Time to Kill the Hype

      I apologize in advance, because I am about to be the buzz-kill to "Tebowmania." Therefore, if you are a Tim Tebow worshiper, turn your head if you must, because you might not want to read what is on my mind. However, I will start by admitting I have the utmost respect for Timothy Richard Tebow. I truly admire his work ethic, and even find inspiration from his mentality. His drive and ability to push his body beyond the point of exhaustion motivate me to strengthen my own vigor in athletics. Even more so, I appreciate Tebow's stimulating faith, and his openness to share it with others. It takes a real man to stick to his beliefs while dealing with the constant down-poring of criticism from both peers and outsiders. With all of this being said, nevertheless, Tebow's prolific character traits do not make him a prolific quarterback. This is the rub.
     Sure, Tim Tebow is a great guy. That doesn't make him a great quarterback. In fact, he is far from a great quarterback. Sure, he's completed some nice fourth quarter drives to win a couple low scoring regular season games. The truth is he would not have won those games without the Broncos much improved defense led by Von Miller and Brian Dawkins. When you think of the great quarterbacks, you think of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers (who threw 45  touchdowns and only 6 interceptions in 2011). Tebow, who has thrown one interception for every two touchdowns this season, is not worthy of making that list. If Denver had one of these other three leaders under center, there would be no need for fourth quarter comebacks. If Brady, Brees, or Rodgers had the Broncos defense, an undefeated season might be the result. Instead, Denver has Tim Tebow. Some love him, some hate him.
     He may be a stand out football player capable of being physical, running the ball, and making plays, but he is not a stand out quarterback. He does have the ability to run the football, but lets not blow that out of proportion. Throughout his career, he has had more fumbles than rushing touchdowns. In addition, his continuous attempts to escape sacks often backfire on him, as he loses yards, makes it hard on his offensive line, and still has gotten sacked 33 times this season. He can run, but he cannot run like Cam Newton or Michael Vick can. In fact, he cannot even throw as well as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, an athlete known for his speed rather than his arm. For his career, Tebow has sadly completed only 47% of his passes, earning him a quarterback rating of 75.1. Tebow won a game this year throwing 2-8. Obviously, the Broncos did not win the contest because of great quarterback play, but because of an outstanding defensive performance. Quarterbacks are supposed to be able to throw the ball. Tebow, with his awkward mechanics, has not been throwing the ball with confidence. The Broncos are 31st in the NFL in passing yards with just under 153 per game. This number is far from impressive. In fact, it is atrocious. Denver's opponents have nearly 1,300 more yards through the air than Tebow's offense has. Lets be honest, the man cannot consistently throw the ball. At times, he misses wide open targets as if he were trying to put it in any place but his receiver's hands. Maybe I am being too hard on him because he is young. But maybe he needs to switch positions.
     With his 6'3, 236 pound frame, he should seriously consider a position change to fullback, where he could throw his weight around. Tim could even be used in wildcat formations and occasional trick plays to throw the ball. But as a quarterback, he has one of the worst arms in the league. Lets not sugar coat it. We should all pray for his mechanics. He is a man of faith, I'm sure he is praying for the help as well. I love how passionate he is about his spirituality, as well as his leadership, positivity, and work ethic on and off the field. Tim Tebow is definitely a noble man. Is he worthy of being mentioned as a great quarterback? That, however, is a whole different subject matter. The answer is, without a doubt, no. Tim Tebow's name will never be mentioned among the game's greats as long as he remains under center.