Lonestar
06-08-2010, 02:22 AM
Practice field won't display best of Tebow
POSTED: 06/08/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
Tim Tebow (Denver Post file photo)
Watching Tim Tebow in practice these days is kind of like watching Carmelo Anthony shoot free throws. It's nice and all, but there are so many other elements about his game not on exhibit.
For Tebow — the Broncos' prized rookie quarterback — practice is so scripted, his game seems stifled. Here's the play, here's the assignment, find the "mike" linebacker, recognize the blitzer, there's the checkdown receiver and — yawn — run the play.
Necessary fundamentals, no doubt. But Tebow came to Denver as the ultimate unscripted quarterback. What makes him special is when the pocket collapses, the receivers are covered and the script is ripped to pieces.
"You can't go out and practice — hey, guys, miss the protection on the right side on this play so we can see how he reacts," coach Josh McDaniels said Monday. "We want him to be as solid as we can get him to be playing in our offense without having to do that stuff.
"And then you put him in a game situation and the play breaks down and they can't tackle him, or they can't chase him or they can't catch him and now all of a sudden we buy ourselves four or five extra seconds in the pocket. Those are some plays we're going to see in the game, but sometimes we're not going to see in practice."
Kuper buying.
First steak dinner is on Chris Kuper.
"Not just any steak, either," said offensive tackle Ryan Harris. "Whoever makes the best, most expensive steak in Denver needs to get a hold of us."
Luckily for Kuper, the Broncos are down to 14 offensive linemen. And only 13 weigh at least 300 pounds. Chris Marinelli might have to get a second baked potato; he weighs only 298.
Kuper was the topic of offensive line conversation Monday after he received a five-year, $25.5 million contract extension at the close of business last week. His new money is on top of the $2.512 million salary he will draw this year.
"Kupe deserved
it," Harris said. "He's worked hard and played well here for a long time."
Kuper gave the Broncos a hometown discount. Had the right guard waited a year for the possibility of unrestricted free agency, where Mike Shanahan's Washington Redskins may have been lurking, he could have wound up millions richer. Kuper, though, realizes there are injury risks with playing a full NFL season.
"I'm elated to be here," he said.
Injury report.
For the second consecutive offseason practice, veterans were excused Monday so McDaniels could give reps to backups and newcomers. Rookie receiver Eric Decker (foot fracture) hasn't been cleared to work out. Harris, back last week from his big toe injury, has been practicing with a hard protective toe cup. He has lined up with the first- string offense at right tackle while rookie Zane Beadles has slid inside to left guard.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_15248058
POSTED: 06/08/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
Tim Tebow (Denver Post file photo)
Watching Tim Tebow in practice these days is kind of like watching Carmelo Anthony shoot free throws. It's nice and all, but there are so many other elements about his game not on exhibit.
For Tebow — the Broncos' prized rookie quarterback — practice is so scripted, his game seems stifled. Here's the play, here's the assignment, find the "mike" linebacker, recognize the blitzer, there's the checkdown receiver and — yawn — run the play.
Necessary fundamentals, no doubt. But Tebow came to Denver as the ultimate unscripted quarterback. What makes him special is when the pocket collapses, the receivers are covered and the script is ripped to pieces.
"You can't go out and practice — hey, guys, miss the protection on the right side on this play so we can see how he reacts," coach Josh McDaniels said Monday. "We want him to be as solid as we can get him to be playing in our offense without having to do that stuff.
"And then you put him in a game situation and the play breaks down and they can't tackle him, or they can't chase him or they can't catch him and now all of a sudden we buy ourselves four or five extra seconds in the pocket. Those are some plays we're going to see in the game, but sometimes we're not going to see in practice."
Kuper buying.
First steak dinner is on Chris Kuper.
"Not just any steak, either," said offensive tackle Ryan Harris. "Whoever makes the best, most expensive steak in Denver needs to get a hold of us."
Luckily for Kuper, the Broncos are down to 14 offensive linemen. And only 13 weigh at least 300 pounds. Chris Marinelli might have to get a second baked potato; he weighs only 298.
Kuper was the topic of offensive line conversation Monday after he received a five-year, $25.5 million contract extension at the close of business last week. His new money is on top of the $2.512 million salary he will draw this year.
"Kupe deserved
it," Harris said. "He's worked hard and played well here for a long time."
Kuper gave the Broncos a hometown discount. Had the right guard waited a year for the possibility of unrestricted free agency, where Mike Shanahan's Washington Redskins may have been lurking, he could have wound up millions richer. Kuper, though, realizes there are injury risks with playing a full NFL season.
"I'm elated to be here," he said.
Injury report.
For the second consecutive offseason practice, veterans were excused Monday so McDaniels could give reps to backups and newcomers. Rookie receiver Eric Decker (foot fracture) hasn't been cleared to work out. Harris, back last week from his big toe injury, has been practicing with a hard protective toe cup. He has lined up with the first- string offense at right tackle while rookie Zane Beadles has slid inside to left guard.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_15248058