Tim Tebow: Why Broncos QB Should Credit Defense for His Success

Tim Tebow mania will reach an all-time high after he improved to 5-1 on Sunday, but the young quarterback should be thanking his defense for his success.

Tebow always makes a few brilliant plays when the game is on the line.

However, without his defense saving his ass in the first three quarters, he wouldn't have the opportunity to take over in the fourth.

Tebow has gotten a ton of credit for the Broncos' turnaround, and much of it is deserved. Although his statistics and throwing mechanics are hideous, his sheer presence seems to have inspired his teammates.

He has an uncanny flair for the dramatic and makes big plays when big plays need to be made.

But let's not blindly throw all this praise Tebow's way without acknowledging the Broncos' defense.

In the first five games of the season, before Tebow took over as starting QB, Denver was giving up 28 points per game.

Since Tebow's insertion into the starting lineup, they've held Miami to 15 points, Oakland to 24, Kansas City to 10 and New York and San Diego to 13.

They did give up 45 to Detroit in Week 8, but the Lions light up most teams.

For all the "Tebow is so clutch" talk, little is made about the crunch-time performance of the Denver defense.

In Tebow's five wins this season, the Broncos have allowed just one fourth-quarter touchdown.

Tebow will continue to get all the credit, because America is infatuated with him.

But the real catalyst behind Denver's new-found success is their much-improved defense.