His next fact could read: Chuck Norris is so influential he got Tim Tebow a job in the NFL.

That’s exactly what the tough-guy actor is hoping. In an article he wrote for conservative Web site Newsbusters, Norris lauded the play of the quarterback and pushed for the Jaguars to sign him.

“Tebow is a player who rises to the occasion and delivers big in critical moments,” Norris wrote. “He reminds me of myself when I used to compete in martial arts.”

Norris, whose fictional “facts” are Internet legend, may have a tough time overcoming this obstacle. Tebow has received little interest in the NFL since being cut by the Jets last month and even teams from the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League have yet to guarantee him a starting job.

Tebow is known as a player who shines in games, as he did at times while leading the Broncos to the playoffs in 2011, but looks awful in practice.

“I would spar with my black belts in class, and sometimes they would outscore me. Yet in the tournaments, I would defeat them. My students used to ask me, ‘Why is it that we can contend equally against you in class but can’t beat you in the tournaments?’ My answer was always the same: ‘When it counts, I rise to the occasion,’ ” Norris wrote.

The “Walker: Texas Ranger” star thinks Tebow’s hometown Jaguars would be the ideal fit and urged Jacksonville owner Shad Kahn to step up.

Follow @NYPostsports

Article source: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/fact_norris_thinks_tebow_fits_with_p6Cgy0suJqjpzL5cH1yx7I?utm_medium=rss&utm_content=Jets

Article source: http://thejetsblog.com/nyjets/the-jetsblog-podcast-episode-33-otas-and-big-snacks/

Article source: http://thejetsblog.com/nyjets/teammates-ready-to-move-on-from-sanchez/

Brace yourselves: The anonymous New York Jets player has struck again. His target? Mark Sanchez.

CBSSports.com’s Mike Freeman talked with yet another unnamed Jets player who told him this week, “Everyone on the team likes Mark personally, but there’s a general feeling among some of the players that maybe it’s time to give someone else a chance.”

The masked source estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the roster agrees. Naturally, none of the players have gone on record with that sentiment.

Sanchez struggled through a disastrous Wednesday practice lowlighted by three interceptions and general chaos, a display coach Rex Ryan classified as “unacceptable” and a “disappointment.”

The miscues conjure up Sanchez’s 52 turnovers over the past two seasons, a statistic tied to the quarterback’s fierce tumble from grace in Florham Park. Granted, Sanchez was without wideouts Santonio Holmes or Stephen Hill on Wednesday, but so was rookie Geno Smith (who, if you’re keeping score, threw one pick of his own on a day that saw neither passer flourish).

The New York
Jets’ QB battle has started, but is it already over for
Mark Sanchez?
Kimberly Jones takes a look.
More …

The Jets have spoken optimistically about wrapping up the team’s quarterback competition prior to training camp. That won’t come easy, because Sanchez — to be fair — still is learning the team’s new West Coast attack, while Smith still is learning where the break room is.

Sanchez would benefit from a fresh start, but it doesn’t matter what his unnamed teammates think. The Jets aren’t about to part ways with the veteran — still guaranteed a bundlle of cash — until they’re certain Smith can steer them out of the abyss.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.

Article source: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000205758/article/unnamed-jets-player-mark-sanchez-losing-locker-room

Our old friend, anonymous, has popped up again with comments about Mark Sanchez per Mike Freeman.

This from a Jets player, who asked not to be identified: “Everyone on the team likes Mark personally but there’s a general feeling among some of the players that maybe it’s time to give someone else a chance.” The player went on to say that he estimates that 80-90 percent of the team feels the same way he does.

Before anybody suggests Freeman made this quote up, let me stop you. Freeman isn’t going to risk his career by making up a quote.

The fact this story was published speaks poorly for Rex Ryan. Two years since the locker room crumbled, stories like this are still appearing. He still has not gotten control of things. It also speaks to the complications of keeping Sanchez around. Mark Sanchez is a divisive figure. He has been in the fan base. There are plenty of signs he has been in the locker room. Just having him around creates drama. This story is a perfect example. David Garrard’s retirement complicates things, but it probably would be best for both sides if they figured out how to part ways as soon as possible.

Article source: http://www.ganggreennation.com/2013/5/23/4359774/mark-sanchez-anonymous-player-says-80-90-percent-of-team-wants

If Tim Tebow wants to get back in the NFL, he better hope Chuck Norris buys a franchise.

The karate champ and former “Walker, Texas Ranger” star calls the ex-Jets backup quarterback the ultimate clutch player in a column he wrote for the NewsBusters website earlier this week and believes the out-of-work QB could be an NFL legend.

“I have been following Tim since he became a QB for the University of Florida Gators, and I never have seen a more determined or inspiring athlete to play the game of football,” Norris wrote in his opinion piece for the website that bills itself as “Exposing Combating Liberal Media Bias.”

Tebow had little opportunity to inspire as a member of the Jets as he barely made it onto the field. He quickly fell out of favor with Rex Ryan after an offseason trade with the Broncos. Tebow led Denver on an improbable run to the playoffs in 2011 – including a wild wild-card victory over the Steelers – before being dumped on the open market when John Elway was able to lure Peyton Manning to the Mile High City.

RICHARD TWAROG/CBS

Chuck Norris (c.) stars as ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ from 1993-2001.

The most popular backup the NFL has ever seen never proved to the Jets in practice that he could deliver the ball accurately enough to be a valuable weapon and spent his few snaps on the field running the ball straight up the middle. Tebow attempted only eight passes as a member of the Jets and was waived on April 29.

The “Missing in Action” hero, who shares Tebow’s conservative Christian faith, challenged the conventional wisdom:

“I’ve heard the critics say Tebow has poor technical skills, but the truth is that Tim is a natural leader, an amazingly gifted football player, an inspiration to his team and the possessor of intense determination and strategy to bring any team to victory — no matter what the odds. One can improve technique, but leadership is innate. That is why I believe that Tebow could be a superstar and legend in the NFL.

“Tebow is a player who rises to the occasion and delivers big in critical moments. He reminds me of myself when I used to compete in martial arts. I would spar with my black belts in class, and sometimes they would outscore me. Yet in the tournaments, I would defeat them. My students used to ask me, ‘Why is it that we can contend equally against you in class but can’t beat you in the tournaments?’ My answer was always the same: ‘When it counts, I rise to the occasion.’”

The karate champ also hits the big screen in the ‘Missing in Action’ movies.

So where does Norris see such a special player rising to the occasion?

Jacksonville.

“Why? To put it simply, it’s because Tim could help turn that mediocre team into a championship one. Tebow works miracles on the field, and his inclusion would embolden the spirit of the Jaguars’ players and fans.”

Only one problem. Jaguars owner Shad Khan has said several times recently that he has no plans on bringing the hometown hero back to Florida.

So it appears Tebow’s best bet for an NFL return is for Norris to put his wallet where his column is and fund his own franchise. Tebow, Texas Ranger?

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nydnrss/sports/football/jets/~3/_saCIi2IB0A/story01.htm

Chris Ivory is the most tenured running back in the building right now, and depending on how things shake out with Mike Goodson’s legal proceedings, could be in line for a bigger role this season.

During a recent interview, Ivory talked about what it was like being in a crowded backfield in New Orleans and why he wanted the chance to break out and earn more carries.

“I was always going to have that opportunity,” he said. “But it was just a tough situation over there. We all had our roles, just hard to fit four backs in a system. But I’m glad to be here.”

He added: “I think more carries will allow my full potential to show. … You kind of have to accept (sharing the ball). It was hard, I’m not going to say it wasn’t hard. There were times when you don’t like it, but you have to deal with it and accept your role.”

When asked if he had conversations with the Saints during the offseason asking for a bigger role if he returned, Ivory was careful with his words.

“Well …” he said, pausing for a few seconds. “I didn’t necessarily say that, but I would have loved for that to happen.”

We haven’t seen enough Ivory to formulate a full opinion on how much he can produce. He came to the Jets because it offered a bigger opportunity he can showcase more skills. So, with the help of our friends at Pro Football Focus, we look at the numbers that may have helped formulate the decision to bring him here.

Is Ivory right? You can decide.

Breakaway percentage:

2012*: On 40 total attempts, Ivory had three carries go for 15 yards or more. On those carries, the Saints gained a total of 103 yards.
2011: On 79 total attempts, Ivory had two carries go for 15 yards or more. On those carries, the Saints gained a total of 60 yards.
2010: On 179 total attempts, Ivory had nine carries go for 15 yards or more. On those carries, the Saints gained a total of 229 yards.

* An interesting note here, both Ivory and Goodson were in the top 10 for breakaway percentage, according to Pro Football Focus. Goodson was ranked No. 7 and Ivory No. 9.

Pass catching summary:

Another interesting part of Ivory’s interview was when he was asked about misconceptions some have about his game.

“People say I can’t catch,” Ivory said. “But how many times have these people seen me catch a pass out of the backfield and all the times I caught the ball. But yet, they say I can’t catch.”

Here’s his play breakdown from the last three years:

2012: 41 rushing plays, 20 pass plays.
2011: 104 rushing plays, 29 pass plays
2010: 140 rushing plays, 37 pass plays

Thrown at/catch rate:

2010: Thrown at: 1, catch rate 100% (1 rec, 17 yards)
2011: Thrown at: 1, catch rate 0%
2012: Thrown at 3, catch rate 66.7% (3, rec, 15 yards)

Yards per carry

Ivory said that, more than anything, he wants to win. But: “along with it, I do want the touches. I feel like I can be a big threat, but overall I just want to win, man. And be a big part of that puzzle.”

Here are his touches from the past three seasons (carries//yards//yards per carry)

2010:

3 ATL @ NO 7 13 1.9
4 CAR @ NO 12 67 5.6
5 NO @ ARZ 10 39 3.9
6 NO @ TB HB 15 159 10.6
7 CLV @ NO 15 48 3.2
8 PIT @ NO 7 7 1.0
9 NO @ CAR 12 50 4.2
11 SEA @ NO 23 99 4.3
12 NO @ DAL 7 38 5.4
13 NO @ CIN 15 118 7.9
14 SL @ NO 7 47 6.7
17 TB @ NO 7 33 4.7

2011:

8 NO @ SL 6 18 3.0
9 TB @ NO 15 67 4.5
14 NO @ TEN 13 53 4.1
15 NO @ MIN 18 74 4.1
16 ATL @ NO 8 35 4.4
17 CAR @ NO 19 127 6.7
WC DET @ NO 13 47 3.6
DP NO @ SF 9 23 2.6

2012:

9 PHI @ NO 10 48 4.8
10 ATL @ NO 7 72 10.3
11 NO @ OAK 8 37 4.6
12 SF @ NO 8 34 4.3
13 NO @ ATL 3 4 1.3
17 CAR @ NO 4 22 5.5

So, there you have it. The Jets liked Ivory enough to fork over a fourth-round draft pick. They could have had rookies like Jonathan Franklin (UCLA), Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina), Stepfan Taylor (Stanford) or Joseph Randle (Oklahoma State), who were all drafted within 50 picks of the Jets selection.

Ivory certainly thinks it was a good deal.

“(The Saints) know what I had to offer, there’s no doubt what I can do,” he said. “So they knew what I had to offer. But it’s a new beginning, so I just have to come out fresh.”

Do you?

Article source: http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/05/jets_rb_chris_ivory_i_want_to.html

Article source: http://thejetsblog.com/nyjets/richardson-getting-the-hang-of-two-gapping/

The Jets Blog: John Idzik is staying quiet and handling the Mike Goodson issue perfectly.

The Jet Press: Do not blame Idzik for David Garrard or Goodson.

Randy Lange: Rex Ryan takes aim at turnovers during OTAs.

Matt Ehalt: New York Jets practice report. Totally not sh– this time.

Conor Orr: Geno Smith is still working to improve his footwork.

Dennis Waszak Jr.: Smith picks Jay-Z’s agency. Or is it spelled agen-Z.

Tara Sullivan: Smith’s focus is on the field.

J.P. Pelzman: It looks like a two-quarterback contest.

Brian Costello: Mark Sanchez threw three interceptions.

Kristian Dyer: Marty Mornhinweg is rebuilding Mark’s floundering career.

Bart Hubbuch: Chris Ivory showed off his moves as he aims to claim the starting job.

Eric Allen: “Jets Talk Live” will feature Quinton Coples and Hayden Smith.

Kristian Dyer: Lanier Coleman is aiming for the Jets roster after a long journey.

Newsday: Sheldon Richardson is adjusting to rookie life.

JetNation: Roster preview of the defensive backs.

Jets Insider: How to decipher OTA reports.

NY Jets Draft: AFC East overview and evaluation.

CBS Philly: Ron Jaworski is serious about signing Tim Tebow.

ESPN.com: Chuck Norris lauds Tebow and urges the Jacksonville Jaguars to sign him.

MiamiDolphins.com: Dustin Keller wants to re-establish himself as a top tight end.

ESPN: Weeb Ewbank‘s legacy and the influence on the Paul Brown coaching tree.

USA Today: The Cleveland Browns’ Jimmy Haslam explains the probe to NFL owners.

USA Today: Hakeem Nicks gave a bunch of backpacks to needy kids. Oh yeah, and Kyle Wilson was there, too.

New York Times: The New York Giants give the once-heralded Aaron Curry a chance.

Associated Press: Michael Crabtree has surgery on his Achilles.

AP: Sam Bradford is leading the Oklahoma aid effort.

AP: Brian Urlacher announces his retirement.

OSN: Urlacher retires with plenty of injuries left in the tank.

OSN: Calvin Johnson says that he played the 2012 season with a broken heart.

AZ Central: Ryan Williams says that he was playing scared.

WBAY: Johnny Jolly can now return to the Green Bay Packers.

Forbes: What the NFL still gets wrong about concussions.

And lastly, Manny Arceneaux has signed on with the B.C. Lions, not Detroit like I wrote yesterday.

Article source: http://www.ganggreennation.com/2013/5/23/4359008/NYJFC052313

PHILADELPHIA – Could it be Tebow Time in the Arena Football League?

Philadelphia Soul part owner Ron Jaworski said on Wednesday he was serious about his offer to former New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow to join the AFL team.

Jaworski, a former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, reached out to Tebow a day after the Jets released him in April. Jaworski has yet to hear from Tebow, but expects to eventually.

“I love the guy,” Jaworski said. “I want him here just for his leadership.”

Tebow was brought to New York to be a dynamic addition to the offense, a complement to Mark Sanchez and a merchandising touchdown for the Jets. Instead, he attempted just eight passes for 39 yards and rushed 32 times for 102 yards — and no touchdowns.

“I know Tim’s in a funk right now,” Jaworski said. “But I think he’s got to have a career path. What’s he going to do to get back?”

It’s a path that could go through Philadelphia. The Orlando Predators have also expressed interest in Tebow.

Tebow is currently a free agent and hasn’t garnered interest from NFL teams since being cut.

Alex Trautwig/Getty Images

Tim Tebow, after a failed season with the NY Jets, is currently an NFL free agent.

Agent Jimmy Sexton did not immediately return a call for comment.

Tebow’s inaccurate passing, in addition to the relentless media attention he draws, makes him a risky acquisition for any NFL team.

The Jets acquired Tebow for a fourth-round draft pick and $1.5 million in salary, and he was expected to be a vital part of New York’s offense.

Instead, it was a miserable season for Tebow as the Jets failed to find an effective way to use him, and he didn’t impress Rex Ryan and his coaching staff enough in practice to force them to give him more playing time.

That would all change with the Soul, Jaworski said.

“You’ve got to learn to get rid of the football, quick. You’ve got to process information, quick,” he said. “If those are challenges Tim has, that’s it. If you get reps and you’re dropping back 40-45 times, with people in your face, you get better. He needs to play. He needs to be on the field.”

While it seems unlikely Tebow would accept the offer, he could be a perfect fit in the league of 50-yard fields, lanky goal posts and indoor stadiums.

“He’s a hard worker, that’s great,” he said. “But you’ve got to be on the field in live action getting that experience. I think the Arena Football League would give him that opportunity.”

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nydnrss/sports/football/jets/~3/vMB0oMYUg3U/story01.htm