Shockingly, Tim Tebow Is Impressive

As a Gator sports fan and as a thinking person, I am absolutely annoyed by all of the scrutiny surrounding Tim Tebow's prospects in the NFL. Many critical commentators say that he will need to improve his game in order to excel in professional football. But I was under the impression that anyone who wanted a prestigious career beyond the age of 22 would have to improve his or her game -- but what do I know (having only gone from grade school to tenured law professor).

Tebow just completed an impressive athletic display at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. His athleticism ranks well among quarterbacks, and he even tied a record in the vertical jump. Here are the details (courtesy of the Gainesville Sun):

Tebow ran an impressive 4.72, the fourth fastest time among the quarterbacks at the Combine. His 38.5-inch vertical jump tied the all-time Combine record for quarterbacks and was a half-inch better than Michael Vick's in 2000. And his 9'7” broad jump was the second best for the quarterbacks on Sunday.

Tebow did not bench press or throw but will in Gainesville on March 17.

Shockingly, Tebow has done well so far (yes -- sarcasm).

Bayh's Timing Does Not Help Republicans Either

The conventional narrative surrounding Evan Bayh's retirement from the Senate treats it as a downside for Democrats. Bayh represents Indiana, which is a Republican stronghold. Accordingly, many commentators believe that Republicans can extend their recent fortunes by picking up Bayh's seat.

But Bayh's timing brings risks to the GOP as well. Tuesday was the state deadline for candidates to submit paperwork indicating their intent to participate in the senate primaries. Bayh made his announcement on Monday. Republicans will have four (possibly even five) candidates in the primary who will battle each other ferociously for the nomination.

No Democrat, however, filed the required paperwork. Therefore, the Indiana Democratic Party will simply pick one candidate to run in the Senate election, bypassing an expensive and potentially mean-spirited primary.

According to The Hill, Republicans are "furious" and have asked Bayh to petition a court to extend the filing deadline. They hope that some Democratic candidates will come forward now that Bayh is out of the way. It is unclear, however, why Bayh, who is not seeking re-election, would have standing to petition a court to extend the filing deadline.