Tim Tebow’s performance in his wild-card playoff game victory sparked more tweets per second than any topic before; including last year’s Super Bowl and the death of Osama bin Laden. A bible verse, John 3:16, was Google’s No. 1 search for a day simply because the quarterback threw for 316 yards that game (and not to mention had tremendous fantasy football stats). But it wasn’t just about his first playoff game, Tebowmania went completely viral this NFL season. There were Tebow tattoos, photo-shopped Tebow centaurs, he even had Saturday Night Live do a skit about him (if you missed it View Here). Then the Broncos and their feisty quarterback ran into Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the Patriots, and the national sensation was immediately put to a screeching halt.
Twitter references to “Tebow Time,” which hit it’s peak during overtime of the Broncos’ win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 8, was at it’s climax just before Saturday’s kickoff vs New England. “Tebow Time” quickly disappeared off the Twitter trending topics as it became clear that the Broncos’ playoff run was over. In its place? Shaun Ellis, the Patriots’ defensive end who sacked Tebow to the turf during the New England’s 45-10 beat-down.
Don’t worry though folks, Tebowmania isn’t going to end anytime soon. Broncos executive John Elway confirmed on Monday that Tim Tebow has “earned” the right to be the starting quarterback heading into Broncos’ training camp next year. Elway also made it clear that Tebow has much improving to do.
Elway spoke at the season-ending press conference saying “the passing game wasn’t where we wanted it to be.” He also stated that the team will have to “be in the market” to bring in more quarterbacks. No surprise there considering there are only two quarterbacks on the roster: Tebow and Adam Weber. Brady Quinn will probably leave via free agency and the Broncos will pickup a veteran backup or a rookie quarterback in the NFL Draft to compete for the starting position.
It would be shocking to me if Tebow isn’t the Week One starter next season. The Broncos want to see Tebow’s improvement after a full offseason of work with his new coaching staff. They also want options if Tebow struggles. Trust me, Elway doesn’t want to bring in another quarterback that’s content just holding the clipboard on the sidelines.
It’s a no brainier that Elway wants a QB likeTom Brady, who doesn’t? Elway stressed needing an offense that can consistently throw down the field. Tebow has earned the right to keep playing. But Elway’s words made it clear that Tebow will continue to be evaluated closely and will need to develop as a pocket passer to be “that guy” Elway is looking for. I believe Tim Tebow will be a good fantasy football pick next season, because in the words of my favorite ESPN analyst Skip Bayless “All He Does Is Win Football Games!”
