Tebowled over
A few short weeks ago, I was one of the diminishing number of Denver fans who was resisting the wave of Tebow-for-Orton mania.
Now, with the Broncos having gone 4-1 with Tebow under centre, I would be happy to admit I was wrong – although I am not exactly sure how that is the case.
Tebow has hardly been a prolific passer. Indeed, the exact opposite would be more accurate.
In those five games, he has gone a cumulative 52-115 for 630 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception. Those numbers are not large – far from it – but his touchdown to pick ratio helps his passer rating to a modest 76.4 – although his lack of interceptions can be at least partly attributed to the fact he throws the ball nowhere near his own receivers, let alone defensive players.
Of course, the big strength of Tebow’s game is when he uses his feet. He has rushed for two touchdowns in his last two games, including a last-minute, game-winning 20-yard dash in yesterday’s 17-13 triumph over the New York Jets at Mile High.
In the five matches he has started, he has rushed 49 times for 351 yards, an average of over seven yards per attempt. Head coach John Fox has placed Tebow at the heart of a read option offense which has reaped great rewards.
Yesterday, Tebow was again quiet for the bulk of the match – from after the first drive until the final one, where he propelled Denver 95 yards to improve the Broncos to 5-5 and – almost ridiculously – give them a realistic shot of taking the AFC West title.
The final drive saw Tebow running for almost the first time all night, but, crucially he did what he had to do when he had to do it.
Yesterday was a typical Tebow performance from the last five weeks. Overthrown passes littered his game, but he was bailed out by his rushing strength.
Von Miller, Tebow’s successor as the Broncos’ first overall draft pick, has another huge game, constantly getting in Sanchez’s face (although was lucky on one or two occasions to avoid being penalised for hits which looked late).
It is players like Miller, wide receiver Eric Decker and backs Willis McGahee and Lance Ball who seem to have taken on a new lease of life in an offense controlled by the former Heisman Trophy winner, and, clearly, not simply because of what Tebow brings to the Broncos in raw numbers.
Perhaps it is Tebow’s very public faith, perhaps it is a motivation to play for someone who has attracted more than his fair share of doubters. Whatever the reason, Tebow’s promotion to starter has raised Denver’s game. As I see Kyle Orton sitting on the sideline, I feel sympathy for him – but I am more than happy to be wrong.
