<![CDATA[Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow?]]> Three Reasons Why the Cleveland Browns Could Still Take a Chance on Tim Tebow in 2013
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By Shaun Heidrick50 minutes ago
COMMENTARY | The 2013 Cleveland Browns have shown time and again that they are a team that is unafraid to take a huge risk every now and then.

The September trade of running back Trent Richardson and the promotion of third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer to the starting job prior to Week 3 seemed like huge gambles at the time, but both moves ended up paying off for the Browns. Cleveland is 4-5 and firmly in the mix for the second wild-card spot in the AFC.

Though the Browns' quarterback situation seems stable for the moment with Jason Campbell leading the way, the roller-coaster ride that has been Cleveland's 2013 season will likely have a few more twists and turns along the way.

With nearly two months remaining in the regular season, it's certainly possible that the free-wheeling Browns could still end up taking the ultimate gamble -- signing Tim Tebow. These are three reasons why:

The Browns Are One Play Away From Disaster At Quarterback

When Campbell was hurt during the first quarter of Cleveland's Week 9 win over the Baltimore Ravens, you could almost hear a pin drop at FirstEnergy Stadium, but that quiet was soon replaced by boos and the collective groan of a Browns fan base that knew what Campbell's injury meant -- that Brandon Weeden would have to enter the game.

Mercifully, Campbell only missed one series with what turned out to be bruised ribs, but a near-miss like that should only reinforce the Browns need to pick up another quarterback. This, after all, is a team that has had injury problems at that position all season long. Playing behind a line that has already allowed 31 sacks in 2013, Campbell likely hasn't seen his last punishing blow from an opposing defensive lineman.

The reception Weeden received upon his entry this past weekend is just more proof that he has worn out his welcome in Cleveland. I'm no Tebow fan by any means, but at this point, I'd rather see him over Weeden as Cleveland's starter if Campbell were to go down.

There's Just Not Many Other Options Out There At Quarterback

With the trade deadline having passed last week, the remaining pool of available quarterbacks with NFL experience is a veritable wasteland of players such as JaMarcus Russell that never lived up to their potential, guys like Vince Young who simply flamed out, and then Tebow, who deserves a category all his own.

I'm never going to knock the Denver Broncos for signing Peyton Manning in 2012, as Manning has turned the Broncos into a legitimate threat to win the Super Bowl, but Denver sold out Tebow in the process. Tebow's thanks for leading the Broncos to a playoff win in 2011 was getting traded to the New York Jets shortly after Denver signed Manning. Despite having major issues at quarterback throughout the entire 2012 season, Tebow never got a chance to start for the Jets. After being released by New York in April, Tebow had zero chance of being anything more than a third-string quarterback for the New England Patriots before they cut him in August.

I'd rather see the Browns sign a quarterback that has never played his way out of a job over a has-been or a never-was any day of the week.

Tebow Could Actually Have Some Success With This Team

Tebow went 8-5 in 2011 leading a Denver offense that is very similar talent-wise to what the Browns have right now. Browns running back Willis McGahee is a couple of years older now, but he had an outstanding year for the Broncos in 2011 when he ran for 1,199 yards. Cleveland wide receiver Josh Gordon and Denver wideout Demaryius Thomas are about on the same level, but Browns tight end Jordan Cameron is far superior to any tight end that Denver trotted out in 2011.

With Tebow bringing his ability to rush the football to plate, Cleveland's anemic running game would immediately become more of a focus for opposing defenses. If Tebow were to even somewhat effectively utilize the talent Cleveland possesses at receiver, there is no reason to think that the Browns couldn't be competitive, especially since this Cleveland team has a better defense than Denver had in 2011.

I hope it doesn't get to that point, but right now, Tebow sure seems like an upgrade over Weeden to me.

Shaun Heidrick is a Yahoo Contributor who has followed the Cleveland Browns for over 25 years.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/topic/27263/could-the-browns-still-take-a-chance-on-tebowRSS for NodeFri, 02 Oct 2026 13:12:30 GMTWed, 06 Nov 2013 15:41:38 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:17:01 GMT]]>only shot he has at playing QB is the CFL.

if he loves the game so much and might learn from it, why not do it?

pride that's why. one of the seven deadly sins.

i'm telling you he's the ani-christ.

but we all know religion is a farce anyways, so no biggie.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365899https://brownsboard.com/post/365899Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:17:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Mon, 11 Nov 2013 16:51:50 GMT]]>I like Tim Tebow and would be happy to see him get a shot. That being said at this stage of the game it would be nearly impossible for him to become familiar with even the stripped down version of our system. At least Brandon Weeden knows what he's doing even if he doesn't respond well with the speed of game day.

WSS

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365861https://brownsboard.com/post/365861Mon, 11 Nov 2013 16:51:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Mon, 11 Nov 2013 15:50:32 GMT]]>Report I have heard this morning: Tebow is headed for the broadcast booth, somewhere. The only problem is that Tebow is not very well spoken nor very smart.....but that has not stopped the networks for going after a guy with a name before. Half the guys these networks pick cannot speak proper English anyway.

(I will say this though....I was skeptical of ESPN's choice to take on Ray Lewis, but I think he has turned out to be a lot better than I thought.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365841https://brownsboard.com/post/365841Mon, 11 Nov 2013 15:50:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sun, 10 Nov 2013 19:34:08 GMT]]>

@topdawg31 said:

It's taking up space for a better topic

Yeah, having a third mock draft in week 10 is a hell of a lot better.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365650https://brownsboard.com/post/365650Sun, 10 Nov 2013 19:34:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:12:03 GMT]]>

@miktoxic said:

why would you care?

change the channel if you don't like it.

It's taking up space for a better topic

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365608https://brownsboard.com/post/365608Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:12:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:08:44 GMT]]>

@topdawg31 said:

Why is this topic still active?

why would you care?

change the channel if you don't like it.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365606https://brownsboard.com/post/365606Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:08:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:06:37 GMT]]>Why is this topic still active?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365604https://brownsboard.com/post/365604Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:06:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sun, 10 Nov 2013 01:26:53 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

Id rather be soft than hard while in in the locker room.

hey you'd only know about that MR phys. ed.

"hey TCPO go grab me a clean jock strap"

right away sir.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365531https://brownsboard.com/post/365531Sun, 10 Nov 2013 01:26:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sun, 10 Nov 2013 01:10:14 GMT]]>

@miktoxic said:

i don't care if the all the other guys in the locker room call you soft and gay.........you're OK in my book.

ONE HILARIOUS MOTHERFUCKER!!

Id rather be soft than hard while in in the locker room.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365530https://brownsboard.com/post/365530Sun, 10 Nov 2013 01:10:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sat, 09 Nov 2013 17:37:15 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

Life is all about small victories.

i don't care if the all the other guys in the locker room call you soft and gay.........you're OK in my book.

ONE HILARIOUS MOTHERFUCKER!!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365485https://brownsboard.com/post/365485Sat, 09 Nov 2013 17:37:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sat, 09 Nov 2013 15:31:06 GMT]]>

@miktoxic said:

hey on my fifty-third birthday i got a pair of bi-focals.

so go fuck yourself tim!

now i can tell whether the stop light is red or green............and be able to pick out some classic allman bros. music on the jukebox.

Life is all about small victories.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365472https://brownsboard.com/post/365472Sat, 09 Nov 2013 15:31:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sat, 09 Nov 2013 06:18:52 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

You can barely read a magazine from a foot away.

Put the bottle down, Mik.

hey on my fifty-third birthday i got a pair of bi-focals.

so go fuck yourself tim!

now i can tell whether the stop light is red or green............and be able to pick out some classic allman bros. music on the jukebox.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365445https://brownsboard.com/post/365445Sat, 09 Nov 2013 06:18:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sat, 09 Nov 2013 05:50:03 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

The Coastal reference was my way of saying that the dumbest decisions as far as onfield personnel can yield better results in the big picture.

ROTFL- and usually, they don't- until the owner\GM gets fired or sells out. You mean Al Davis and the Raiders as exhibit #1? Matt Millen and the Lions as exhibit #2? Nick Miletti and the Cavs, or is that before your time?

Nope, the Browns are living proof dumb on-field, FO, and drafting decisions get you 2-14. How bout Richardson and Weeden- win now- whoops, not happening. Can we bring back Mangini? How about Butch Davis? I hear Carmen Policy is looking for work. Yeah, I really want an owner who doesn't know shit about football but is a marketing genius. Jerry Jones does know shit about football, IS a marketing genius, and the Scowboys haven't won jack in a long time Jack.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365442https://brownsboard.com/post/365442Sat, 09 Nov 2013 05:50:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:59:32 GMT]]>

@miktoxic said:

so your whole argument about getting tebow was a farce.

man, i can read you from a mile away.

You can barely read a magazine from a foot away.

Put the bottle down, Mik.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365441https://brownsboard.com/post/365441Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:59:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:53:43 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

I will when I bet against the boys in Brown.

so your whole argument about getting tebow was a farce.

man, i can read you from a mile away.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365440https://brownsboard.com/post/365440Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:53:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Sat, 09 Nov 2013 00:41:13 GMT]]>

@miktoxic said:

you gonna make money if tebow shows up? you might spend some money (you) but 'we' ain't makin dick.

I will when I bet against the boys in Brown.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365433https://brownsboard.com/post/365433Sat, 09 Nov 2013 00:41:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 23:37:24 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

I'm fine with that. If we're gonna lose, which we will, I'd rather us make money.

you gonna make money if tebow shows up? you might spend some money (you) but 'we' ain't makin dick.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365429https://brownsboard.com/post/365429Fri, 08 Nov 2013 23:37:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 21:05:22 GMT]]>The Coastal reference was my way of saying that the dumbest decisions as far as onfield personnel can yield better results in the big picture.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365416https://brownsboard.com/post/365416Fri, 08 Nov 2013 21:05:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:21:52 GMT]]>

@miktoxic said:

and WTF does any of this have to do with tebow?

and to all your bible thumpers: wouldn't a 'child of god' want to help 'his' team anyway he could? wouldn't he be thankful for any opportunity to play in this league even if it means changing position?

BUT NO>

it's all about tim tebow. me. me. me. phony

Yup, what happened @ Coastal Carolina has no relevance to to Haslam and the NFL.

But regarding Tebow and religion- I really believe he's sincere about that- his parents were missionaries, he does wear his faith on his sleeve, and it pisses a lot of people off- no doubt. Too bad he feels it's quarterback or bust in the NFL- he's certainly been told numerous times his future in the NFL is at fullback or tight end.

Timmy doesn't need the money either. His rookie contract set him up for life. I know for a fact his mom pulls down $5,000 an appearance on the Billy Graham Bible thumping circuit, and doubtless Tim can command 4X that.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365375https://brownsboard.com/post/365375Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:21:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:11:50 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

I'm not only talking about ticket sales. Everything is connected.

Tebow has never fallen lower than top 15 in jersey sales in his entire NFL career, no matter where he plays or if he plays.

Everyone is so caught up with the Christian aspect (which is overemphasized by the media, not Tebow), that you're failing to realize this could be a good step for the organization as a whole.

If Campbell goes down, we're losing out no matter who is at the helm. Why not bring in the guy that will make the franchise more money, get them more national exposure, and get fans more excited in the team?

Sometimes the best move for your team makes little to zero sense on the field.

If Tebow brought in a modest 5% merchandise sales spike and 5% ticket sales spike, that would bring in massive amounts of money for the program.

In a typical year, a team will make roughly $5 million off merchandise sales, with nearly half of that figure coming from the jerseys of their top two franchise players. Assuming a 5% spike, that would give us another $250,000 of money that Haslam will have to pump back into the franchise.

In 2011 (the latest figures I could find), the Browns total attendance for the year was 526,874. Once again assuming a 5% spike, that figure would jump up 26,344 people, or about 3,300 per home game. At $60.00 per ticket, that would see an increased profit of $1,580,640.

TV revenue sharing, concession sales, and advertising aside, that's a quick 1.5 mill just from having him on the roster.

Obviously, there are many cons. Namely, he's an awful NFL QB. But so is Weeden and so is every other QB that will be available should Campbell go down. At least this awful QB would have a decent little return on him.

I think you're overstating the financial aspect. If you're a Browns fan and rush out to buy a (obviously) one year rent-a-player's jersey- you're pretty damn stupid in my book. I'll stick by my contention if Campbel gets hurt- it's either Wee-done, or one of the emergency quarterbacks. Tebow isn't coming here- no way in hell.

Sure, Weeden is gone as soon as the season is over- but he at least knows Chuds system- too bad he's so limited on the field, he can't execute it.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365373https://brownsboard.com/post/365373Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:11:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:15:16 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

A few seasons ago, Coastal Carolina University fired their coach; the only coach in the history of their football program, a guy beloved in the community who got them four Big South Championships in seven years. They brought in Joe Moglia, former CEO of TD Ameritrade and a veritable coaching rookie. Moglia had never been a head coach at the college level and was a head coach in the AFL only because he bought the entire team and gave himself the job. By essentially giving him full control of the team both monetarily and managerial, they've been able to reallocate their football funds toward making the campus larger by adding new buildings, new stadiums, more dorms and more parking. Because the school is now newer and better, more recruits want to come to Coastal. Because they are getting better recruits, their team is better. They are now ranked Top 3 in the FCS.

and WTF does any of this have to do with tebow?

you are out of your mind.

like everybody else has said, how campbell goes, we go. if he plays good enough to win we might have a shot at the playoffs, since everyone else in the AFC seems to suck as bad as we do. we've got other guys on our roster besides weeden to back him up. but yes if campbell goes down, weeden will play. that's it, no discussion. yeah we might not make the playoffs with or without campbell but it has absolutely nothing to do with signing ANOTHER QB. especially the trinity of tebow.

fuck him and anyone that likes him.

and to all your bible thumpers: wouldn't a 'child of god' want to help 'his' team anyway he could? wouldn't he be thankful for any opportunity to play in this league even if it means changing position?

BUT NO>

it's all about tim tebow. me. me. me. fucking phony antichrist motherfucker. shave his head and i bet there is a 666 underneath his lid. and you all know what happens when you cross the antichrist:

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365371https://brownsboard.com/post/365371Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:15:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:56:55 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

Right. But if Campbell gets hurt, our only option is Weeden, who's proven that he's not a game manager.

There isn't a game manager available in FA, save for the Thig. And he looks fat, I saw him a couple weeks ago.

I wasn't suggesting Weeden is a competent game manager. He's barely a competent helmet-wearer. But I just don't buy Tebow coming riding to the rescue, or in fact selling more merch - I think with Cameron we have the merch-monkey.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365369https://brownsboard.com/post/365369Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:56:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:48:20 GMT]]>

@tour2ma said:

And if he went down in Week 16 with us on the doorstep of the playoffs?

Sorry, TC... just don't see it...

And you trust Weeden to beat the Steelers to get us in?

I don't see that either.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365367https://brownsboard.com/post/365367Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:48:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Could the Browns still take a chance on Tebow? on Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:18:13 GMT]]>

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

We're talking about if Campbell goes down with an injury. Not today.

And if he went down in Week 16 with us on the doorstep of the playoffs?

Sorry, TC... just don't see it...

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/365356https://brownsboard.com/post/365356Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:18:13 GMT