A view from Denver: Tim Tebow causes people to lose their minds.
Those for him consider him divine. Those against him consider him to be the worst QB ever. From my perspective neither of these reductions are anywhere close to accurate.
And because of this level of hyperbole (from both sides) his success is inevitably chalked up to intangibles (or god-like intervention) rather than some quantifiable and observable factors.
The Broncos have succeeded with Tebow as quarterback because they have been playing sound football. Fewer offensive turnovers, better field position, and the #1 rushing offense in the league. They play conservative behind their running game, their defense, and excellent kicking game. They put themselves in the position to win in the 4th quarter by keeping the game close and they've been tremendously lucky.
In the initial 5-1 stretch with Tebow as starter he turned the ball over twice, one interception and one fumble lost (on 5 fumbles - not sustainable). In the final five games thereafter? 10 turnovers, 5 ints, 5 fumbles lost.
Tim Tebow didn't make Marion Barber run out of bounds, nor did he cause his own team to recover an onside kick against the Dolphins, nor was he the reason that Christian Ponder threw a horrible interception late in the game with Minnesota, nor cause Nick Novak to miss a 53 yard field goal for San Diego, nor cause Matt Sanchez to throw a pick-six for the Jets.
In their wins the Broncos kept the games close, and Tebow managed to control the game intelligently, not turning the ball over, winning the field position game, and his superior fitness allowed him to take advantage of some tired defenses late in the game. It's a winning strategy - Baltimore rode it all the way to the super bowl with Trent Dilfer.
Tim Tebow is not transcendent. Nor is he the worst QB ever. So please, stop with the hyperbole.
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Though baseball writer Chris Crawford's tweet I think is quite accurate:
CrawfordChrisV Christopher Crawford
The more I think about it, the more I believe that completion percentage is the ERA of football stats.
When people complain about Tebow it's often because of his "inaccuracy" or low completion percentage. Despite the fact that he's clearly being coached to avoid turn-overs and risky throws and that often the smarter play is to throw the ball away.
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It's been a great run, I hope it continues against Evil Bill and the hated Patriots. With defense, ball control, and a good ground game.
- Ben.