# I Was Wrong- There's a BIG Downside to Letting Tim Tebow start **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [November 13, 2011, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840 "2011-11-13T22:35:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/401 "2011-12-05T19:04:20Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I don’t think it needs to be addressed because nobody is denying that he’s led some fourth-quarter comebacks. What needs to be addressed is not “if” but “why”. > [@](#): > > The fact that the offense sucks in the first half undercuts the argument that he’s inspiring the team and they are playing hard for him. Not any more than it undercuts any other theory of his success, unless it too addresses this issue. Which was my original point. > [@](#): > > Yes, that must be it. He’s so awesome that the coaches don’t know it either. Your sarcasm does not change anything. > [@](#): > > Or they start passing more in the second half because they’re always losing in the second half and afford to run the ball all the time. This is pretty much what _I_ suggested. > [@](#): > > It looks like he’s passing more effectively the last two weeks, and they did take advantage of the Vikings’ secondary last week. Let’s not start making up theories about how the Broncos are holding Tebow back. If my suggestion is correct, then Tebow’s passing would become a bigger factor over time, as the coaching staff gains confidence in his abilities and structures the plays accordingly. > [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > Ground and pound. > > Defenses tire, especially against run-heavy offenses. I thought this was a time-of-possession/number-of-plays issue, which would not apply here. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/402 "2011-12-05T19:49:01Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > So Tebow is the Hulk? Jesus Hulk? “Don’t make me pray. You wouldn’t like me when I pray…” ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/403 "2011-12-05T20:16:00Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > What needs to be addressed is not “if” but “why”. I’m not seeing it. But I think **Great Antibob** is right: heavy use of the running game helps by wearing the defense down. Good playcalling will also allow them to burn the defense when they start to overplay the run, since you have to focus on the run when Denver uses so many running plays. They did that to Minnesota several times on Sunday. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/404 "2011-12-05T22:01:21Z")
I saw him do a thing a couple of times yesterday. He drops back as a pass, tucks it like he’s going to run, then throws it before getting to the line of scrimmage. This worked a couple of times for long gains and one TD. The passes were short, but the D had committed to Tebow running, so the short pass was still behind the LBs. And other times, it didn’t work at all, usually because he totally missed his targeted player. On one screen play, he was maybe 8 yards from the RB, no one else anywhere near, and he dumped the pass so bad I wanted them to call intentional grounding. No pressure from a pass rush, just an idiot throw. And he did his wind up even for that short toss. Well, I still have misgivings, but he is interesting to watch. And a win is always good. Got to keep those coastal cities down, ya know? (No need to worry about keeping the Chefs down.) ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/405 "2011-12-05T23:34:39Z")
I think the haters are simply a rational backlash to the supporters. In reality, Tebow is a less talented Mark Sanchez, which to this Jets fan hardly seems possible. heh. If there were a large group of people fervently backing Sanchez because he’s just a winner that inspires the defense, I’d mock them until the end of time because they’d be so incredibly and obviously wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/406 "2011-12-05T23:36:44Z")
I just hate the hype, is all. I have no problem thinking he is making his teammates play better, at least for this short time. But I get so sick of listening and reading about. ---
**Author:** ![MadTheSwine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MadTheSwine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadTheSwine)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/407 "2011-12-12T00:52:48Z")
Lol, Tebow haters. ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/408 "2011-12-12T01:05:08Z")
Broncos win in overtime again! Has anyone’s head exploded yet? ---
**Author:** ![pancakes3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ba9def/32.png) [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/409 "2011-12-12T01:23:47Z")
kaboom ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/410 "2011-12-12T03:01:59Z")
Yay! Tebow didn’t lose again! I like this business of not having to depend on a superstar quarterback. It gives the whole team a chance to win/lose as a unit without too much weight going to any one player. I hope they’re looking a bit sharper next week, though. I have a feeling the Patriots won’t let them get away with all the dropped passes and slipped tackles. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/411 "2011-12-12T03:06:11Z")
His ability to pray the football through the goalposts is unprecedented. But seriously - this is getting ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omg_a_Black_Conservative)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/412 "2011-12-12T03:14:07Z")
It is okay to point and laugh at the OP yet? Even if Tebow goes 1 - 2 to finish the season and loses in the first round of the playoffs (I’m assuming that the Broncos are going to win the AFC West), he’s pretty much guaranteed he’ll be the starter for the next two to three years in Denver. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/413 "2011-12-12T03:15:58Z")
> [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](#): > > It is okay to point and laugh at the OP yet? Even if Tebow goes 1 - 2 to finish the season and loses in the first round of the playoffs (I’m assuming that the Broncos are going to win the AFC West), he’s pretty much guaranteed he’ll be the starter for the next two to three years in Denver. No, and you’re wrong. John Elway hates Tebow. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/414 "2011-12-12T03:19:13Z")
> [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](#): > > … he’s pretty much guaranteed he’ll be the starter for the next two to three years in Denver. Not according to John Elway, he hasn’t. Elway has made it very clear that the question of who is the starting quarterback for the Broncos next season is wide open. ---
**Author:** ![Laggard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de053/32.png) [@Laggard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laggard)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/415 "2011-12-12T03:20:35Z")
I had no idea he could kick field goals. ---
**Author:** ![R.P.McMurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/416 "2011-12-12T03:26:18Z")
I watched tonight’s game. There is something Faustian in this. At some point, Tebow, while claiming to be a Christian, has sold his soul to the Devil. Later there is going to be a price to pay. Tebow didn’t win the game. Somehow it got handed to him. ---
**Author:** ![markdash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@markdash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markdash)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/417 "2011-12-12T03:35:52Z")
I am what you would charitably call a Tebow “hater”, both personally and professionally, but I think it’s getting amusing how this team is stringing together these wins. Every game it seems that they need like 4 or 5 things to happen for them to even have a chance, and all of them do. Which means one of two things: They are going to fall flat on their face one of these weeks (or all of them), or they have God on their side. Your choice. I mean seriously. RB runs out of bounds, stopping the clock? Then same RB fumbles the ball away in OT? Kicker kicks 59 and 51 yard FGs? Why the hell not, right? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/418 "2011-12-12T03:38:03Z")
> [@R.P.McMurphy](#): > > Tebow didn’t win the game. Somehow it got handed to him. it didn’t get handed to him, it was handed to the Broncos. This game should be the textbook example of why QBs should not be credited to a team statistic. The defense and special teams did all of the heavy lifting here. Tebow played a great part, and being an excellent supporting actor allowed them to win. But the DEF/ST performance was undeniably exceptional. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/419 "2011-12-12T03:38:07Z")
> [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](#): > > It is okay to point and laugh at the OP yet? Even if Tebow goes 1 - 2 to finish the season and loses in the first round of the playoffs (I’m assuming that the Broncos are going to win the AFC West), **he’s pretty much guaranteed he’ll be the starter for the next two to three years in Denver**. Oh, please. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers aren’t guaranteed to be the starter for the next two or three years, let alone some chunky kid with a terrible throwing motion. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840/420 "2011-12-12T03:39:42Z")
> [@markdash](#): > > I mean seriously. RB runs out of bounds, stopping the clock? Then same RB fumbles the ball away in OT? Kicker kicks 59 and 51 yard FGs? Why the hell not, right? I’d feel a lot “cleaner” celebrating such a win if Denver had played well the entire game, but this chain of events really can’t be overstated. I fully expected a shutout going into the 4th. Instead I got gobsmacked with an OT win. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840.md?page=20) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-wrong-theres-a-big-downside-to-letting-tim-tebow-start/602840.md?page=22)