In the span of 48 hours, Denver Broncos’ quarterback Tim Tebow went from the full-time starter entering the 2012 NFL season to a potential trade target once Peyton Manning alerted the team he was going to sign with them. For a man who was part of the reason on how a team went from the bottom of the AFC West to division champions and defeating the highly touted Pittsburgh Steelers in the first-round of the 2011 NFL postseason, it was the issue of trust that might’ve led to his demise at Mile High.

While it is a sad ending to such a great story, TebowMania was one of the greatest fads to come out since FernandoMania with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tebow wasn’t originally drafted by John Elway and John Fox, but rather by former head coach Josh McDaniels. It was a questionable pick at first, since many NFL draft insiders had Tebow going as early as the third-round because of his inability to have a fast delivery or even an accurate arm.

Once McDaniels was canned, Tebow became just another version of the ugly duckling; the one player with the ugliest style of play that nobody in the organization really fully committed to. Since we know the ending to this story, I’m not going to go in detail, but rather say Tebow came in for experimental reasons and ended his season giving the Broncos hope.

What caused Tebow to rise to popularity so quickly was because of ESPN’s First Take. On the show, talent Skip Bayless was always banking on Tebow to win. It got so atrocious that a DJ made all of his Tebow references into a song called, “All He Does is Win.” Every day Bayless was on, a Tebow topic was included, whether it involved the actual sport or comparing him to another athlete.

Tebow’s religious views got in the way as well. Once TebowMania hit its apex, his genuflect to his god by praying on one knee became mocked. It would be known as “Tebowing.” Tebowing became the newest fad. Everyone would be posting pictures of themselves genuflecting like Tebow in front of random monuments and places.

His Christian views and loyalty to his higher power was made fun of sometimes (and still is today). We have the “3:16″ theory thanks to Tebow. John 3:16 is his favorite Bible passage. Tebow used to write the passage on his eye black before every game at Florida. During the wild-card playoff game against the Steelers, Tebow threw for a career-high 316 yards, while having 31.6 yards per completion. Some of Tebow’s other stats would add up to 316 in several games. By people using this as some ridiculous conspiracy theory, many assumed his god followed him everywhere.

The first thing that popped into my head once I heard about Peyton Manning was where will Tebow be traded to. Let’s be honest; you could tell all season that Elway didn’t want to commit to Tebow. While the Broncos were winning close games that resulted from miracles like fumbles and 50+-yard field goals, he always said that he would “try” Tebow as their full-time starter next year. He had no choice to say that. If he ever came out in public and said, “I’m not going with Tebow as our starter,” the fans would turn on him and Elway would receive so much criticism that Skip Bayless would force him to go on ESPN’s First Take to have a boxing match with his Tebow bandwagon cheering him along.

Elway made a smart move to end this phenomena of Tebow by bringing in possibly the greatest quarterback to enter free agency, showing his authority in Denver while still receiving respect from the Tebow fanatics.

The team that makes the most sense for Tebow to go is Jacksonville. The Jaguars have one of the worst fan bases in the league, almost blacking out their games on national television from lack of support. They have a top ten defense statistically along with a offensive weapon in running back Maurice Jones-Drew and a tight end in Mercedes Lewis. Jacksonville also has the seventh-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, which they might use on a receiver or offensive lineman, and are starting over with a new head coach in Mike Mularkey.

It’s a great fit because Tebow would enter a team that is rebuilding in a few aspects that needs a quarterback to build around. He might not have the most original throwing motion or style of play, but if the offensive game plan is built around his talents, we’ll have to wait and see how far it can take him.

Another reason why Jacksonville fits is because of Tebow’s alma mater in Florida. Not even the winning part of having him on your team but the amount of fans he’ll bring in from the area will help make more money to acquire more free agent talent.

One other team that has made recent headlines to acquire Tebow is the New England Patriots.I guess if you can’t beat them, join them. The Denver Broncos, led by Tebow, lost to the Patriots twice last season, including a 45-10 smothering in the second round of the NFL playoffs. McDaniels, who drafted Tebow when he was the head coach of the Broncos, is the current offensive coordinator of the team.

I can see this making sense because now the Patriots could be able to use Tebow as possibly a blocking running back or tight end; a hybrid role. The Patriots are known for having players come in and play more than one position (Troy Brown, Julian Edelman.) Of course, Tom Brady will not be dethroned unless he retires. Brady is in his mid-to-late 30′s though. With that retirement possibly on the horizon, Tebow could take over if New England really wanted him to.

One other reason why New England seems more of a clearer destination is the Jaguars recently signing quarterback Chad Henne. While the Jaguars could still trade for Tebow, it’d make little sense giving up on a quarterback like quaterback Blaine Gabbert after one rookie season with a lack of a line while having Henne for either back-up support or even to start.

It’s ironic how a young player who led his team to the playoffs be possibly dumped for an older veteran who’s coming off numerous neck surgeries. But I will digress to my article in November about Peyton Manning’s future that the NFL is a win-now business. If teams cared about the emotional state of the players, things would be a lot different. Unfortunately, Tim Tebow has become the odd man out at Mile High and could wearing a new jersey this upcoming training camp.

Even in days where I’m absolutely swamped, which, if you’re a loyal follower of this website, you would be well aware of, I still hold an opinion. My opinion concerning that of Peyton Manning, who is set to be cut by the Indianapolis Colts this afternoon, follows a similar structure to that mentioned above.

Ultimately, Manning will make a decision as to where to play next season after recovering from more neck surgeries than one can count on two hands. Assuming he is fully recovered, he will be the same quarterback, and more importantly, football mind that can take over as the field general and lead his respective squad on a crusade that we’ve become accustomed too. While it’s a large assumption at that, no one will question his credentials.

Yet fans like to fantasize. When fans fantasize, the media only caters to it.

No general managers or owners have spoken on the Manning situation confirming any interest. Nor should they at this point. For anyone to make suggestions that there have been declarations of desire for Manning at this point is nothing short of tomfoolery, and poor reporting. I don’t need “sources” telling me this. I don’t need falsified outlets or editorials trying to convince me otherwise.

There are a handful of teams with actual interest in the 13-year veteran. And rightfully so, they are remaining mum, even amid rampant speculation. How do I know them? Because I use a method that only the Mayans used themselves, and not many others do today.

Logic.

In no particular order:

Miami Dolphins

It makes all too much sense for the Dolphins to pursue a new quarterback, and they will. The Chad Henne days have come to a close, and it now comes to a point where they must make a decision as to where they build the franchise from here.

There is, of course, the option of trading up for the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, and selecting Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck (pending on who is available), and centering around youth. With this method, the risk is run of not only having the weight of a franchise carried on a rookie’s shoulder (even though Manning himself knows what that is like), but relying on him to establish immediate chemistry with the Dolphins’ receivers.

Then there is the alternative route of signing Manning, without needing to relish any picks or players. If Manning is signed, a short-term plan (an estimate of two seasons, give or take) is established. Win, and win quickly. Pairing a rookie head coach in Joe Philbin with a mind like Manning could be a powerful combination due to the former’s experience in the league working with star quarterbacks, and could bring out the best in someone like Brandon Marshall.

A wild-card in this situation is the potential inclusion of one Reggie Wayne. Wayne, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, could serve as a dangerous package inclusion in any Manning deal. The Dolphins would need to commit nearly all of its cap to the two players, but it may be worth while.

Seattle Seahawks

Just a year after making the playoffs at 7-9, Seattle found itself missing the postseason at 7-9 once again.

It is clear that Tarvaris Jackson is not the long-term solution for the Seahawks, nonetheless a short-term one, and neither is Charlie Whitehurst. To go along with that, Richi Cimini of ESPN claims to have heard that the team will throw just about whatever they must at Manning to bring him in, which should come as little surprise.

There is no doubt that a healthy Manning would flourish in the NFC West, even with the new-powerhouse 49ers. What is in question with Seattle is the talent that would surround him. Dough Baldwin and Golden Tate would be his two options on the left and right, which may instill doubt as to whether simply one player can save this squad.

Also up for debate would be how the nearly-36-year-old Manning would flourish in head coach Pete Carroll’s system. If Seattle were to come down with him, some other additions would likely be needed as well, be it through free agency or the draft.

Washington Redskins

The reason it is so tough to make a clear-cut declaration on Manning’s next destination is because of the uncertainty with the second-overall pick in the draft. As the Rams prepare to deal it, Washington could be one of the teams that may get involved for it.

Should they not though, this team screams for the ex-Colts star.

Owner Dan Snyder will gladly toss as much money as Manning desires at his feet. He’ll fly him in on Pegasus himself, with a white-carpet rolled outside of FedEx Field. He’ll be treated to the finest dining Maryland has to offer (I hope Peyton likes crab cakes!), alongside a personal massage therapist to treat his neck whenever it hurts.

The Redskins offer Manning the security of someone like Santana Moss and a promising tailback in Roy Helu. The defense has potential, and there are worse offensive lines out there.

In this case though, it comes down to competition. The Super Bowl champion New York Giants along with the division-winning Dallas Cowboys sport potent offenses, and the Eagles are still out to prove themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. Peyton would have to face his brother Eli twice a year, which could also be a deciding factor (not out of fear, but the madness that surrounds it).

Should he forgo this, Washington is a legitimate contender for his services.

New York Jets

The Jets will look at Manning, and admit failure in Mark Sanchez in doing so. This team set up a blockbuster deal back in 2009 to acquire the former Trojan, and received two AFC Championship appearances under him.

With Sanchez’s lack of consistency and his clubhouse character have brought about many calling for his head in New York, it is no surprise this franchise will panic and look towards Manning.

No, it would not be to “mentor” Sanchez. That theory is ridiculous, especially considering the two appearances in the conference championship game. It would be to replace Sanchez as the starting quarterback on the team. Whether it would result in the trading of Sanchez, I am not sure, but this would be a full-scale replacement deal.

The Jets sport a talented but hot-headed wideout in Santonio Holmes, and a lethal tight end option in Dustin Keller. While Plaxico Burress is likely on his way out, they could also try to look for a rental receiver to take his place for the time being.With a new offensive coordinator and a defense-first head coach in Rex Ryan, Manning would likely be able to call much of the shots in the Meadowlands as well.

The issue with the Jets, however, is the lack of offensive line. Why would it be plausible to come back from numerous surgeries, just to get hammered by AFC East defensive linesmen? Would Manning really put himself at that risk with little improvement from the Jets? Throw this factor in with questions remaining in the backfield, and a fit seems a little less likely.

Arizona Cardinals

Is it too early to call the Kevin Colb experiment a bust? Many would believe not, as John Skelton took over as quarterback midway through last season. While his play certainly was not awful, this is Peyton Manning being discussed.

The possibilities of what Manning could do with a guy like Larry Fitzgerald catching his passes are endless. For this scenario to work though, signing Wayne in a package deal would be incredibly beneficial. It could propel Arizona back to the top of the NFC where they were just a few years ago, and could hold it for a couple of seasons even.

While many questions remain about the rest of the squad, playing in the NFC West works greatly in Arizona’s favor in this situation. Manning would once again receive the opportunity to call the shots, and with a healthy Beanie Wells, could make a move in the division. It’s an awful lot of assuming to say that Wayne would join him, but it’s certainly not impossible.

Not only all this, but they’ve got the cash to throw at him as well if they want to.

Sleepers

There are none. That is the issue at hand here. The hyperbole surrounding this is ridiculous. There will be no Manning in Houston. There will be no Manning backing up Tom Brady in New England. Not even Jacksonville, in all of its misery, or Oakland, in all of its Carson Palmer, can take on someone of his magnitude.

Realistically speaking, the only other potential team that could sneak its way in, in this writer’s opinion, would be the Tennessee Titans. That, however, will be relative to what they decide to do going forward, between Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker.

So it is now important to bring an end to the ridiculous hype before it gets worse. Do not expect the unexpected with Peyton Manning. If I’m wrong, so be it, but do not expect this to get out of hand. He will go where he needs too.

And only he knows where. And we will soon too.

With Chad Pennington out for the season, the Miami Dolphins placed the 33-year old on the Injured Reserve to make room for quarterback Tyler Thigpen. Thigpen was traded from Kansas City to Miami for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.

Thigpen will be one of two backup quarterbacks to second-year pro Chad Henne, who will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Pat White is the other backup quarterback for Miami.

As quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Thigpen went 1-10 last year after both Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard suffered season-ending injuries. Thigpen threw for 2,608 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. However, with the acquisition of Matt Cassel during the offseason, as well as a lost battle with Brodie Croyle for the #2 job, Thigpen is looking forward to playing for the Dolphins.

Thigpen’s agent, Joel Turner, said, “It’s not like that team is short on talent — they won the division last year. It’s a wonderful opportunity. Nobody does it like Bill Parcells. For Bill Parcells to believe in Tyler speaks volumes about Tyler.”

Thigpen, a third-year pro, will be playing with his third NFL team; he was selected in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

Photo Source: Photobucket

In what will ultimately be a gigantic blow to the Miami Dolphins playoff chances, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has announced that quarterback Chad Pennington will miss the rest of the season with a torn capsule in his shoulder.  The report has yet to be confirmed by the team, and no announcement is expected immediately.

The news comes less than 24 hours after Pennington was injured during the Dolphins away game versus the San Diego Chargers, a game that they lost 23-13.  He left the game during the third quarter, after taking a hit to the same shoulder that he had surgery on in 2004 and 2005.

The Dolphins are 0-3 this season, following a division title in 2008.  The team has been hurt by injury already, and the sidelining of Pennington will not ease the pain (no pun intended).

“I told this team yesterday, it’s not OK to be 0-3,” said coach Tony Sparano. “It’s not acceptable. If there’s a place where we can shake some things up, we will.”

Replacing Pennington will likely be Chad Henne, the former Michigan stand out.  Though it is possible that the recently drafted Pat White will see more playing time, Henne will likely take the snaps behind center for the most part.

SFC awaits confirmation of the story by the team.

Photo Source: Flickr