I'm not in the Denver locker room either, but that was Skip's statement about it. He called it a snakepit for Tebow with the organization/coaches planning to yank him quickly in favor of Quinn if he struggled. The funny thing is, putting in a cold, hasn't played all year Brady Quinn would probably have been a complete waste of time. At least Tebow is game-ready.
I disagree though about Denver's players. They have plenty of playmakers. Thomas emerged this past weekend as a threat. Their kicker has been clutch. They have a good offensive line and running backs. They have a couple of excellent pass rushers on defense. My point is that Skip throws the team under the bus while heaping praise on Tebow. Tebow isn't single-handedly winning these games despite what Skip would have us believe in his obnoxious rants. Heck, Tebow would be the first to credit his teammates after a victory. Why can't Skip see this and do the same? Again, this is why I believe Skip is a joke. If he toned it down by half, I might take him more seriously.
The whole demanding a trade things was all pure Skip, unreasonably defending Tebow from all who might have anything negative to say about him.
I agree that they are all team wins, especially for a John Fox team. But I think Skip's mainly put off by their receivers and I am too. I said it long before the Pittsburg game what that team was missing was some play makers on offense other than Tebow and another receiver to step up. As soon as I saw Decker go out, I said, this could actually help them. Their run game is good but they are also prone to fumbles, including Tebow, and the Pats proved that much. I was watching NFL Sound FX and at one point Ben goes "Mcgahee? Rip that ball out". Sure enough they did manage to rip that ball out.
Like I said, I agree with you, they have good players at O-line, Champ's awesome, Dumervil, and a few others on defense. Prater of course. Those guys are players but as a defense, overall, they have holes and play inconsistent. But when it comes to other guys like Decker? I'm just not impressed with his play as a receiver. Tight ends? Roasario? Used to watch him struggle to start with the Panthers. Special teams defense? Terrible. Sole difference maker in the playoff game, imo, was special teams and Thomas stepping up. Tebow didn't really pass that ball any better than he did earlier in the season. Him and Thomas just connected, whereas him and Decker and a lot of others didn't. And as far as special teams, Fox and their offense kept them on the bench for most of that game. They gave up so much field position against the Pats, Bills and KC it was ridiculous. Couldn't cover a punt for the life of them.
But I think Skip is mainly referencing the receivers because when it comes to Tebow as a passer, honestly, their receivers this year, just have not given him much help. They don't do much to help that completion %. I've even heard ball rotation excuses, even among Bronco fans, and having to adjust to a left handed passer. lol. What the heck does ball rotation have to do with catching a football when you are getting pelted on your helmet, shoulder pad, arm, chest, even in between their hands with the ball and you don't come down with it? I can understand a short pass that's just zipped too hard. But some of these were long downfield balls that were hitting them and they just didn't come down with them. And I think Tebow's criticism as a passer is kind of giving some of these guys a break. Even if it's a good throw, and the receiver drops it or might slip and miss his route, it's automatically perceived as Tebow's fault.
I look around the league and I see other receivers really fighting for the football. I see them catching balls that look a lot worse or less accurate than some of the ones Tebow's thrown. I see physical receivers that want it. Maybe I'm just used to watching Steve Smith catch the ball though. But I see guys sliding, making crazy acrobatic catches, adjusting on the fly to a throw, flexing their bodies, hanging on even after big hits, one hand catches, etc. I don't see much of that when the ball's in the air with the Broncos. I see the ball hit them and they drop it a lot.
Then I watch Decker against Kansas City literally "fake" a fall to the ground after failing to come down with the ball. Granted it was a bit underthrown but to throw yourself to the ground like an actor or a soccer player? What's all that about?
Thomas really stepped up big after Decker went out, but when it's all said and done, NE's defense really doesn't have much to worry about outside of Tebow. In terms of match-up, there's not a single guy that's worth wasting double coverage on. Even Thomas. He's fast, but he's not physical. Should be able to use a spy once again on Tebow, even with Thomas emerging as a receiver.
.
