The Jacksonville Jaguars

[KenFSU]

From NFL.com

But what everyone acknowledges is that the right trade could well be out there for the Broncos. And it might well come from the direction of an owner, seeing the starpower and business opportunities Tebow would present.

"That's the wrong way to approach it," said the NFC exec. "It's about winning games. If you're gonna approach it by looking at ticket sales, then you're not a good owner."

Any questions?

So we ignore the 50 articles out there today saying that Tebow is a perfect fit for Jacksonville and post the one making the ludicrous assertion that ticket sales and revenue are irrelevant in comparison to winning. Marketability and game day experience are so much important in the big picture than a few wins or losses in either direction. The Dodgers and Cubs are two of the most valuable franchises in sports, and the Cubs haven't won the Series in a hundred years. Meanwhile, the Rays - perennial World Series threats for the last couple years - are the second least valuable franchise in the MLB.

I get where you guys are coming from, but look around the city. The prevailing opinion (82% according to an admittedly non-scientific poll on the TU site, with over a thousand votes) is that Tebow should be a Jag. What do we give up to get him. A 4th or 5th round GENE SMITH pick? It's a risk, but in my opinion, it's a risk far less dangerous than letting Northeast Florida's most popular athlete sign with another Florida franchise.

Huge roll of the dice, I'm not denying that for one second, but in this Jags fan's opinion, there's never been a better opportunity to take a calculated gamble.

[blizz01]

Here's what Mike Bianchi's pushing on the people of Orlando:

With Peyton Manning to Broncos, Jaguars need to get Tim Tebow NOW!

It’s been nearly 30 minutes since ESPN reported that Peyton Manning is negotiating a contract with the Denver Broncos and that Tim Tebow will be put on the trading block.
Tim Tebow is worth his weight in teal Jags jerseys
My question is this: Why haven’t the Jacksonville Jaguars made a deal yet for Tebow?
Let’s be honest, the Jaguars haven’t been relevant or interesting in more than a decade. They need to go out and bring Tebow back home where he belongs. Shahid Khan, the new owner of the Jaguars, has already gone on record as saying he would have “100 percent” drafted Tebow if he’d been the owner of the team three seasons ago when Tebow came out of college.
And, please, stop this ridiculous rhetoric about how the Jaguars have already invested a first-round draft pick in quarterback Blaine Gabbert last year and just signed Chad Henne. Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne? Really? Seriously? Last I checked, there was no “HenneMania” taking over the entire country. And I certainly don’t recall ”Gabberting” becoming an international craze. And while Tebow’s No. 15 Broncos jersey was becoming the hottest-selling item in the NFL last year, the vast majority of football fans couldn’t even tell you what number Gabbert or Henne wears.
Who knows if Tebow will ever be a great NFL quarterback, but we can say the same thing about Gabbert. Except there’s one big difference: Tebow has been a winner at every level and is good for business. Football is ultimately entertainment and Tebow entertains us and captivates us â€" on and off the field.
The Jaguars were idiotic for not realizing this three years ago. Tebow is the most popular college football player in history. He’s a cultural icon, especially in the state of Florida where he helped lead the state’s most prominent university to two national titles. And, oh by the way, he’s FROM JACKSONVILLE.
Now it’s been almost an hour since ESPN broke the news broke that Peyton Manning is going to Denver.
That’s long enough.
Why haven’t the Jaguars made a deal yet for Tebow?

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2012/03/with-peyton-manning-to-broncos-jaguars-need-to-get-tim-tebow-now.html

[duvaldude08]

From NFL.com

But what everyone acknowledges is that the right trade could well be out there for the Broncos. And it might well come from the direction of an owner, seeing the starpower and business opportunities Tebow would present.

"That's the wrong way to approach it," said the NFC exec. "It's about winning games. If you're gonna approach it by looking at ticket sales, then you're not a good owner."

Any questions?

So we ignore the 50 articles out there today saying that Tebow is a perfect fit for Jacksonville and post the one making the ludicrous assertion that ticket sales and revenue are irrelevant in comparison to winning. Marketability and game day experience are so much important in the big picture than a few wins or losses in either direction. The Dodgers and Cubs are two of the most valuable franchises in sports, and the Cubs haven't won the Series in a hundred years. Meanwhile, the Rays - perennial World Series threats for the last couple years - are the second least valuable franchise in the MLB.

I get where you guys are coming from, but look around the city. The prevailing opinion (82% according to an admittedly non-scientific poll on the TU site, with over a thousand votes) is that Tebow should be a Jag. What do we give up to get him. A 4th or 5th round GENE SMITH pick? It's a risk, but in my opinion, it's a risk far less dangerous than letting Northeast Florida's most popular athlete sign with another Florida franchise.

Huge roll of the dice, I'm not denying that for one second, but in this Jags fan's opinion, there's never been a better opportunity to take a calculated gamble.

If he was a atleast a decent QB I would say its worth the risk. However he is GARBAGE.

[thelakelander]

Dolphins just signed David Garrard.  A far cry from the failed Stuck for Luck campaign of 2011.  No Tebow either.

http://nfltraderumors.co/dolphins-sign-qb-david-garrard/

[duvaldude08]

Dolphins just signed David Garrard.  A far cry from the failed Stuck for Luck campaign of 2011.  No Tebow either.

http://nfltraderumors.co/dolphins-sign-qb-david-garrard/

Its a one year deal.... Im again puzzled with the dolphins... and garrads decision to take a one year deal. Are they hoping that moore and garrad will compete, and from that they will find out who their starter is? And hope they are right?

[thelakelander]

I have no idea what they are doing.  They also released FS Yeremiah Bell today.  I guess they are playing for Matt Barkley next year.

[duvaldude08]

Good Read. This is what I have been screaming for the past two years.

Gene Frenette: Don't acquire Tim Tebow just to spur ticket sales


 
Submitted by Gene Frenette on March 19, 2012 - 10:46pm
Gene Frenette's Blog

After a decade of putting the Jaguars on the defensive with his brilliant quarterback play, Peyton Manning did it again Monday with his decision to join the Denver Broncos. He made Jacksonville’s favorite football son, Tim Tebow, available to his hometown franchise for the right trading price.

And so begins another round of debate from fans about whether general manager Gene Smith should pull the trigger to land a local hero.

Vote: Should the Jaguars look at Tim Tebow if the Broncos do try to trade him?

Despite owner Shahid Khan saying two months ago that he would have drafted Tebow, I don’t believe Smith wants to bring Tebow and the circus it’d create to town. That will irritate the Gators faction that longs for the quarterback who brought the University of Florida a football Camelot, but NFL executives don’t make personnel decisions by taking fan polls.

I’ve said and written before that you never bring any player, Tebow included, into your organization for the sole purpose of selling tickets. You draft, trade or sign players because you believe they give you a better chance to win, period.

Winning is the only proven long-term way to fill seats. Nobody knows if acquiring Tebow will provide just a temporary buzz, or one that is sustainable. But one thing is certain: The Jaguars are not in a position right now to completely dismiss his services if Denver would give Tebow up for, say, a fourth-round draft pick or lower.

The Jaguars have tied their future to top-10 draft pick Blaine Gabbert, and they just signed a formidable backup last week in Chad Henne. That might be enough to stabilize the position for years to come. But just as Tebow is a work in progress, so is this team’s No. 1, 2 and 3 (Dan LeFevour) quarterbacks on its depth chart.

Related: Peyton Manning's decision puts Tim Tebow in limbo

Tebow presents a unique dilemma for Smith and the Jaguars. Tebow is a beloved figure for his willingness to be a positive role model and touch the lives of those less fortunate, especially sick children. People, even some in the media, often can’t separate that admiration from football decisions. They become indignant over things like the Jaguars drafting Tyson Alualu, then a relatively unknown University of California defensive tackle, over a beloved Gator.

Now to be fair, there’s also a portion of the Jaguars’ fan base that is perfectly content with Tebow not being here because they’re not sold on his unconventional quarterbacking style. There’s no middle ground on Tebow. He evokes extreme opinions.

My feeling is Tebow will find a way to make himself a solid NFL quarterback, but it has to be the right situation with a coaching staff tailoring an offense to fit his skill set. Denver did that in 2011 with mixed results. Yes, the Broncos got to the playoffs with an 8-8 record and beat Pittsburgh, but executive John Elway obviously didn’t feel at ease with Tebow as his long-term quarterback.

I’m not convinced Tebow is the answer for the Jaguars. But at the right price, what’s the harm in allowing him to compete for a job, be it starter or backup? If Tebow can’t beat out Gabbert or Henne, you release him knowing it wasn’t a big investment.

But be clear about this: You don’t bring in Tebow to attract media attention or spur ticket sales. Make it only about football and winning, not because of some romanticized notion with the orange-and-blue portion of the fan base.

Tebow is an intriguing quarterback with an uncertain future. Smith decided last year to hitch his own future to Gabbert, and to upgrade the position by acquiring Henne over re-signing Luke McCown.

Smith won’t comment on Tebow because he’s the property of another team, which also provides a convenient out on a controversial topic.

Because the Jaguars and Smith already have a lot invested in Gabbert and Henne, it’s understandable why they’d be cautious about pursuing another quarterback.

But if Denver is willing to trade Tebow for a third-day draft pick, what have the Jaguars got to lose by bringing him home? Remember, they once gave up a king’s ransom for ex-Gator Derrick Harvey and received next to nothing in return.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I have no idea what they are doing.  They also released FS Yeremiah Bell today.  I guess they are playing for Matt Barkley next year.

It's the "Win 3 for Barkley" sweepstakes.

[Dapperdan]

Good Read. This is what I have been screaming for the past two years.

Gene Frenette: Don't acquire Tim Tebow just to spur ticket sales


 
Submitted by Gene Frenette on March 19, 2012 - 10:46pm
Gene Frenette's Blog

After a decade of putting the Jaguars on the defensive with his brilliant quarterback play, Peyton Manning did it again Monday with his decision to join the Denver Broncos. He made Jacksonville’s favorite football son, Tim Tebow, available to his hometown franchise for the right trading price.

And so begins another round of debate from fans about whether general manager Gene Smith should pull the trigger to land a local hero.

Vote: Should the Jaguars look at Tim Tebow if the Broncos do try to trade him?

Despite owner Shahid Khan saying two months ago that he would have drafted Tebow, I don’t believe Smith wants to bring Tebow and the circus it’d create to town. That will irritate the Gators faction that longs for the quarterback who brought the University of Florida a football Camelot, but NFL executives don’t make personnel decisions by taking fan polls.

I’ve said and written before that you never bring any player, Tebow included, into your organization for the sole purpose of selling tickets. You draft, trade or sign players because you believe they give you a better chance to win, period.

Winning is the only proven long-term way to fill seats. Nobody knows if acquiring Tebow will provide just a temporary buzz, or one that is sustainable. But one thing is certain: The Jaguars are not in a position right now to completely dismiss his services if Denver would give Tebow up for, say, a fourth-round draft pick or lower.

The Jaguars have tied their future to top-10 draft pick Blaine Gabbert, and they just signed a formidable backup last week in Chad Henne. That might be enough to stabilize the position for years to come. But just as Tebow is a work in progress, so is this team’s No. 1, 2 and 3 (Dan LeFevour) quarterbacks on its depth chart.

Related: Peyton Manning's decision puts Tim Tebow in limbo

Tebow presents a unique dilemma for Smith and the Jaguars. Tebow is a beloved figure for his willingness to be a positive role model and touch the lives of those less fortunate, especially sick children. People, even some in the media, often can’t separate that admiration from football decisions. They become indignant over things like the Jaguars drafting Tyson Alualu, then a relatively unknown University of California defensive tackle, over a beloved Gator.

Now to be fair, there’s also a portion of the Jaguars’ fan base that is perfectly content with Tebow not being here because they’re not sold on his unconventional quarterbacking style. There’s no middle ground on Tebow. He evokes extreme opinions.

My feeling is Tebow will find a way to make himself a solid NFL quarterback, but it has to be the right situation with a coaching staff tailoring an offense to fit his skill set. Denver did that in 2011 with mixed results. Yes, the Broncos got to the playoffs with an 8-8 record and beat Pittsburgh, but executive John Elway obviously didn’t feel at ease with Tebow as his long-term quarterback.

I’m not convinced Tebow is the answer for the Jaguars. But at the right price, what’s the harm in allowing him to compete for a job, be it starter or backup? If Tebow can’t beat out Gabbert or Henne, you release him knowing it wasn’t a big investment.

But be clear about this: You don’t bring in Tebow to attract media attention or spur ticket sales. Make it only about football and winning, not because of some romanticized notion with the orange-and-blue portion of the fan base.

Tebow is an intriguing quarterback with an uncertain future. Smith decided last year to hitch his own future to Gabbert, and to upgrade the position by acquiring Henne over re-signing Luke McCown.

Smith won’t comment on Tebow because he’s the property of another team, which also provides a convenient out on a controversial topic.

Because the Jaguars and Smith already have a lot invested in Gabbert and Henne, it’s understandable why they’d be cautious about pursuing another quarterback.

But if Denver is willing to trade Tebow for a third-day draft pick, what have the Jaguars got to lose by bringing him home? Remember, they once gave up a king’s ransom for ex-Gator Derrick Harvey and received next to nothing in return.

To me, as far as a business decision, this would be a no brainer. If we do bring him in, he must be involved in the offense though. It won't work if we sit him on the bench as a third stringer. SO, if they do decide to bring him in, he must be involved in some fashion and he will bring in the ticket sales. Things would be different if we had an established offense already, but we don't, we had a QB that was dead last in everything last year. What have we got to loose?

[Wacca Pilatka]

So...Tebow should be our QB because he's nice to sick children?  So's Brad Meester. 

If the T-U and Jacksonville sports radio had not made it trendy to highlight everything magical about Tebow's life while virtually ignoring all the good the Jaguars do in the community, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Alternately...Tebow should be our QB because he's popular and "relevant"?

Why not just sign Lady Gaga to be QB, then?  We could wear avant-garde uniforms made of meat.  She probably throws a more accurate ball, too.

[Dapperdan]

So...Tebow should be our QB because he's nice to sick children?  So's Brad Meester. 

If the T-U and Jacksonville sports radio had not made it trendy to highlight everything magical about Tebow's life while virtually ignoring all the good the Jaguars do in the community, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Alternately...Tebow should be our QB because he's popular and "relevant"?

Why not just sign Lady Gaga to be QB, then?  We could wear avant-garde uniforms made of meat.  She probably throws a more accurate ball, too.

Compared to Gabbert, who is better? All I keep hearing is Gabbert will be good one day... ok. What is the difference? What if Gabbert is terrible again this year? How long do we give him? I would rather have Henne be our QB this year honestly. Tom Mcmanus this mornig said we should bring in  Tebow, not as the QB but as a playmaker. That is what New England would do with him and it would be stupid of us to not take that opportunity. He could be what we keep hoping for in Zach Miller. Tebow is as athletic if not more so than Zach. Why let another team do this with him and not take the oppurtunity now?

[BridgeTroll]

No one is going to trade for Tebow... the Broncos will have to cut him.  If the Jags still want him... after no one else does... pick him up as a free agent.

[tufsu1]

this thoery that Tebow will bring in ticket sales...I know some people "worship" him....but really, did the whole Gator thing make a difference in selling tickets when it came to Derrick Harvey and Reggie Nelson...or even Fred Taylor in his later years?

Tebow to Jax. is nothing more than a gimmick...and if it doesn't make the team better over the long-term, fans still aren't going to show up

[urbanlibertarian]

I agree with Frenette.  Winning enough games to get to the playoffs on a regular basis is a proven way to sell out your stadium.  Bringing in a certain player is not a proven way to do that.

[Wacca Pilatka]

Compared to Gabbert, who is better? All I keep hearing is Gabbert will be good one day... ok. What is the difference? What if Gabbert is terrible again this year? How long do we give him? I would rather have Henne be our QB this year honestly. Tom Mcmanus this mornig said we should bring in  Tebow, not as the QB but as a playmaker. That is what New England would do with him and it would be stupid of us to not take that opportunity. He could be what we keep hoping for in Zach Miller. Tebow is as athletic if not more so than Zach. Why let another team do this with him and not take the oppurtunity now?

I understand the appeal of bringing in Tebow as a playmaker.  The problem is, if we bring him in there will be a massive hue and cry for him to start - even if Gabbert develops like I expect.  We'll have deep divisions within the city, people chanting for Tebow whenever Gabbert makes an error - it has disaster written all over it.