SportsNation Blog Archives
Miami Dolphins
It's been next-to-impossible for Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow to get lost in the spotlight (even Linsanity has included ancillary references to Tebow-mania), but he has suddenly become superfluous with the impending signing of Peyton Manning. Tebow and Manning couldn't be more different, and it's clear that Broncos executive VP John Elway decided that his team is better off with a traditional quarterback than with whatever variation of the position you care to apply to Tim Tebow. Tebow made an impact in Denver, but if he is traded, would he have the same effect elsewhere?
Trade value?
Both the Jaguars and Dolphins have been floated as likely destinations for Tebow, but he could draw interest from a number of other teams looking for a jolt at quarterback.
Lightning in a bottle?
Tebow's run to the playoffs was one of the most talked-about topics in sports last year. Since much of it was due to his defense, was this just a one-time thing for the young signal-caller?
A position switch?
Tebow's running game was as widely praised as his passing game was roundly derided. If he wants to stick in the NFL, will he eventually move to a different or hybrid position?
Can any of you reasonably see the Colts actually winning a game this season? Not that anyone saw them winning last night's game against the Saints, but 62-7? That's a video game score, and even then only if you're playing at the lowest difficulty level. The Colts are lost without Peyton Manning, but what about the Rams and the aforementioned Dolphins? They haven't won anything either. None of these teams play one another this season, so it's reasonable to think that we could have three winless teams on our hands.
- "If the Colts are gonna tank the season on purpose they should at least make it look like they're trying. This is an embarassment to the league." -- SN commenter danthefan1004
- "Did Peyton Manning play defense too?" -- SN commenter elchupacabra13
Would Manning make a difference?
We all know that the Colts' game plan revolves around giving Peyton Manning as many chances to score as possible, but would even he be able to fix this team?
Will the Colts win at all?
The Curtis Painter era hasn't gotten off to a good start this season. Are the Colts even capable of putting together a single win, or is it all a death spiral toward the No. 1 pick in the draft?
Which is the worst team?
The Colts lost an embarassing game. The Dolphins lost a heartbreaking game. The Rams lost a forgettable game. Three varieties of awfulness, all on display on Sunday.
The Tim Tebow experience is a complicated one. His supporters will tell you that he "Just Wins Games," much like he just won Sunday night's game against the Dolphins. His detractors will point out that the Dolphins are an awful team, Tebow completed less than 50 percent of his passes and, really, attributing the comeback only to him is inaccurate. The fact remains that Tebow is still the Broncos' starting quarterback, and they did end up winning Sunday, even if it was only just barely.
- "Elway has got to be irate after this win. He was hoping Tebow would lead the Broncos to a 1-15 season and a shot at Andrew Luck. 2+ wins is not going to cut when you have the Dolphins and Colts winning maybe a 1 game a piece this year." -- SN commenter DFlutie8
- "Tebow didn't all of a sudden become this amazing quarterback after 55 mins of terrible play. The 0-6 Dolphins opened up the field and said, here you go. But the Tebowites out there will never see it this way. To them Tebow just won the Super Bowl against the Packers. A comeback of the ages. Soon to be MVP candidate and Pro Bowler. Saint Tebow has arrived. " -- SN commenter radioflyr309
Was the comeback all Tebow's?
Tebow showed a great deal of guts during the Broncos' comeback, but the Dolphins did a lot of strange things to put him in that position -- going for two points when it wasn't totally necessary, using a prevent defense, etc.
Is Tebow a legit starter?
There are certainly worse quarterbacks than Tim Tebow in the league, but that doesn't mean he should necessarily be a starter. Tebow's raw numbers are still questionable, despite his charisma.
Rooting to lose?
Some Miami fans cheered the loss, hoping to get a No. 1 draft pick to select Andrew Luck and hopefully end their longtime search for a franchise quarterback.
The first game of the NFL season kicks off in a little more than 24 hours, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't at least a little excited. Pro football can be a messy affair at times -- see the entire labor battle during the offseason -- but it's a glorious sport at its heart. Most every team's fan base has something to look forward to this weekend, although Colts fans may be dreading a future without Peyton Manning after the news that he'll miss at least his first game with a neck injury.
- Rank: Is Peyton Manning still in the MVP race? | Which are football's best teams?
- Vote: Which teams are the favorite to win each division?
Best game?
There are a lot of good matchups in Week 1 of the NFL's 2011 regular season. Steelers-Ravens, for example, could be a preview of a future AFC playoff game.
Colts without Manning?
Peyton Manning is out for an undetermined amount of time. This could be a prime opportunity for other teams to break Indianapolis' stranglehold on the AFC South.
AFC East
The Patriots responded to their 14-2 record last season by signing or trading for several marquee names. Are they good enough to beat the Jets?
AFC North
The Steelers fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season, as their vaunted defense wasn't able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
AFC South
Peyton Manning took a pay cut in order for the Colts to keep some of their key players, but is it enough for Indianapolis to win the AFC South?
AFC West
There's a brewing quarterback controversy in Denver, with Kyle Orton delaying the seemingly inevitable succession of Tim Tebow to the starting job. Can the Broncos compete with Orton?
NFC East
The Eagles made a number of humongous moves this offseason, including trading Kevin Kolb and signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Are they the team to beat in the NFC East?
NFC North
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on an incredible run to a Super Bowl title last year. Are they the favorites in the NFC North once again?
NFC South
The Saints looked to make another deep run at a Super Bowl, but were stunned by the lowly Seahawks. Are they still an elite team?
NFC West
Speaking of the Seahawks, they won the NFC West despite a 7-9 record. Will they sneak into the playoffs once more?
An athlete is relocating to Miami for professional reasons. There, isn't that better than telling you that Reggie Bush is taking his talents to South Beach? Bush has reportedly signed off on the particulars that will allow the Saints to trade him to the Dolphins as soon as it's officially allowed. Like a former Heisman winner who left the Saints a few years ago, the question now is, does Bush leave as a bust? Rank 'Em: Successful Heisman winners.
More moves: Donovan McNabb | Albert Haynesworth | Kevin Kolb | Santonio Holmes | Matt Hasselbeck | Sidney Rice | Reggie Bush
What's your definition of a bust?
The No. 2 pick in the 2006 NFL draft, Bush has never rushed for more than 565 yards in a season -- but he has caught 294 passes and produced 33 total touchdowns as an all-purpose back.
Is Bush defined by Kim Kardashian?
Bush is no longer involved with Kim Kardashian, but does his place in pop culture define him more than anything else?
Is Bush ready for a new role?
If unrestricted free agents Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are out of the mix in Miami, how will second-round pick Daniel Thomas (pictured) and Bush handle the load?
Is third time the Heisman charm?
The Saints never seem short on Heisman-winning backs (vacated or otherwise). Following in the footsteps of Williams and Bush is Mark Ingram.
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
Vote: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears
1. Impressed by Patriots' offense or Bears' defense?
2. Bill Belichick in 2010 or Mike Ditka in 1985?
3. Which backfield tandem is better?
4. Is Chicago a better sports town than Boston?
5. Which team will win in Chicago?
Have your say on Patriots at Bears
Vote: New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams
1. Drew Brees' past or Sam Bradford's future?
2. Have the Saints turned the corner?
3. Is Steven Jackson slowing down?
4. Should a 7-9 division champ get in?
5. Which team will win in New Orleans?
Have your say on Rams at Saints
Vote: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
1. Which roster has more talent?
2. Who is the Chiefs' offensive MVP?
3. How good is Matt Cassel?
4. How good is the top-rated defense?
5. Which team will win in San Diego
Have your say on Chiefs at Chargers
Vote: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
1. Will Michael Vick regress as a passer?
2. Has Jason Garrett earned the job?
3. Is Kevin Kolb better than Tony Romo?
4. Would a Cowboys win be an upset?
5. Which team will win in New Jersey?
Have your say on Dolphins at Jets
Vote: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
1. Which season is most on the line?
2. Which coach is better?
3. Can the Dolphins stick with Chad Henne?
4. Is Santonio Holmes' the best WR?
5. Which team will win in Arlington, Texas?
Have your say on Eagles at Cowboys
Vote: Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans
1. Joe Flacco or Matt Schaub?
2. Would you take great offense over great defense?
3. Can Gary Kubiak save his job?
4. Arian Foster or Ray Rice's career?
5. Which team will win in Houston?
Have your say on Monday Night Football
- Vote: Week 10 Pick 'Em | Start 'Em or Sit 'Em
- Rank: NFL Power Rankings | Quarterback rankings | MVP rankings
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for Patriots at Steelers
- Which franchise's dynasty ranks higher?
- Are Santonio Holmes and Randy Moss missed?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Patriots at the Steelers!
Corky (Destin)
Hi Mike: Big brown bummer... Did the Browns expose weakness that other teams will now expand on? quess next few games will tell, but give us some wisdom to have hope...
ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss
Corky, the main thing I thought the Browns did offensively was beat the Patriots with some scheme runs. This is something Tedy Bruschi pointed out when we rewatched the game, and it put stress on inside linebacker Brandon Spikes. I think we'll see the Steelers try the same thing to see if the Patriots can stop it. On defense, they disguised their looks pre-snap. I don't think this is anything new, so I don't see these problems multiplying based on the game. The Patriots just had a dud. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for Vikings at Bears
- Which quarterback has a stronger arm?
- Which team is more of a playoff threat?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Vikings at the Bears!
Josh (Atlanta)
I don't think that owners should always listen to fans opinions on coaches and players. However, with an owner that is looking for public funding(and thus public approval) for a stadium wouldn't fan opinions play some role? I mean obviously when the guy is getting booed at home it isnt a good sign for public opinion of him.
NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert
Here's what I think: NFL owners, and not just Zygi Wilf, are hypocrites when it comes to their relationship with the public. They consider their franchises "public trusts" when it comes to asking for taxpayer money to build stadiums. That means they consider the franchise to be the figurative property of the public because of how essential they are to the community. But when it comes to sharing information and representing that community, they consider themselves to be private companies. In this case, I think Wilf owes it to Minnesota public to be publicly accountable for the craziness that had gone on. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for Eagles at Redskins
- What record would the Eagles have with Donovan McNabb?
- Which coach is better?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Eagles at the Redskins!
John (San Diego)
Any chance the McNabb situation lights a fire under him and improves his performance similar to his play post benching in Philly last year?
NFC East blogger Matt Mosley
That could certainly happen. But with the Shanahan boys carving him up behind the scenes, it will be hard for all of them to remain on the same page. In Philly, McNabb could fall back on his long friendship with Reid. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for Cowboys at Giants
- Would you rather have Dez Bryant or Hakeem Nicks?
- Does Jason Garrett have a chance to keep the job?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Cowboys at the Giants!
Chris (San Diego)
Is there a chance that Cowboys could start with a new franchise QB during next year's draft, letting go of Romo?
Chris Mortensen
That would surprise me. I guess if they had the first pick in the draft, hired Jim Harbaugh as coach and Andrew Luck was coming out, then maybe that would be a possibility. Though Romo is 31, he is still held in high regard around the league. And the fact that the Cowboys were leading the Giants 20-7 when Romo was injured and then the team completely collapsed tells you that he was much more vital than his critics are willing to admit. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for Titans at Dolphins
- Will Randy Moss be an asset or a liability for Titans?
- Is Ricky Williams done as an effective runner?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Titans at the Dolphins!
Hogan (Del)
If you are Jeff Fischer would you be worried about Vince Young taking a step back(on the maturing process)with the less than positive Randy Moss around?
Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson
Could happen. But he is a great deep ball WR -- and VY throws deep quite well. Moss will really help Chris Johnson too. As long as he is being fed the ball and Tennessee is winning games, Moss shouldn't be a huge problem. Remember: He is an UFA after this season. Needs to make himself marketable. Full transcript
1. Which quarterback icon has been toughest to replace?
Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Joey Harrington and Jay Fielder. It hasn't been pretty at QB for the Dolphins since Dan Marino left. But is it worse than than the 49ers (Tim Rattay, Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, among others) or the Broncos (Brian Griese, Jake Plummer, Kyle Orton and Jay Cutler) without legends? NFL QB ranker.
- "This is terrible this is the only choice we have, they need to get rid of both QB's and the offensive coordinator just plain pitiful." -- SN commenter papie7778
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