The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) weren’t supposed to present any sort of problem for the Houston Texans (9-1) on Sunday. With polar opposite seasons taking place for the two AFC South representatives, the consensus was that the Texans would glide past the Jags with utmost ease.

Instead, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak and his men let out a huge sigh of relief as Andre Johnson turned a screen pass into a 48 yard trip to the end zone to win the game in overtime, 43-37.

“All the good teams find a way to win, no matter if it’s ugly, pretty or whatever,” said Johnson, who finished the day with the lone touchdown and career highs of 14 receptions and 273 yards. “In the win column, it either says ‘W’ or ‘L.’ They don’t ask how you got it done.”

But he was not the only one with video-game like numbers. Matt Schaub threw for 527 yards – second most all-time – and tossed five touchdown passes, two of which came in the fourth quarter during a string of 16 consecutive completions that got the Texans even after trailing 34-20 with 12:33 left to go in regulation.

It was not the first time that a Houston quarterback put up 527 yards through the air. Hall of Famer Warren Moon also did it back in 1990 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually went on to become the current-day Tennessee Titans.

After witnessing a tie just last week between the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers – the NFL’s first since 2008 – this matchup was not far from producing yet another. A 33 yard Jaguars field goal deadlocked the two sides at 37 in overtime with 4:21 remaining following a 25 yarder made by Houston around the eight minute mark.

“I told them afterwards, we didn’t come here for a tie,” said Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey. “We had some chances. We just did not make some of the plays that we haven’t made throughout the year.”

Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert was unable to return to the game after taking a sack from Houston safey Danieal Manning and injuring his elbow on the play. Backup Chad Henne played the rest of the way and had an excellent performance with 354 yards and four touchdowns.

“You’ve just got to always be prepared and ready to go in,” Henne said. “I’ve been preparing these last couple weeks like I’ve got to be the starter, and any time he (Gabbert) goes down, just jump in and hopefully not lose a step.”

Jaguars rookie receiver Justin Blackmon played a significant role in Henne’s success, hauling in a touchdown and 236 yards on seven receptions.

But as far as wide receivers were concerned, it was Johnson’s day from start to finish.

“I don’t know if that one will ever be touched,” said Kubiak. “That was special from the Texans standpoint.”

Image Courtesy : Jacksonville Jaguars

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Individuals tend to use Fourth of July celebrations as a means to obtain some rest and relaxation from the stresses of work and life; however, KrisAnne Hall had other ideas on how to spend this unique day.

Hall, a teacher, author, attorney and advocate for the Constitution, spent her Fourth of July holiday at the First Conservative Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. She was one of many speakers present at the Church’s “God – N – Country” event that took place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Some of these speakers included Dr. Gene A. Youngblood, the church’s co-founder, who lamented that pastors and religious leaders are unable to express their opinions on issues effectively, and Victoria Baer, an activist and educator, who detailed the dangers present in Agenda 21, a set of procedures by the UN that relate to sustainable development. In addition, William Korach, publisher of the Report Card, was present to read the Declaration of Independence and discuss what occurs in local school boards.

Those present at the event also had the opportunity to listen to a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech along with great music from the gospel trio “One Heart.”

When it came time for Hall to address the audience, she focused on American liberty and its central presence in the fabric of our society, while also detailing whether America was a democracy or a republic.

To Hall, the nation of America is clearly the latter rather than the former. In stating this, she emphasized why this form of government best fits the American landscape.

“A republic is a government that derives its just powers from the consent of the people,” Hall pointed out.

“It is a government among men, not over men, and it is the only form of government which ensures that the minority has a society-changing voice.”

Hall then pointed out that republic governments are not without challenges.

“Our founders said that those who administer it may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trusts,” Hall pointed out.

This point crystallized a key theme throughout Hall’s speech, that governments are only effective when individuals are engaged in the political process.

“It is incumbent of people in a republic for people to be on their toes, in their faces and constantly reminding them of what their jobs are, because as much as they hate it, we are their employers,” she said.

If individuals are not vigilant in monitoring the actions of their elected officials, Hall stated before an attentive crowd, it would ultimately result in a form of governance that will fail to represent their best interests.

“You will see us become a government of politicians, by your state capitals and for Washington, D.C.,” she pointed out.

Throughout her speech, Hall frequently referenced the words and actions of the founding fathers in stating her points about government. In particular, she praised the influence of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Hall mentioned that Franklin preferred a republic-style government “only if we could keep it” while noting that Jefferson’s influence would garner “as much of a cult following as many of today’s politicians.”

Hall added that the founding fathers gave specific instructions on how an ideal government should work, and that these directions are just as relevant now as they were then.

“Our founders built this nation as a republic with a purpose. They gave us specific instructions, which are not only in the form of the Constitution, not only in the form of the Bill of Rights, but in every word that they wrote down,” she said passionately.

To Hall, a key danger facing America today lies in the changing of language present in these founding documents from their original intent. The language present in the Constitution and Bill of Rights is fine, Hall pointed out, going on to mention that even though individuals are quick to criticize the founding fathers because their intents were not perfect, that the founders were prescient enough to see the type of government that would evolve from the blueprints that were initially set forth.

She also took issue with recent Supreme Court decisions that placed the whims of the federal government over the desires of the state.

“According to the Supreme Court, we can now be taxed not only for things that we buy, but for things that we do not buy as well,” she said.

KrisAnne Hall’s speech continued with her extolling the importance of liberty in a free society, and concluded with her inspiring the rapt audience to separate themselves from a government that refuses to recognize effectively the rights of individuals.

“When a government becomes destructive, it is our right to alter or abolish it. Today, on July 4, we must declare independence from this tyranny,” she said, drawing eager applause from the individuals present.

Image Courtesy of   KrisAnne Hall

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In describing the many challenges present in life, Ken Beckley chooses to compare them to baseball’s most notorious pitches.

“Life is like a knuckleball, mainly because it is unpredictable, and also because the bottom tends to drop out,” he said.

This parallel between life and baseball serves as a hallmark of his book, titled “Knuckleball: The Uncertainties of a Life.” Beckley was present to promote his work at the Barnes & Noble at the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, Fla., from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The book details the trials and tribulations of Davie Miller, a young man who goes from losing his dream of playing professional baseball to enjoying a successful public relations career. The situations that he endures throughout this process give Miller the strength to prepare for and eventually counter “life’s frequent knuckleballs.”

While autographing his works for eager customers, Beckley described the inspirations that led him to write Knuckleball. For him, it all started during his time at a summer camp for the LA Dodgers. Beckley sustained injuries during his time at the camp, but despite these injuries leaving him in darkness, Beckley instead searched for a light in this trying time.

This search resulted in him detailing his own life experiences in a fictional novel; as Beckley’s book started to take shape, he wanted to not only make his readers laugh, but think as well.

“I wanted there to be life lessons present in this book, and I also wanted people to get something out of it other than merely being entertained,” he said.

Beckley admitted that the ideas for this book had remained in his mind for 20 years; however, converting those ideas to print took only two years. This rapid turnaround time is a likely result of his wealth of experience as a communicator; he served as executive vice-president of H.H. Gregg along with being president and CEO of the Indiana University’s Alumni Association. Beckley also enjoyed a long career in television as an anchor and reporter.

Many individuals came to Beckley’s location, eager to learn more about the novel’s general plot and its central message of not giving up even as life throws punches that you may not be able to counter. While he was happy to entertain conversations with the guests there, he expressed particular surprise at the presence of Ellie Clarke, a student at Flagler College.

Ellie is Beckley’s next-door neighbor, and her presence there served as an unexpected knuckleball for Beckley, as he had no idea that she would be present.

Beckley, however, ably hit this knuckleball out of the park, as he embraced her and took some time to catch up with her and learn about her new life.

Successfully dealing with unexpected situations like this forms the basis of what the book is about, noted Beckley. He hopes that those who choose to read it take stock of the decisions they have made in dealing with various situations.

“I hope that those who choose to read this book reflect upon how they have lived their lives up to this point,” he said.

Image Courtesy of   Ken Beckley

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In a stunning move the New York Jets have acquired Tim Tebow and a seventh round draft pick from the Denver Broncos for a fourth and sixth round pick. The Jets will also have to pick up half of a $5 million dollar salary advance that was paid to Tebow by Denver at the beginning of last season.

The trade was originally announced yesterday only to hit a snag as the Jets didn’t like some of the language in Tebow’s contract in regards to the salary advance. Jacksonville then tried to throw their hat back into the ring, and Tebow was asked for his opinion on where he wanted to go, thrilled at the chance to play for the Jets.

Tebow joins the team whom he was able to defeat last year on his magical run of 4th quarter victories. His arrival not only brings with it “Tebowmania” and everything associated with it, but may also spark a quarterback controversy with current starter Mark Sanchez. His presence as such a polarizing figure could split a locker room that doesn’t need any more distractions.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie tweeted on Tuesday night “we don’t need Tebow,” saying he was confident in Sanchez and the guys already on the team. Today he tweeted “Why are we doing this?”

Tebow is also the same player who last season, in the week leading up to the Jets-Broncos game, was criticized by Jets players when it came to his passing abilities. Now teammate cornerback Darrelle Revis said Tebow’s style as an “option” type quarterback wouldn’t be able to sustain itself as a long-term success.

The timing of the trade is also weird as the Jets signed Sanchez to a three-year, $40.5 million contract extension two weeks ago despite a disappointing season. Then, last week they signed Drew Stanton to be their No.2, giving him half a million in signing bonus. They also still have Greg McElroy, the former Alabama standout.

The Jets look at Tebow to fill the vacuum left by Brad Smith who signed with the Buffalo Bills last season in their wildcat situations. Especially since new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano was the coach who introduced the wildcat to the NFL.

Hall of Fame Jets QB Joe Namath wasn’t happy with the move.

“I’m just sorry that I can’t agree with this situation. I think it’s just a publicity stunt. I can’t go with it. I think it’s wrong,” Namath told “The Michael Kay Show” on ESPN1050 in New York. “I don’t think they know what they’re doing over there.”

Rex Ryan, who has vowed to return to the power running game, hopes Tebow could bring some assistance, as they only have one established running back in Shonn Greene.

The potential of backlash is especially great for the Jets as Tebow has a monstrous following and his popularity could distract Mark Sanchez. Sanchez, coming off a sub-par season could be facing the rumblings for Tebow if he doesn’t play well.

Tebow must also adjust as he falls back into the backup role after becoming the starter last season in Denver and leading them to the playoffs and a first round victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The next week however Denver was crushed by Tom Brady and the Patriots.

When it comes down to it though, Tebow made the playoffs and Sanchez did not. Sanchez struggled mightily down the stretch which got people wondering about his future with the Jets. The team backed him publicly, but vowed to change the quarterback depth chart for 2012.

With the trade for Tim Tebow, we can see that they were serious.

Image Courtesy of   Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

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