to employ the deep ball. Thomas has improved greatly from a year ago, but it's probably asking too much for him to win this game on his own without the help of a running game.
3. Stop the run -- CU coach Jon Embree has stated that he wants the Buffs to be a power running team that will run the ball down their opponents' throats. Rodney Stewart has struggled so far this year and has failed to rush for over 100 yards. The CU offense is much like CSU's in that they need balance. CU is not going to have much success if they have to sling it around the whole game. Hawai'i was able to force the Buffs to become one-dimensional and harrassed Hanson all night. The Buff's senior quarterback is capable and experienced, but he's not the kind of guy who should be throwing 50 passes a game. CSU must keep Stewart in check. If they don't, that will allow the Buffs to open up their offense. The Rams will have to bring another guy into the box, leaving one fewer guy to cover Paul Richardson. If that happens, he could have another big day. Finally...
4. Blanket Paul Richardson -- The explosive sophomore lit up Cal's defense to the tune of 284 yards receiving on 11 catches with 2 touchdowns. He currently leads the nation in receiving yards and is the Buffs' big-play threat. The Rams must not let him take over the game and give CU a lift with some big plays. The Rams will probably look to double-cover Richardson since CU's next-leading wideout is true freshman Tyler McCulloch with 4 receptions. If the Rams can limit Richardson, they stand a good chance of winning the game.
Rivalry games are tough. The emotions and intensity are ratcheted up. The team that is able to handle those best will come out on top. This is a game that could go either way. CSU enters the game with confidence and looks much improved from a year ago. However, they are banged up. CU has some weapons but has yet to win on the year.
My prediction? As a proud Colorado State graduate and Ram fan, I can never pick CU to win. I think CSU will pull it out, 24-17.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Moneyball
I had the privilege of seeing a sneak preview of the new movie Moneyball earlier this evening. When I first heard they were turning Michael Lewis' book Moneyball into a movie starring Brad Pitt, I was skeptical. It just didn't seem like that great of an idea. The trailers I had seen looked promising, so I was cautiously optimistic.
I can now safely say that my initial impressions were wrong. Moneyball is a fantastic flick.
The movie takes place in 2002 and centers around Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane and his efforts to rebuild the team after a crushing Game 5 loss to the New York Yankees in the 2001 American League Divisional Series in which the A's blew a 2-0 lead in the series. That A's team featured Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon. However, Oakland operated on a shoestring budget and a miniscule payroll, and both Giambi and Damon were free agents. There was no way Oakland could afford to keep them, especially with big market teams offering more money in free agency. Giambi signed with the Yankees while Damon went to the Red Sox.
Beane knew he needed to do things differently in order to compete with the big spenders. With the help of Peter Brand, a Yale grad with a degree in economics, Beane ignores conventional wisdom and turns to statistics in an effort to build a championship team on a shoestring budget. The key statistic is on-base percentage. Beane concentrates on finding players who traditional scouts don't like for whatever reason (age, body type, etc.) but who excel in reaching base.
While the message of the movie is debatable (having starting pitchers Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and Barry Zito pitch 30-35 times a year each probably had more to do with their success than statistical analysis), there is no denying that the approach used by Beane and Brand changed the game and how players are evaluated. Statistics play a vital role in current baseball front offices. Theo Epstein, General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, has constructed two World Series championship teams using a similar approach to that of Billy Beane. Indeed, Kevin Youkilis, the "Greek God of Walks" and a mainstay on those Boston teams, is highlighted in the movie as the ideal "moneyball" player.
Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill give terrific performances as Billy Beane and Peter Brand (who is actually a fictional character based on Paul Depodesta), respectively. Moneyball features some outstanding dialogue, too. There are some great one-liners, and the interaction between the characters is fantastic.
Moneyball is a great movie for baseball fans and offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how baseball front offices operate. It features a great cast and has a lot of humor. However, people who aren't fans of the sport probably won't enjoy it.
I can now safely say that my initial impressions were wrong. Moneyball is a fantastic flick.
The movie takes place in 2002 and centers around Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane and his efforts to rebuild the team after a crushing Game 5 loss to the New York Yankees in the 2001 American League Divisional Series in which the A's blew a 2-0 lead in the series. That A's team featured Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon. However, Oakland operated on a shoestring budget and a miniscule payroll, and both Giambi and Damon were free agents. There was no way Oakland could afford to keep them, especially with big market teams offering more money in free agency. Giambi signed with the Yankees while Damon went to the Red Sox.
Beane knew he needed to do things differently in order to compete with the big spenders. With the help of Peter Brand, a Yale grad with a degree in economics, Beane ignores conventional wisdom and turns to statistics in an effort to build a championship team on a shoestring budget. The key statistic is on-base percentage. Beane concentrates on finding players who traditional scouts don't like for whatever reason (age, body type, etc.) but who excel in reaching base.
While the message of the movie is debatable (having starting pitchers Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and Barry Zito pitch 30-35 times a year each probably had more to do with their success than statistical analysis), there is no denying that the approach used by Beane and Brand changed the game and how players are evaluated. Statistics play a vital role in current baseball front offices. Theo Epstein, General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, has constructed two World Series championship teams using a similar approach to that of Billy Beane. Indeed, Kevin Youkilis, the "Greek God of Walks" and a mainstay on those Boston teams, is highlighted in the movie as the ideal "moneyball" player.
Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill give terrific performances as Billy Beane and Peter Brand (who is actually a fictional character based on Paul Depodesta), respectively. Moneyball features some outstanding dialogue, too. There are some great one-liners, and the interaction between the characters is fantastic.
Moneyball is a great movie for baseball fans and offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how baseball front offices operate. It features a great cast and has a lot of humor. However, people who aren't fans of the sport probably won't enjoy it.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The More Things Change...
Well thank God the regular season is here so that we can now move on from the quarterback controversy in Denver... oh, wait...
In case you missed it, the Denver Broncos opened their season last night at the newly-christened Sports Authority Field at Mile High against the dreaded Oakland Raiders in what turned out be a less-than-stellar game. The Raiders prevailed 23-20 in a game marred by penalties and sloppy play.
The teams combined for 25 penalties for a whopping 222 yards. Many Denver drives were sustained by Oakland penalties, thus keeping the Raiders from blowing this game open.
While much of the Denver fan backlash has been against quarterback Kyle Orton, the real story of this game was the teams' respective ground games. Mainly, Oakland ran all over the Denver defense, racking up 190 yards rushing on 39 attempts, including a 22-carry, 150 yard day for running back Darren McFadden. Denver, on the other hand, only managed 38 yards rushing on 13 attempts, forcing Kyle Orton to continuously throw the football during a rainstorm. Not a recipe for success.
Going into this season, the Broncos' two biggest areas of concern were their run defense and running game. They hired a defensive-minded head coach in John Fox whose Carolina teams were known for their powerful running game. Fox promised to fix those deficiencies, but that is obviously still a work-in-progress.
The outrage from Bronco fans has been laughable. Yes, it was a frustrating game to watch, especially with the home team putting up an uninspired performance on opening night on national television against their archrivals. However, what did they expect? This is a team coming off a 4-12 season that has pretty much been universally picked to finish last in the division. The Broncos had myriad issues that are not going to be solved overnight. There is a severe talent deficiency on this team, and it's going to take several draft classes to address that. Anybody expecting the Broncos to come out looking like the Patriots is delusional.
Much venom has been directed towards Kyle Orton and Knowshon Moreno. Yes, Orton didn't have a great game last night. He forced some passes, missed a sure touchdown pass, and had a critical fumble in the red zone (he literally just dropped the ball) that cost the Broncos a chance to take the lead. However, he didn't receive much help. There were several dropped passes, and the running game was abysmal. He was also sacked five times.
Moreno has often been injured during his Broncos tenure and has people proclaiming him a bust. He has yet to have a run longer than 20 yards and hasn't had a 1,000 yard season. Last night, he was only able to muster 22 yards rushing on 8 carries, good for a 2.8 yards-per-carry average. However, he caught two passes for 35 yards and made two Raiders defenders look silly with a well-timed press of the juke button on a 24-yard reception. The offensive line deserves the blame for the poor performance of the running game. There simply weren't any holes for the Broncos' running backs. Willis McGahee had 3 yards on 4 carries. There were always multiple Raider defenders around the ballcarrier. Fact is, there just wasn't anything the running backs could have done.
Many in the crowd were calling for backup quarterback Tim Tebow. Would he have made a difference and led the Broncos to victory? Possibly. His mobility is an asset, and he is at his best when plays break down. It is conceivable that he could have made a difference. After all, the Broncos only lost by a field goal. However, it is also conceivable that he throws a few interceptions and the Broncos lose by an even bigger margin. There is just no way to know.
There is a silver lining to be found here, though. The Broncos are improved. The last time the Raiders came to town, they won a 59-14 debacle that was the worst home loss in Denver history. For all the Broncos' faults and mistakes, they still only lost by a 63-yard, record-tying field goal. Broncos kicker Matt Prater missed a field goal, too. Despite being one-dimensional and allowing the Raiders to run at will, the Broncos were still in the game late. They have a lot of work to do and a long road back to greatness, but progress is being made. One game does not make a season.
There were bright spots, too. Rookie linebacker Von Miller forced a fumble that was recovered by fellow rookie Rahim Moore. Second-year wide receiver Eric Decker caught 3 passes for 53 yards and also got Denver back into the game with a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown. Punter Britton Colquitt had a beautiul punt to pin Oakland inside its 5-yard line.
Next week, the Broncos face Cincinnati, a team coming off a down year itself. The Bengals are coming off a win, but rookie quarterback Andy Dalton suffered an injury in that game. He is hoping to play against the Broncos. The Bengals also have a talented running back in Cedric Benson, so it could be another long day if Denver doesn't make some progress in shoring up its run defense.
In today's world of instant gratification, it is easy to lost patience and expect immediate results. Unfortunately, things don't always work that way. It's going to take time for John Fox to turn things around.
In case you missed it, the Denver Broncos opened their season last night at the newly-christened Sports Authority Field at Mile High against the dreaded Oakland Raiders in what turned out be a less-than-stellar game. The Raiders prevailed 23-20 in a game marred by penalties and sloppy play.
The teams combined for 25 penalties for a whopping 222 yards. Many Denver drives were sustained by Oakland penalties, thus keeping the Raiders from blowing this game open.
While much of the Denver fan backlash has been against quarterback Kyle Orton, the real story of this game was the teams' respective ground games. Mainly, Oakland ran all over the Denver defense, racking up 190 yards rushing on 39 attempts, including a 22-carry, 150 yard day for running back Darren McFadden. Denver, on the other hand, only managed 38 yards rushing on 13 attempts, forcing Kyle Orton to continuously throw the football during a rainstorm. Not a recipe for success.
Going into this season, the Broncos' two biggest areas of concern were their run defense and running game. They hired a defensive-minded head coach in John Fox whose Carolina teams were known for their powerful running game. Fox promised to fix those deficiencies, but that is obviously still a work-in-progress.
The outrage from Bronco fans has been laughable. Yes, it was a frustrating game to watch, especially with the home team putting up an uninspired performance on opening night on national television against their archrivals. However, what did they expect? This is a team coming off a 4-12 season that has pretty much been universally picked to finish last in the division. The Broncos had myriad issues that are not going to be solved overnight. There is a severe talent deficiency on this team, and it's going to take several draft classes to address that. Anybody expecting the Broncos to come out looking like the Patriots is delusional.
Much venom has been directed towards Kyle Orton and Knowshon Moreno. Yes, Orton didn't have a great game last night. He forced some passes, missed a sure touchdown pass, and had a critical fumble in the red zone (he literally just dropped the ball) that cost the Broncos a chance to take the lead. However, he didn't receive much help. There were several dropped passes, and the running game was abysmal. He was also sacked five times.
Moreno has often been injured during his Broncos tenure and has people proclaiming him a bust. He has yet to have a run longer than 20 yards and hasn't had a 1,000 yard season. Last night, he was only able to muster 22 yards rushing on 8 carries, good for a 2.8 yards-per-carry average. However, he caught two passes for 35 yards and made two Raiders defenders look silly with a well-timed press of the juke button on a 24-yard reception. The offensive line deserves the blame for the poor performance of the running game. There simply weren't any holes for the Broncos' running backs. Willis McGahee had 3 yards on 4 carries. There were always multiple Raider defenders around the ballcarrier. Fact is, there just wasn't anything the running backs could have done.
Many in the crowd were calling for backup quarterback Tim Tebow. Would he have made a difference and led the Broncos to victory? Possibly. His mobility is an asset, and he is at his best when plays break down. It is conceivable that he could have made a difference. After all, the Broncos only lost by a field goal. However, it is also conceivable that he throws a few interceptions and the Broncos lose by an even bigger margin. There is just no way to know.
There is a silver lining to be found here, though. The Broncos are improved. The last time the Raiders came to town, they won a 59-14 debacle that was the worst home loss in Denver history. For all the Broncos' faults and mistakes, they still only lost by a 63-yard, record-tying field goal. Broncos kicker Matt Prater missed a field goal, too. Despite being one-dimensional and allowing the Raiders to run at will, the Broncos were still in the game late. They have a lot of work to do and a long road back to greatness, but progress is being made. One game does not make a season.
There were bright spots, too. Rookie linebacker Von Miller forced a fumble that was recovered by fellow rookie Rahim Moore. Second-year wide receiver Eric Decker caught 3 passes for 53 yards and also got Denver back into the game with a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown. Punter Britton Colquitt had a beautiul punt to pin Oakland inside its 5-yard line.
Next week, the Broncos face Cincinnati, a team coming off a down year itself. The Bengals are coming off a win, but rookie quarterback Andy Dalton suffered an injury in that game. He is hoping to play against the Broncos. The Bengals also have a talented running back in Cedric Benson, so it could be another long day if Denver doesn't make some progress in shoring up its run defense.
In today's world of instant gratification, it is easy to lost patience and expect immediate results. Unfortunately, things don't always work that way. It's going to take time for John Fox to turn things around.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9.11.01
Tuesday, September 11, 2001 is a day that will always be etched in our minds. The images of smoke pouring out of the Twin Towers as another hijacked airliner slammed into them has been permanently seared into my brain. I can vividly recall the flames flickering from the building as people desperately jumped to escape the raging inferno.
On that fateful Tuesday, I was a sophomore at Columbine High School (yes, that Columbine High School). It was a day just like any other. School had been in session for about three weeks or so, and I was settling into the daily routine. This may come as a bit of a shock to those who know me, but I sometimes tend to struggle with punctuality. As a result, I rarely took the bus to school, so on that Tuesday morning, I was sitting in the passenger seat of my Dad's Camry as he was driving me to school. I was chatting with my dad when I first became aware that something had happened, although I didn't realize it at the time. We were sitting at the light at Cross & Wadsworth, waiting to turn left. My dad had the radio turned on, and I remember hearing something about something had hit one of the towers. I was 15 and didn't really pay much attention to the news, but that caught my eye. Unfortunately, I didn't hear the whole thing and couldn't figure out what they were talking about. As we finished driving to the school, I knew that something had happened in New York, but I didn't know the extent of it. I figured it was a small plane, like a Cessna, that had crashed into a building. I remembered reading about a USAF bomber (a B-25, I think) that had flown into the Empire State Building back in the 1940s, so I thought it was something similar. I never could have imagined it was an airliner with hundreds of people on board.
After being dropped off at school, I did my usual routine of hustling to my locker, grabbing what I needed for my morning classes, and then basically sprint-walking to my first class to make it before the bell rang. That semester, my first class was conveniently located on the other side of the building one floor down. I had Ms. Killion's Spanish III class first period, and when I walked into the room, all eyes were glued to the tv. That's when it hit me. That was my first glimpse of those powerful images that I will never forget so long as I live. The smoke pouring out of the tower. That anguished, panicked faces of people running on the street as dust billows around them. The wails and gasps as the towers fell. The plane slicing into the building; that one in particular will always stick with me. The NYPD and NYFD men and women running towards the buildings to save as many as they can.
Eventually, a campus supervisor walked in and told Ms. Killion to turn the tv off. We weren't allowed to have it on, and the administrators must have wanted to try and have as normal a day as possible to keep the kids calm. The rest of the day was a blur. I was able to focus on the tasks at hand, and it helped being so far removed from what happened. I was on the tennis team, and while I'm not certain, I do think our match was canceled that day. I think all extracurricular activities were.
When I got home, I found out about the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of the Flight 93 passengers in Pennsylvania. I learned how one plane managed to hit the Pentagon, which absolutely stunned me. Being a Colorado native who has always been interested in military history, my first thought was, "What was NORAD doing? Where was the Air Force? How did they hit the Pentagon?" I'd always read about how the Soviets had this extensive anti-air system; Moscow was one of the most heavily defended cities in the world. I read about all the Soviet air-to-air missiles and wondered why I never heard about US equivalents. Did we even have any? Were our cities even protected? Of course, I was thinking this and worried about what would have happened if the Soviets had ever attacked during the Cold War, not if Muslim extremists had hijacked US airliners in the present day.
The cost has been staggering. Three thousand Americans lost their lives that day, an amount that is mind-numbing. I can't imagine what it must have felt like, and continue to feel like, for those who lost friends and love ones in the dastardly attack.
However, the violence and suffering did not end there. Over 4,000 US servicemen have been killed in the resulting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, not to mention the thousands of Iraqi and Afghani civilians who have lost their lives. Many of the first responders in New York have suffered illnesses such as cancer and respiratory ailments from inhaling all the dust and debris. Every American who was alive that day has been affected in some form or another.
For all our faults, Americans are a resilient, determined people. We rallied around one another and with one strong voice vowed, "We will not be beaten!" We would rebuild and track down those responsible. It took almost ten years, but we made good on our word: on May 2, 2011, US Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 6 launched a daring raid into Pakistan and put a bullet into the head of the man behind the attacks, Osama bin Laden.
America will never be the same. Since then, the Patriot Act, Department of Homeland Security, and the Transportation Security Administration have come into existence. We have to take off our shoes and put liquids into a bag at airport security. I remember going to Washington DC as a little kid and touring the FBI Headquarters building. When I went back in 2008 with my dad, tours were no longer an option.
However, I have never been prouder to be an American. My country is not perfect; the United States has its share of problems. Anyone following our current political climate knows that. Despite all that, it is still the greatest country in the world. Other countries look to us for guidance. I live in a free country where I am able to express myself, like I am now, without fear of government oppression. Our press is not censored, and I am free to practice, or not practice, any religion I so choose. I don't have to worry about secret police banging down my door in the middle of the night because I had the audacity to criticize the government. I don't live in fear that I may be killed because I had the misfortune of practicing a different religion or was born outside the majority. I don't worry about the air I breathe, the water I drink, or the food I eat.
The US military is the finest fighting force the world has ever known. Pat Tillman gave up a lucrative NFL career to join the Army Rangers and was ultimately killed in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry was wounded in action and lost his hand while saving his fellow Rangers from an enemy grenade. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, this nation's highest award for valor. He was fitted with a prosthesis yet still wants to return for another tour in Afghanistan. Men such as these are a testament to the armed forces and those who choose to don the uniform and defend this country. They are an example to us all.
It's not just those serving who give me hope and affirm that America is still great. Regular Americans prove that every single day. There is always something in the news about an act of kindness given to total strangers. Just last week, two football players at a small school in Missouri saved a baby who was trapped in a hot vehicle by breaking open the window with their bare hands. When a tsunami hit Japan and caused a meltdown at a nuclear plant, Americans responded with donations despite being in the worst economic recession in some time.
Whenever I see the Stars & Stripes flying proudly in the wind, my heart is filled with pride. We have taken a terrible blow from an enemy determind to destroy us, yet we are still standing, stronger than ever.
9/11 was a defining moment in our nation's history, but the image of America is not the smoke billowing from the towers as they burn. Rather, it is of men and women rushing towards the devastation to help their fellow countrymen, regardless of the risk to their own safety. It is of firemen raising the Stars & Stripes amidst the rubble of the twin towers, promising that we shall overcome.
These are trying times around the world, but we shall overcome. The American Spirit is resolute and indomitable. That is what 9/11 means to me.
That is what living in the land of the free and the home of the brave means to me. That is what it means to me to be an American.
On that fateful Tuesday, I was a sophomore at Columbine High School (yes, that Columbine High School). It was a day just like any other. School had been in session for about three weeks or so, and I was settling into the daily routine. This may come as a bit of a shock to those who know me, but I sometimes tend to struggle with punctuality. As a result, I rarely took the bus to school, so on that Tuesday morning, I was sitting in the passenger seat of my Dad's Camry as he was driving me to school. I was chatting with my dad when I first became aware that something had happened, although I didn't realize it at the time. We were sitting at the light at Cross & Wadsworth, waiting to turn left. My dad had the radio turned on, and I remember hearing something about something had hit one of the towers. I was 15 and didn't really pay much attention to the news, but that caught my eye. Unfortunately, I didn't hear the whole thing and couldn't figure out what they were talking about. As we finished driving to the school, I knew that something had happened in New York, but I didn't know the extent of it. I figured it was a small plane, like a Cessna, that had crashed into a building. I remembered reading about a USAF bomber (a B-25, I think) that had flown into the Empire State Building back in the 1940s, so I thought it was something similar. I never could have imagined it was an airliner with hundreds of people on board.
After being dropped off at school, I did my usual routine of hustling to my locker, grabbing what I needed for my morning classes, and then basically sprint-walking to my first class to make it before the bell rang. That semester, my first class was conveniently located on the other side of the building one floor down. I had Ms. Killion's Spanish III class first period, and when I walked into the room, all eyes were glued to the tv. That's when it hit me. That was my first glimpse of those powerful images that I will never forget so long as I live. The smoke pouring out of the tower. That anguished, panicked faces of people running on the street as dust billows around them. The wails and gasps as the towers fell. The plane slicing into the building; that one in particular will always stick with me. The NYPD and NYFD men and women running towards the buildings to save as many as they can.
Eventually, a campus supervisor walked in and told Ms. Killion to turn the tv off. We weren't allowed to have it on, and the administrators must have wanted to try and have as normal a day as possible to keep the kids calm. The rest of the day was a blur. I was able to focus on the tasks at hand, and it helped being so far removed from what happened. I was on the tennis team, and while I'm not certain, I do think our match was canceled that day. I think all extracurricular activities were.
When I got home, I found out about the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of the Flight 93 passengers in Pennsylvania. I learned how one plane managed to hit the Pentagon, which absolutely stunned me. Being a Colorado native who has always been interested in military history, my first thought was, "What was NORAD doing? Where was the Air Force? How did they hit the Pentagon?" I'd always read about how the Soviets had this extensive anti-air system; Moscow was one of the most heavily defended cities in the world. I read about all the Soviet air-to-air missiles and wondered why I never heard about US equivalents. Did we even have any? Were our cities even protected? Of course, I was thinking this and worried about what would have happened if the Soviets had ever attacked during the Cold War, not if Muslim extremists had hijacked US airliners in the present day.
The cost has been staggering. Three thousand Americans lost their lives that day, an amount that is mind-numbing. I can't imagine what it must have felt like, and continue to feel like, for those who lost friends and love ones in the dastardly attack.
However, the violence and suffering did not end there. Over 4,000 US servicemen have been killed in the resulting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, not to mention the thousands of Iraqi and Afghani civilians who have lost their lives. Many of the first responders in New York have suffered illnesses such as cancer and respiratory ailments from inhaling all the dust and debris. Every American who was alive that day has been affected in some form or another.
For all our faults, Americans are a resilient, determined people. We rallied around one another and with one strong voice vowed, "We will not be beaten!" We would rebuild and track down those responsible. It took almost ten years, but we made good on our word: on May 2, 2011, US Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 6 launched a daring raid into Pakistan and put a bullet into the head of the man behind the attacks, Osama bin Laden.
America will never be the same. Since then, the Patriot Act, Department of Homeland Security, and the Transportation Security Administration have come into existence. We have to take off our shoes and put liquids into a bag at airport security. I remember going to Washington DC as a little kid and touring the FBI Headquarters building. When I went back in 2008 with my dad, tours were no longer an option.
However, I have never been prouder to be an American. My country is not perfect; the United States has its share of problems. Anyone following our current political climate knows that. Despite all that, it is still the greatest country in the world. Other countries look to us for guidance. I live in a free country where I am able to express myself, like I am now, without fear of government oppression. Our press is not censored, and I am free to practice, or not practice, any religion I so choose. I don't have to worry about secret police banging down my door in the middle of the night because I had the audacity to criticize the government. I don't live in fear that I may be killed because I had the misfortune of practicing a different religion or was born outside the majority. I don't worry about the air I breathe, the water I drink, or the food I eat.
The US military is the finest fighting force the world has ever known. Pat Tillman gave up a lucrative NFL career to join the Army Rangers and was ultimately killed in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry was wounded in action and lost his hand while saving his fellow Rangers from an enemy grenade. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, this nation's highest award for valor. He was fitted with a prosthesis yet still wants to return for another tour in Afghanistan. Men such as these are a testament to the armed forces and those who choose to don the uniform and defend this country. They are an example to us all.
It's not just those serving who give me hope and affirm that America is still great. Regular Americans prove that every single day. There is always something in the news about an act of kindness given to total strangers. Just last week, two football players at a small school in Missouri saved a baby who was trapped in a hot vehicle by breaking open the window with their bare hands. When a tsunami hit Japan and caused a meltdown at a nuclear plant, Americans responded with donations despite being in the worst economic recession in some time.
Whenever I see the Stars & Stripes flying proudly in the wind, my heart is filled with pride. We have taken a terrible blow from an enemy determind to destroy us, yet we are still standing, stronger than ever.
9/11 was a defining moment in our nation's history, but the image of America is not the smoke billowing from the towers as they burn. Rather, it is of men and women rushing towards the devastation to help their fellow countrymen, regardless of the risk to their own safety. It is of firemen raising the Stars & Stripes amidst the rubble of the twin towers, promising that we shall overcome.
These are trying times around the world, but we shall overcome. The American Spirit is resolute and indomitable. That is what 9/11 means to me.
That is what living in the land of the free and the home of the brave means to me. That is what it means to me to be an American.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
One of the Greatest Issues of Our Time
There is one issue that has captured national attention and polarized the nation. Lines have been drawn, and sides have been chosen. It is full of acrimonious debate and strong opinions.
I am of course referring to the Denver Broncos' backup quarterback battle.
Okay, so maybe that was a little over-the-top, although reading some of the comments left on message boards and seeing how much attention is being paid to this, I'm not so sure. Head Coach John Fox must be amused and/or exasperated with answering all these questions about players who, if all goes according to plan, won't play much, if at all, this season.
Here's some background information for those of you who are blissfully unaware. Last year, then-Coach Josh McDaniels traded three picks to trade up and draft Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round. It was a surprising and controversial move because most draft pundits didn't have Tebow graded as a first round talent. Despite his collegiate successes, there were significant questions about his ability to translate to the NFL game.
Tebow is an interesting case. One of the most highly-decorated collegiate players of all time, and considered by many to be the best college football player ever, he won the Heisman trophy as a sophomore (the first underclassman ever to do so) and led Florida to two BCS championships. He possesses a tremendous work ethic, high character, good morals, and by all accounts is a great guy and awesome role model. He is also a devout Christian.
Naturally, he is also one of the most polarizing figures in American sports.
There are appears to be no middle ground with Tebow. His followers seem to believe that any criticisms are without merit and caused simply by his religion. Tebow came on in relief last season and started the last three games for the Broncos after Kyle Orton went down, going 1-2 but playing fairly well for a rookie. The team played with a spunk that had been missing, and he lead several comebacks when the team was down.
Going into the 2011 season, new coach John Fox promised there would be a quarterback competiting between Tebow, Orton, and Brady Quinn. Orton was the best quarterback throughout training camp and preseason and won the competition early on. Tebow followers were not happy, especially after it appeared that Quinn had passed Tebow for the #2 quarterback spot. Quinn has generally outperformed Tebow throughout the preseason until the final preseason game against Arizona when the former had a dismal night while the latter had a good game and accounted for Denver's only points.
Tebow's followers seem to believe there is some anti-Tebow conspiracy in play. They don't understand why he hasn't been annointed the starting quarterback. It's almost like they believe it's his birthright and should be handed to him. Never mind that he's a second-year quarterback who has significant areas in his game to improve. Never mind that Kyle Orton was on pace to set the single-season passing record for much of last year. THat doesn't matter. Tebow works hard and is a proven winner. He deserves it, or so the argument goes.
On the opposite end of the specturm, his critics have been rather harsh. They claim that he won't make it as an NFL quarterback. ESPN analyst Merril Hoge even tweeted that the idea the Broncos could win with Tebow was "laughable." Many other analysts such as Boomer Esiason and Steve Beuerlein have spoken out against the former Florida Gator.
There seems to be no middle ground here. I humorously wrote on Facebook after the Arizona game that there was indeed a quarterback controversy in Denver, but that it revolved around Adam Weber, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Minnesota who was cut and will likely end up on the practice squad. Based solely on misrepresenting stats, he was the best Broncos quarterback of the preseason. He completed 100% of his passes, average 89 yards per attempt, had a rating of 118.8, and even averaged 13 yards per rushing attempt. Granted, he played all of three plays, and his one throw was a 10-yard out that was turned into and 89-yard gain. He then scrambled for 13 yards on the last play of the game. I received some backlash about that from a Tebow supporter who didn't get my tongue-in-cheek post and thought I was serious.
What I find most odd is how people forget all the other details. People, we need to calm down and look at the facts. Kyle Orton is an experienced NFL veteran who played in a traditional passing offense at Purdue. He's also been a starter for several years in the NFL and is in his prime. Tebow is a second-year quarterback who played in a spread option offense in college. He's started all of three games in the NFL. It's always been known that he was going to need time to adjust to the NFL game and work on things. On top of that, the NFL lockout this summer meant that he wasn't able to work with Broncos coaches. That lack of instruction really hurt Tebow.
To Tebow supporters, relax. He's going to get his chance. Another year of sitting, learning from Orton and the coaches, and working on his game and mastery of the offense can only help Tebow, especially since he's known for his work ethic. There is no downside here. Plus, he plays such a physical style that spending a year not getting hit every week will help keep him fresh and healthy.
To Tebow critics, have some patience. Don't be so quick to judge the guy. Remember, he's a second-year quarterback. Young quarterbacks struggle, especially ones who didn't come from a pro-style offense in college. Yes, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and Sam Bradford performed well as rookies. They are exceptions. Peyton Manning struggled as a rookie, tossing a league-high 28 interceptions. Drew Brees struggled initially at San Diego, prompting the team to draft Philip Rivers. John Elway lined up under guard as a rookie and had his own struggles. Steve Young took a few years before he developed into a Hall of Fame quarterback. These guys all turned out okay. Let's give Tebow a chance to show what he can do before writing him off. Quarterback is the toughest position to play in football. Many guys have benefited from sitting for a year or more (Carson Palmer, Aaron Rodgers). Tebow may turn out the same way.
I am of course referring to the Denver Broncos' backup quarterback battle.
Okay, so maybe that was a little over-the-top, although reading some of the comments left on message boards and seeing how much attention is being paid to this, I'm not so sure. Head Coach John Fox must be amused and/or exasperated with answering all these questions about players who, if all goes according to plan, won't play much, if at all, this season.
Here's some background information for those of you who are blissfully unaware. Last year, then-Coach Josh McDaniels traded three picks to trade up and draft Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round. It was a surprising and controversial move because most draft pundits didn't have Tebow graded as a first round talent. Despite his collegiate successes, there were significant questions about his ability to translate to the NFL game.
Tebow is an interesting case. One of the most highly-decorated collegiate players of all time, and considered by many to be the best college football player ever, he won the Heisman trophy as a sophomore (the first underclassman ever to do so) and led Florida to two BCS championships. He possesses a tremendous work ethic, high character, good morals, and by all accounts is a great guy and awesome role model. He is also a devout Christian.
Naturally, he is also one of the most polarizing figures in American sports.
There are appears to be no middle ground with Tebow. His followers seem to believe that any criticisms are without merit and caused simply by his religion. Tebow came on in relief last season and started the last three games for the Broncos after Kyle Orton went down, going 1-2 but playing fairly well for a rookie. The team played with a spunk that had been missing, and he lead several comebacks when the team was down.
Going into the 2011 season, new coach John Fox promised there would be a quarterback competiting between Tebow, Orton, and Brady Quinn. Orton was the best quarterback throughout training camp and preseason and won the competition early on. Tebow followers were not happy, especially after it appeared that Quinn had passed Tebow for the #2 quarterback spot. Quinn has generally outperformed Tebow throughout the preseason until the final preseason game against Arizona when the former had a dismal night while the latter had a good game and accounted for Denver's only points.
Tebow's followers seem to believe there is some anti-Tebow conspiracy in play. They don't understand why he hasn't been annointed the starting quarterback. It's almost like they believe it's his birthright and should be handed to him. Never mind that he's a second-year quarterback who has significant areas in his game to improve. Never mind that Kyle Orton was on pace to set the single-season passing record for much of last year. THat doesn't matter. Tebow works hard and is a proven winner. He deserves it, or so the argument goes.
On the opposite end of the specturm, his critics have been rather harsh. They claim that he won't make it as an NFL quarterback. ESPN analyst Merril Hoge even tweeted that the idea the Broncos could win with Tebow was "laughable." Many other analysts such as Boomer Esiason and Steve Beuerlein have spoken out against the former Florida Gator.
There seems to be no middle ground here. I humorously wrote on Facebook after the Arizona game that there was indeed a quarterback controversy in Denver, but that it revolved around Adam Weber, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Minnesota who was cut and will likely end up on the practice squad. Based solely on misrepresenting stats, he was the best Broncos quarterback of the preseason. He completed 100% of his passes, average 89 yards per attempt, had a rating of 118.8, and even averaged 13 yards per rushing attempt. Granted, he played all of three plays, and his one throw was a 10-yard out that was turned into and 89-yard gain. He then scrambled for 13 yards on the last play of the game. I received some backlash about that from a Tebow supporter who didn't get my tongue-in-cheek post and thought I was serious.
What I find most odd is how people forget all the other details. People, we need to calm down and look at the facts. Kyle Orton is an experienced NFL veteran who played in a traditional passing offense at Purdue. He's also been a starter for several years in the NFL and is in his prime. Tebow is a second-year quarterback who played in a spread option offense in college. He's started all of three games in the NFL. It's always been known that he was going to need time to adjust to the NFL game and work on things. On top of that, the NFL lockout this summer meant that he wasn't able to work with Broncos coaches. That lack of instruction really hurt Tebow.
To Tebow supporters, relax. He's going to get his chance. Another year of sitting, learning from Orton and the coaches, and working on his game and mastery of the offense can only help Tebow, especially since he's known for his work ethic. There is no downside here. Plus, he plays such a physical style that spending a year not getting hit every week will help keep him fresh and healthy.
To Tebow critics, have some patience. Don't be so quick to judge the guy. Remember, he's a second-year quarterback. Young quarterbacks struggle, especially ones who didn't come from a pro-style offense in college. Yes, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and Sam Bradford performed well as rookies. They are exceptions. Peyton Manning struggled as a rookie, tossing a league-high 28 interceptions. Drew Brees struggled initially at San Diego, prompting the team to draft Philip Rivers. John Elway lined up under guard as a rookie and had his own struggles. Steve Young took a few years before he developed into a Hall of Fame quarterback. These guys all turned out okay. Let's give Tebow a chance to show what he can do before writing him off. Quarterback is the toughest position to play in football. Many guys have benefited from sitting for a year or more (Carson Palmer, Aaron Rodgers). Tebow may turn out the same way.
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