Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Merril Hoge: Tim Tebow's Biggest Hater and Ben Roethlisberger's Biggest Fan

My favorite college football player ever is Tim Tebow. I want No. 15 to perform well for whatever team he ends up on but it will take time.

There are flaws in Tebow's game, most notably his ability to consistently throw accurate passes. However, Tebow has the determination to improve and is only in his second year.

Although Tebow is only 24, many have called for Denver to cut him and Merill Hoge has been the most vocal critic.

I am tired of Merril Hoge constantly criticizing Tebow.

Hoge is paid to discuss who he believes will succeed. However, the tremendous effort he dedicates to bashing Tebow has transformed into an unhealthy obsession. Tebow certainly is a polarizing figure but Hoge does not criticize other young quarterbacks as frequently.

Cam Newton did not look good his last game yet Hoge was not as negative. Andy Dalton looked atrocious throwing lame ducks for easy interceptions but Hoge has not called for his removal.

My faith in Tebow remains strong and I would love for him to become the next Steve Young and see Hoge's response when that happens.

Another problem with Hoge is his recent list of the league's top quarterbacks. Most fans will have a similar top three: Rodgers, Brady and Manning (not Eli, obviously). The order does not matter, these three are the best signal callers and there is little room for debate.

Rodgers managed to win the Super Bowl despite his team suffering a plethora of injuries. Brady had an amazing statistical season last year, throwing 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Peyton Manning was nearly as impressive and threw for 4700 yards.

Interestingly enough, Hoge selected Ben Roethlisberger as the No. 1 player behind center. Opinions are supposedly never wrong but this selection is incorrect and proves Hoge's inability to judge talent.

Big Ben is a solid quarterback who is lucky to be on a great team. How can a player who has only thrown over 30 touchdowns once in his career be the top pick?

If the NFL redrafted its players, Big Ben would not be a top five pick. Owners would love to take Brady, Manning, Rodgers, Rivers or Vick—maybe even a young talent to build around like Sam Bradford.

Eventually other fans will realize why Merril Hoge can not be respected as a credible analyst. He has an unhealthy fixation on Tim Tebow and his list of the NFL's top quarterbacks leaves much to be desired.

Ultimately, Hoge's career at ESPN will be as memorable as his career in the NFL: zero Pro Bowls and little fame.

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