Caleb Hanie: Is He a More Viable Young QB Option Than Tim Tebow?
Thrust into the NFC Championship game as the Chicago Bears' third-string quarterback, Caleb Hanie played admirably in just more than one quarter of play.
He showed that he may have a future in this career beyond third-string bench warmer.
Tim Tebow was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft and became the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback.
Which quarterback is the better option as a young NFL quarterback?
Tim Tebow Is One Of The Greatest College Players Of All Time
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Tim Tebow accounted for an astronomical 12,233 total yards and 145 touchdowns in four seasons as a Florida Gator. He was the first sophomore to ever win a Heisman Trophy when he did so in 2008.
He won two national championships and a Sugar Bowl.
There are few players if any that have had more outstanding collegiate careers than Tebow.
Caleb Hanie Had a Solid But Unspectacular College Career
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Caleb Hanie played admirably through some difficult seasons while at Colorado State from 2004-07. He passed for more than 6,000 yards and 39 touchdowns to 34 interceptions.
Hanie received significant playing time as a freshman, sat for most of his sophomore year and the started for the Rams both his junior and senior seasons.
Tim Tebow Drew Criticism For His Passing Motion
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Tebow was expected to go no higher than the second round of the 2010 NFL draft before the Denver Broncos selected him with the 25th pick of the first round.
In his first season as a pro, Tebow went 1-2 as a starter for the Broncos in their final three games. He showed flashes of why the Broncos drafted him so high, throwing for 651 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.
He also rushed for a touchdown in each of his starts.
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Caleb Hanie Led a Great Comeback Attempt By The Bears
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Hanie never expected to play against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship. But when Jay Cutler went down with injury and the Bears decided Todd Collins wouldn't get the job done, they turned to Hanie.
Hanie ignited the Bears, completing 13-of-20 passes for 153 yards in just over a quarter of work. He threw one touchdown and two interceptions after being thrown into fire with very few practice reps.
Tim Tebow Has Taken Criticism For His Throwing Motion
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Perhaps the biggest criticism against Tebow coming out of college was his unorthodox throwing motion. Tebow used an over-the-top motion similar to a baseball pitcher that took longer for the release of the ball than scouts preferred.
Although Tebow worked extensively to adjust his throwing motion for a quicker release, he seems to have reverted to his natural throwing motion.
Caleb Hanie Drew High Praise From Mel Kiper Prior to 2008 Draft
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Hanie drew strong praise from ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper leading up to the 2008 NFL Draft for his size (6'2", 235 lbs.) and his arm strength.
Kiper, in fact, compared Hanie's arm strength to that of Joe Flacco. Kiper believed the Bears to be big winners when they picked up Hanie as a free agent.
Tebow Is a Strong Runner
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Tebow used his dual-threat abilities in college, causing plenty of speculation about how he would adjust to the pro game which doesn't encourage quarterbacks to run.
The Broncos, however, called plenty of designed runs for Tebow this season and he produced very well. He's not blazing fast and elusive like, say, Michael Vick. But Tebow is strong and has good vision.
Hanie Has Very Little Experience to Go Off of
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Hanie has only taken snaps in five games in his NFL career with Sunday's NFC Championship game far and away his most significant playing time.
There is very little film of Hanie playing against NFL defenses. It is difficult to use his limited action as serious material to judge him as a quarterback.
Tebow Has Renowned Leadership Ability
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Tebow's fire and love for football have been instrumental in him becoming a fan favorite. He's known for his heart and for constantly giveing maximum effort.
Tebow's passions transfers to his leadership. He once delivered "The Promise" after a Florida Gators loss. The speech became an instant part of Florida football lore. Coaches and analysts rave about Tebow's leadership and possession of the "it" factor.
Hanie Has Yet To Play With a Full Playbook
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As third-string quarterback, Hanie rarely receives practice snaps and was not afforded the full playbook in the NFC Championship game.
Hanie performed well with elementary plays to work with. If given consistent reps and allowed to run a full offense, Hanie may prove to be more capable than expected.
Tebow Has To Be Considered The Better Option
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There is no logic in considering Caleb Hanie a better NFL quarterback option than Tim Tebow at this point.
Hanie played well in his one opportunity and likely helped himself in what will be a free agent offseason for him.
But Tebow has impressed thus far while receiving much more playing time. It looked more and more down the stretch of the NFL season that Tebow was worthy of the high draft pick.
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.jpg?w=600 "Report: Jets Likely Passing on Simpson")
