I have heard a great deal about how Detroit Lions defensive end, Kyle Vanden Bosch was wrong to mock Tim Tebow's prayer pose after sacking the young quarterback in Sundays game between the Lions and Broncos. Some say he was just doing what players do by rubbing it in to the opponent. There are however, those Christians out there who believe it was wrong and crossing the line. Here is my take on things....
First off, I will say that I myself happen to be a Christian. I do not, by any means, say I am perfect. I will not even say I am a very good Christian much of the time. I do however, know God and understand what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. I do not bring this up in this blog much because I do not wish to make this blog about God, but about the Detroit Lions. I want my readers to respect me for writing about the subject they wish to read about. In this case, I feel it is important to explain that I am a Christian so you can also understand that I know a little of what I am talking about when it comes to Christianity.
Tim Tebow likes to go to one knee in a quick prayer when he scores a touchdown. I respect him for that. I respect him for not being ashamed to display his belief in the Lord Jesus in front of the world. Some will say that he should keep religion and sports separate. I disagree! He is not shoving anything down any one's throats. He is not forcing anyone to listen to him preach. He scores and he thanks God for it. That is only right! If I am offended by someone of another religion wearing a turban on their head, should I say they shouldn't wear it? No! It is a two second display and he hurts nobody by doing it.
Then comes Sunday afternoon when Kyle Vanden Bosch sacked Tebow and gave the pose their next to the young quarterback on the field. This seems to have outraged many people. Many seem to believe Vanden Bosch was mocking Tebow's beliefs. I disagree!
What those who believe that, forget to acknowledge, is that Tebow's pose has become somewhat of a phenomenon. There is now a sort of game called Tebowing, where people take pictures of themselves in the prayer pose in different locations. In front of different landmarks. Most of these people do not share the same beliefs as Tim Tebow does. If anyone is mocking his beliefs, it would be the thousands who are taking part in that game. What Kyle Vanden Bosch was doing was not mocking Tim Tebow's belief, faith or anything like that. I believe he was mocking that phenomenon known as Tebowing. Vanden Bosch was only having fun in mocking how Tim Tebow has become such a huge icon without ever doing anything in the NFL to deserve it yet.
On 97.1 FM the Ticket, they made the argument that what if a player was a Muslim? Why would it be wrong for Kyle Vanden Bosch to mimic a Muslim in some way but it is okay to mimic a Christian? This argument was flawed from the beginning simply because Kyle was never mocking Tebow's religion to begin with.
As I mentioned. I am a Christian and I cannot tell you how upset I get with the double standards of this world. How you will rarely see anyone make fun of Muslims, Judaism or any other religion, but it is never a problem with any comedian making fun of preachers and priests. I once had a friend who was black. He was my roommate right up until he stole my paycheck, forged my name, cashed it at the party store and split, leaving me with no money and rent to pay. If I was to believe that all black men are thieves because of that, I would be wrong and called a racist. Yet much of the world has no problem with looking at things a few Christians have done and saying all Christians are that way. A few Evangelists get busted with a hooker, or just trying to get rich, and all preachers are like that. This world frowns upon blaming an entire people for the sins of a few.... unless it is Christianity. I hate that double standard!
Yet I look at what Vanden Bosch did and I do not have a problem with it. I who would have no problem cutting into any player, even any Lion, for making fun of Christianity, have no problem with Kyle doing that pose. For no other reason than the fact he was not mocking Christianity, but was mocking the player he sacked. Players on the field are always talking trash. Sometimes they get personal. They talk about each others sisters and mothers. There are however ways to cross the line. One does not use gay slurs, racial remarks or make fun of ones religion. On the other hand, one's hair style, fashion, team name, automobile, bank roll, size, weight, height, sister, mother, father, brother, and pet is fair game. Oh yes, one's touchdown pose is fair game too.
I understand there is a Tebow Love-fest happening in this world. So it is understandable to be upset with another player for mocking your favorite star. Just be upset for the right reasons.
Showing posts with label Kyle Vanden Bosch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kyle Vanden Bosch. Show all posts
6/22/10
Meet the Lions Defensive Line
It has been a few years since the Lions have had a defensive line that could put any real pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Finally, there is a coach in Detroit who understands just how important the defensive line is. After watching opposing QB's lounge around until receivers finally got open all year, Schwartz and company decided it was time to address the problem. And address it they did!
As soon as free agency started, Coach Schwartz was waiting in the driveway of Kyle Vanden Bosch. His aggressiveness paid dividends and they quickly added the defensive end to the Lions roster. They were in no way done with their overhauling plans. Through trades the Detroit Lions added Corey Williams at defensive tackle and then drafted the superstar college defensive tackle phenom, Ndamukong Suh. Let us meet the Lions new wrecking crew.
Kyle Vanden Bosch - There is a small question mark attached to this signing as Kyle's last two seasons in Tennessee were nothing to be proud of. But when one digs further, one realizes just how good this guy can be.
From 2005 to 2007 (3 seasons) Vanden Bosch was a star worthy defensive end as he raked in 200 tackles and 31 sacks. Then his numbers fell off the table, but there are clear reasons for it. In 2008, Kyle had 14 tackles and 3 sacks in his first 4 games. Due to injury, he started only 3 of the Titans next 6 games and had a combined 1 assisted tackle and zero sacks. Since he was injured, that is understandable. In the first game in his return, in week 12, Kyle had 6 tackles and a half a sack. Though he followed that with a sack in the next game, his production fell off again and only had 3 tackles in the next 2 games. Kyle did not play in the last three weeks of the season. Though his stats log says he started and played in 10 games in 2008, it is obvious that some of those games he played injured. In the 6 games he was healthy, Vanden Bosch had 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks. That would average out to approximately 58 tackles and 12 sacks. So it is obvious that he still had the talent, but injuries slowed him down. But what about 2009 you ask?
In 2009, Vanden Bosch only had 44 tackles and 3 sacks even though he was healthy. What does not show in his stats however, is that he lost something very vital to every top defensive end. A very good defensive tackle. In 2009, Vanden Bosch's teammate Albert Haynesworth moved from Tennessee to Washington to play for the Redskins. Without Haynesworth drawing double teams, the offensive lines were able to put up a better scheme to stop Vanden Bosch and company, thus the drop in his production.
So the question is not so much, Does Kyle Vanden Bosch still have it in him to play great, but simply, do the Detroit Lions have strong enough defensive tackles to give Kyle the space to get into the backfield? In comes Corey Williams and Ndamukong Suh.
Corey Williams - Corey started his career playing 4 seasons for the Green Bay Packers in a 4-3 defense. In both, 2006 and 2007, he had 7 sacks each year with 35 and 36 tackles respectively. Those are some pretty darn good numbers for a defensive tackle in the NFL. Then Corey Williams had the misfortune of being traded to the Cleveland Browns who played a 3-4 defensive scheme. As a nose tackle, he was no longer meant to drive into the backfield and disrupt the offense like he did in Green Bay, but he had to play more of a run stopper. In his first season with the Browns, his sacks feel away to only a half a sack in the season, but his tackles leaped up to 50 in the season. Williams' 2009 season fell off even more as he racked up 4 sacks with only 35 tackles.
In 2010, Corey Williams will play for the Detroit Lions and be excited to be back in a 4-3 defensive scheme. He should be able to return to form being in the 4-3 scheme once again and to make things easier for him, he will have Ndamukong Suh next to him.
Ndamukong Suh - What more can be said about this guy that has not already been said? He was the best college player on almost every experts chart if not EVERY experts! Suh absolutely dominated in college as he raked in 158 tackles and 19 sacks in his last two seasons. Just to add some extra icing on the cake, he also had 3 interceptions in that time. Two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Suh has technique and he has quickness, but he did most of his damage with strength as he overpowered the opposing offensive linemen. Before the draft, many tried to use that against him, saying that he would not be able to overpower NFL linemen like that and would need better technique and quickness. I say hogwash! If you have the strength to one arm 350 pound players out of your way in college, you will have the strength to do so in the NFL. It might take Suh a little time to adjust to the speed of the game and the quicker payers of the NFL, but once he does adjust, he will be a dominant defensive tackle.
Sammie Lee Hill - A rookie in 2009, Hill did not put up impressive numbers and did not register a single sack. Likely, he will not get too many sacks in his career. Hill is not the go get him kind of defensive tackle, but more of the big get in his way run stopping type. He will not put up the flashy stats we all love to see, but he will become invaluable in the short yardage goal line stands.
Jason Hunter - On a very pitiful Lions defense, and on a defensive line that rarely hurried the quarterback, Hunter had a very respectable 5 sacks in 2009. He is not exceptionally quick or powerful, but this could be the year he shines. With opposing offensive lines having to place so much focus on the Likes of Suh, Williams, and Vanden Bosch, Hunter should find plenty of opportunities.
The Detroit Lions will have a much improved pass rush in this years wrecking crew. On obvious pass downs, they will have Ndamukong Suh and Corey Williams punching it up the middle. On short yardage downs, I would expect to see Sammie Lee Hill come in and side up with which ever of the two is the freshest. In any other down, the three of them will spell each other, to help keep the defensive line fresh for late in the games.
With the strength the Lions will pose up the middle, the defensive ends, Hunter and Vanden Bosch, should have plenty of fun pressuring the opposing quarterbacks.
With so much promise for a great defensive line, it is often hard to keep ones anxiety in check, but keep it in check we must. It will take Suh a little time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. It will take the entire defensive line a little while to adjust to each other. Williams, Vanden Bosch, and Suh will need time to truly get comfortable in the Lions scheme and play calling. Even so, the fans should have plenty of excitement to keep them cheering while the Lions are on defense this season.
As soon as free agency started, Coach Schwartz was waiting in the driveway of Kyle Vanden Bosch. His aggressiveness paid dividends and they quickly added the defensive end to the Lions roster. They were in no way done with their overhauling plans. Through trades the Detroit Lions added Corey Williams at defensive tackle and then drafted the superstar college defensive tackle phenom, Ndamukong Suh. Let us meet the Lions new wrecking crew.
Kyle Vanden Bosch - There is a small question mark attached to this signing as Kyle's last two seasons in Tennessee were nothing to be proud of. But when one digs further, one realizes just how good this guy can be.
From 2005 to 2007 (3 seasons) Vanden Bosch was a star worthy defensive end as he raked in 200 tackles and 31 sacks. Then his numbers fell off the table, but there are clear reasons for it. In 2008, Kyle had 14 tackles and 3 sacks in his first 4 games. Due to injury, he started only 3 of the Titans next 6 games and had a combined 1 assisted tackle and zero sacks. Since he was injured, that is understandable. In the first game in his return, in week 12, Kyle had 6 tackles and a half a sack. Though he followed that with a sack in the next game, his production fell off again and only had 3 tackles in the next 2 games. Kyle did not play in the last three weeks of the season. Though his stats log says he started and played in 10 games in 2008, it is obvious that some of those games he played injured. In the 6 games he was healthy, Vanden Bosch had 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks. That would average out to approximately 58 tackles and 12 sacks. So it is obvious that he still had the talent, but injuries slowed him down. But what about 2009 you ask?
In 2009, Vanden Bosch only had 44 tackles and 3 sacks even though he was healthy. What does not show in his stats however, is that he lost something very vital to every top defensive end. A very good defensive tackle. In 2009, Vanden Bosch's teammate Albert Haynesworth moved from Tennessee to Washington to play for the Redskins. Without Haynesworth drawing double teams, the offensive lines were able to put up a better scheme to stop Vanden Bosch and company, thus the drop in his production.
So the question is not so much, Does Kyle Vanden Bosch still have it in him to play great, but simply, do the Detroit Lions have strong enough defensive tackles to give Kyle the space to get into the backfield? In comes Corey Williams and Ndamukong Suh.
Corey Williams - Corey started his career playing 4 seasons for the Green Bay Packers in a 4-3 defense. In both, 2006 and 2007, he had 7 sacks each year with 35 and 36 tackles respectively. Those are some pretty darn good numbers for a defensive tackle in the NFL. Then Corey Williams had the misfortune of being traded to the Cleveland Browns who played a 3-4 defensive scheme. As a nose tackle, he was no longer meant to drive into the backfield and disrupt the offense like he did in Green Bay, but he had to play more of a run stopper. In his first season with the Browns, his sacks feel away to only a half a sack in the season, but his tackles leaped up to 50 in the season. Williams' 2009 season fell off even more as he racked up 4 sacks with only 35 tackles.
In 2010, Corey Williams will play for the Detroit Lions and be excited to be back in a 4-3 defensive scheme. He should be able to return to form being in the 4-3 scheme once again and to make things easier for him, he will have Ndamukong Suh next to him.
Ndamukong Suh - What more can be said about this guy that has not already been said? He was the best college player on almost every experts chart if not EVERY experts! Suh absolutely dominated in college as he raked in 158 tackles and 19 sacks in his last two seasons. Just to add some extra icing on the cake, he also had 3 interceptions in that time. Two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Suh has technique and he has quickness, but he did most of his damage with strength as he overpowered the opposing offensive linemen. Before the draft, many tried to use that against him, saying that he would not be able to overpower NFL linemen like that and would need better technique and quickness. I say hogwash! If you have the strength to one arm 350 pound players out of your way in college, you will have the strength to do so in the NFL. It might take Suh a little time to adjust to the speed of the game and the quicker payers of the NFL, but once he does adjust, he will be a dominant defensive tackle.
Sammie Lee Hill - A rookie in 2009, Hill did not put up impressive numbers and did not register a single sack. Likely, he will not get too many sacks in his career. Hill is not the go get him kind of defensive tackle, but more of the big get in his way run stopping type. He will not put up the flashy stats we all love to see, but he will become invaluable in the short yardage goal line stands.
Jason Hunter - On a very pitiful Lions defense, and on a defensive line that rarely hurried the quarterback, Hunter had a very respectable 5 sacks in 2009. He is not exceptionally quick or powerful, but this could be the year he shines. With opposing offensive lines having to place so much focus on the Likes of Suh, Williams, and Vanden Bosch, Hunter should find plenty of opportunities.
The Detroit Lions will have a much improved pass rush in this years wrecking crew. On obvious pass downs, they will have Ndamukong Suh and Corey Williams punching it up the middle. On short yardage downs, I would expect to see Sammie Lee Hill come in and side up with which ever of the two is the freshest. In any other down, the three of them will spell each other, to help keep the defensive line fresh for late in the games.
With the strength the Lions will pose up the middle, the defensive ends, Hunter and Vanden Bosch, should have plenty of fun pressuring the opposing quarterbacks.
With so much promise for a great defensive line, it is often hard to keep ones anxiety in check, but keep it in check we must. It will take Suh a little time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. It will take the entire defensive line a little while to adjust to each other. Williams, Vanden Bosch, and Suh will need time to truly get comfortable in the Lions scheme and play calling. Even so, the fans should have plenty of excitement to keep them cheering while the Lions are on defense this season.
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