Regan: Tim Tebow- Savior or Bust?

Savior. Stud. Superbowls. When a NFL team drafts a quarterback in the first round, those three words describe the expectations that are born. Consequently, when the Denver Broncos selected Tim Tebow, the most celebrated player in college football history with the 25^th pick in the 2010 draft, he earned that same scrutiny that the Mannings and Elways of the world have flourished under, and under which Ryan Leaf, David Carr, and Alex Smith have faltered under. As for which category Tebow will end up in, I believe the latter, but not because he can’t handle pressure, it’s simply because he is not good enough to be a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL. Advocates for Tebow point to his college stats, which were admittedly spectacular, however when compared to Alex Smith’s final college season the statistics are remarkably similar. The advocates then talk about what a winner Tebow is with his two national championships, however Alex Smith went undefeated in 2004 (but had the misfortune of playing at Utah which at the time was in a conference that gets the finger from the BCS system year after year). They both are nearly the same height, same weight, and ran similar 40 yard dash time when timed for the NFL draft. They even played for the same head coach in the brilliant Urban Meyer, whose offensive system allowed them to dominate college defenses. So Alex Smith comes off of an undefeated season, a great statistical season into a draft with a once proud San Francisco franchise that was coming off of a horrible season, especially offensively, picking first and they made him the number one pick and the expectations to turn it around in San Fran. Well, as we all know that didn’t happen. Smith has had what can be considered at best a mediocre, injury-plagued career and the 49ers still suck.  The same thing will happen in Denver with Tebow. Both Smith and Tebow benefited from playing with superior talent around them and under a great coach who produces offensive juggernauts year after year that fit their strengths perfectly. However, that offensive system just doesn’t translate to the NFL because of stronger, faster, smarter, more complex defenses. 

     Another possibility is he ends up a slower (albeit stronger) version of the Michael Vick of the early 2000’s. Exciting, game changing, “holy crap” plays at times, but a hindrance to ever actually winning anything of importance. I’ve heard several experts say he doesn’t need to try to be like Aaron Rodgers, or Peyton Manning, or Tom Brady, that statement is absolutely true; there’s just one problem, those are the types of quarterbacks who win the Superbowl every year. The last ten Superbowl winning quarterback are Rodgers, Brees, Big Ben (has two), the two Mannings, Brad Johnson, Brady (has three), Warner, Dilfer, and Elway. Besides Dilfer who played with arguably the best defense of the last 25 years, those are all elite pocket passers, which is a quality Tim Tebow will never have. I just think while its great to be able to mobile as a quarterback to win the big one you have to be able to make the throws, and I don’t think that Tebow can. Lastly, his supporters will point to his leadership skills and competitive tenacity and while that is SOOO cool to have those qualities, the ten guys listed above all had them as well; the only difference is they could actually make all the throws. (Yes, yes I know except for Dilfer) Look, if Tim Tebow wanted to marry my daughter I would support that 100%, he’s a great guy that makes a lot of money. But if he were going to coach the Cowboys (my favorite team for anyone who doesn’t know me) then I would cry and wish for a Jason Garrett playing comeback. Savior. Stud. Superbowl. I say you can expect none of the above with Tim Tebow.

Regan