Tim Tebow: Denver Broncos QB Will Never Become More Than Folk Hero

Depending on who you ask, Tim Tebow is either the next big thing or an overrated bum that doesn't belong on an NFL field. In reality, the answer is probably somewhere in the middle. That said, it's hard to imagine the Denver Broncos quarterback ever developing into a consistent starter.

Denver went the entire first quarter in Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs without throwing a pass. While the Broncos were managing to hold a lead anyway, that type of approach isn't going to work in today's pass-happy league.

Tebow has worked tirelessly on improving his throwing motion and accuracy, but he tends to revert to bad habits on game day.

He's played in 15 games since being drafted in the first round last April and has completed just 48 percent of his passes. By comparison, most of the league's elite quarterbacks are regularly connecting on two-thirds of their throws.

His legs bring an added dimension once the Broncos reach the red zone, but getting there has been a problem with him under center.

Even more discouraging is that his QB rating gets progressively worse with each down. It's no surprise he does well on first down because teams pack the box to stop the run. His 69 rating on third down won't cut it over the long haul.

And, like all folk heroes, there are certain myths that have helped build him into something he's not.

He's a winner! It's a team game, nobody wins or loses a game alone.

He's got unmatched intangibles! What does that even mean? Nothing of substance.

He just needs time to develop! He's had almost a full season, some quarterbacks would die for that much of a chance.

All told, Tebow is an average-at-best quarterback that has more value to fantasy football owners than an NFL team. He'd be best utilized in select packages near the goal line, not touching the ball on every snap. And judging by their play-calling decisions, the Broncos are slowly figuring that out.

There's a place for Tim Tebow in the NFL. That place just isn't starting quarterback.