Tim Tebow: Polarizing Denver Broncos QB Continues to Relish Underdog Role

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow found his back against the wall and found a way to come out on top once again. It's a story that's been repeated several times throughout the season.

Nobody gave Tebow and Co. much of a chance against the Pittsburgh Steelers and their vaunted defense, but it seems the Broncos excel when the believers outside of Denver can be counted on one hand. It gives them the extra motivation they need to remain competitive.

“One of the great things about our team is we’re a team that constantly believes,” Tebow said after the game, according to the AP.

Above all else, a team must believe it can win before going into battle, and the Broncos certainly haven't lost faith in each other despite the continuous ups and downs.

A lot will be made about the plethora of injuries the Steelers were dealing with and how the result could have been different if they were at full strength, but it's impossible to downgrade the Broncos' performance because what might have been.

In reality, it appeared the Steelers didn't practice a single down of pass defense during the entire week. Perhaps they were too worried about the option wrinkles that Denver has worked in or just weren't concerned about Tebow beating them through the air. Whatever the reason, the secondary was brutal.

There was no better example of that than the overtime touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas. The Steelers were so slow to react that it was obvious they didn't think there was any chance Tebow would be taking a shot deep on the first play.

That lack of respect allowed Tebow to throw for more than 300 yards despite continuing to miss on some throws that should be completed.

He's never going to become the picture-perfect quarterback, or anything remotely close to that, but even Tebow has even talent to take advantage of an ill-prepared defense. Some of that credit also has to go to offensive coordinator Mike McCoy for having enough faith in Tebow to allow him to take some chances.

You can be sure Bill Belichick won't allow his defense to make the same mistakes the Steelers did. Even though the New England Patriots secondary has struggled all season, it will make sure Tebow isn't able to make any quick strikes next week.

The Patriots blew out Denver less than a month ago and will be heavy favorites to do the same thing next Saturday. That won't bother Tebow, however, since he seems to relish the underdog role because the pressure level is so much more manageable.

In other words, count out the Broncos if you must, but understand you're only adding more fuel to their increasingly large fire.

And, despite rumors of its demise, Tebow mania is alive and well throughout the country.