Tim Tebow: Broncos' Spark Plug Must Limit Turnovers to Beat Chiefs

If we are going to give Tim Tebow credit for the Denver Broncos surging ahead in the AFC West race, we should also hold him accountable when he flops.

The reality is that after six straight wins, the Broncos have lost their last two games, and a lot of that has to do with Tebow.

In the Broncos' last three games alone, he's turned the ball over seven times, including three interceptions and a fumble against a mediocre Buffalo Bills defense in Week 16. He's thrown three of his four interceptions this season in the last three games.

On top of this, while Tebow's running style is a big part of why the Broncos have a chance to earn a playoff berth in 2011, it also is a double-edged sword. He has 12 fumbles on the season.

The Chiefs are ninth in pass defense this season. On top of that, they have 19 interceptions on the season, tied for fourth in the NFL.

These aren't the same Chiefs that started off 5-8, mind you. Ousting Todd Haley as head coach and promoting Romeo Crennel for the time being has appeared to rejuvenate this squad. They've gone 1-1 since, including handing the Green Bay Packers their first loss of the season in Week 15.

This is no gimme game for the Broncos. It's far from it. If the Broncos are to end their funk and capture the AFC West, Tebow has to take better care of the ball.

We've seen Tebow's accuracy, throwing motion and decision-making questioned this season, and now people are questioning his ability to secure the football.

It seems like the perfect storm, a storm that shouldn't have the Broncos even in the playoff discussion this season.

But Tebow has a way of storming back in the fourth quarters of games.

Who will win on Sunday depends on which way the wind blows.