Tim Tebow: Breaking Down Why Devalued QB Is More Than a Gimmick

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow doesn't belong in the Wildcat, where rhythm is nonexistent. He's certainly no gimmick signal-caller whose sole purpose is to catch a defense off-guard once or twice a game.

Since he was drafted in 2010, Tebow has been the subject of an endless argument. While some are convinced that he isn't cut out to be an NFL starter under center, others maintain that his work ethic, drive and skill set are more than enough to succeed at football's highest level.

While there are relevant points to both sides, I tend to believe Tebow falls somewhere in between.

He must become a more consistent passer before he can be considered a bona fide NFL starter.

At the same time, to consider Tebow a gimmick is absurd.

There's no way a gadget quarterback leads the Denver Broncos out of a 1-4 hole and to an AFC West title in 2011. I don't care how lackluster the division was that year. Perhaps it was Tebow's fire and leadership that helped turn things around in the Mile High City. Either way, it was his arm that torched the Pittsburgh Steelers' No. 1-ranked defense for 316 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos' win in the AFC Wild Card Round that year.

Tebow is no Ronnie Brown. He isn't a one-game wonder who happened to catch a defense by surprise one Sunday afternoon.

The former Heisman Trophy winner proved he can win consistently when given the opportunity two seasons ago, yet many still view Tebow as a glorified Wildcat star.

Say what you want about the throwing motion and the completion percentage, Tebow's brief NFL resume speaks for itself. He went 7-4 as a starter for the Broncos in 2011 and led the team to a 1-1 playoff mark that year. Whatever he lacks in accuracy, he clearly makes up for in intangibles, an area where many NFL starting quarterbacks are lacking today.

Plus, Tebow can do more with his legs than most starting NFL quarterbacks, proving to be a more dynamic threat under center or from the gun.

Even former Jets quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh has since admitted that the team didn't use him nearly enough during the 2012 season (ESPN), letting him attempt just eight throws all year, six of which he completed.

Tebow's release may be far from perfect, and his accuracy may be subpar, but to limit his talents to a single offensive scheme is laughable.

He is not a star, nor is he a trick player. In reality, Tebow is somewhere in between. Short of a master but well beyond a stratagem.

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