Tim Tebow has been a controversial figure since high school, when his family bought a small apartment so the homeschooled phenom could play football in the district of his choice. In college, Tebow became increasingly polarizing, referencing biblical verses on his eye−black in front of national audiences and starring in a pro−life ad that ran during Super Bowl XLIV, all while winning a Heisman Trophy.
So when Tebow took the helm as the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos in Week 8, critics were aroused. Aside from his extracurricular persona, on the field, Tebow was deemed an inaccurate passer who lacked fundamental mechanics in his throwing motion. Yet somehow Tebow has invigorated fans and rejuvenated an anemic Broncos franchise with a 4−1 record — plus, he's the inspiration for today's hottest Internet meme!
How did Tebow do it? Well, most analysts are not really sure. ESPN anchors and the like continue to harp on Tebow's "competitiveness" and "will to win." Yet all NFL players aspire to win — just ask Herm Edwards. That's not a trait unique to Tebow.
But what Tebow does possess are the intangibles of a leader. He galvanizes his team with the passion and persistence he demonstrates on every down, and he has coaxed defensive veterans such as Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey to rally around him. The Broncos, however, are only dangerous because they are unique. Due to Tebow's distinctive style, head coach John Fox has tailored the playbook to his quarterback's strength: running the football.
Currently, the Broncos resemble a creative college team, bombarding opponents with misdirection plays, options, bold formations and the occasional deep threat. After facing orthodox offensive schemes week in and week out, defenses are simply unprepared for Denver. The irony lies in the fact that opponents know the Broncos will run the ball and they still cannot stop it. After every Tebow touchdown run, I half−expect Al Michaels to shout, "Do you believe in miracles?!"
In the past five weeks, the Broncos have not only benefited from the element of surprise but have seen flawless special teams play and the emergence of the defense. Running frequently has minimized the amount of quick, three−and−out drives and has allowed the defense to conserve energy. Thus, heralded edge rushers Von Miller, D.J. Williams and Elvis Dumervil have hunted opposing quarterbacks, and the veteran secondary has shut down passing attacks.
Yet the Broncos' current success harkens back to the Dolphins' success with the wildcat formation in 2008. Unfortunately for Denver, you can expect the Broncos' success to be equally fleeting. The Broncos will start to lose their edge when facing top−tier opponents. Their last four wins have come against the then−winless Dolphins, the transitioning Raiders, the inconsistent Chiefs and the flickering Jets, who were burdened further by a short schedule. We'll see the Broncos truly tested at New England in mid−December.
Not to mention that Tebow's game is simply unsustainable in the long run. Bumps and bruises absorbed by frequent rushing plays begin to take their toll in a 16−game season. Tebow had a concussion back in ‘09, prompting Denver fans to hold their breath whenever they see Tebow take a hit, like the gruesome shot Bart Scott delivered in Thursday's game.
The NFL has surfaced as a mecca for pass−happy contenders, and the Tebow−led Broncos simply cannot keep up with guys named Brees, Rodgers or Brady. Same goes for you, Alex Smith. Come January, John Fox will be wishing he never demoted Kyle Orton, so that the Broncos could have had a shot at drafting Andrew Luck. For now, rooting for Tebow is stylish, but expect "Tebow Time" to become as outdated as Pet Rocks, Furbys and Kardashian exes.
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