NFL Playoffs: Can Tim Tebow Stun the New England Patriots?

Last night, Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos proved me right, bringing the Pittsburgh Steelers down and advancing in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Tebow showed great ability and managed to win his first postseason game in his sophomore year as a professional.

It wasn’t an easy win, though.

The Steelers fought hard, despite playing without Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Clark and having Ben Roethlisberger limping for the biggest part of the game. Nevertheless, they made a comeback in the second half, tied the score and sent the game to overtime. In fact, they could have won it, had they attempted and scored a field goal from 60+ yards at the end of regulation—but they didn’t.

Tebow completed just 10 passes, but averaged a gain of 31.6 yards per pass; in other words, he slew the Steelers’ secondary time after time. His longest pass was an 80-yard touchdown to Denaryius Thomas in overtime—the play that decided the game.

Yet the Broncos have no more time for celebrations. A difficult road game is ahead against the New England Patriots. Belichick’s men will be determined not to leave the playoffs after playing only one game, like they have the last two years.

Yesterday, Tebow proved his haters wrong and gave his fans one more reason to love and support him. Again, he wasn’t performing at a high level, but he did what he had to do and won a playoff game. This is probably all you can ask from the 24-year old quarterback, but he’ll need something more than that in Foxborough.

The Patriots have a fearsome, high-powered offense led by the most respected quarterback of the past decade—Tom Brady. They are the AFC East champions (for the eighth time in the last nine years) and lost only once at home this year. They have also won 11 out of 14 home playoff games.

Can Tebow pull off another surprising win and upset the Pats?

I believe he can put up great numbers against a defense that has been bad all season long. If he plays like he did yesterday, he can exceed the 400-yard mark in passing. He has great ability and can move the chains even with his clumsy playing style.

But a win against the New England Patriots requires a lot more. More or less, the defense will have to bring its A-game and contain Brady; otherwise Denver stands little chance of advancing to the AFC Championship game.

Tebow will be a factor for sure, but if Von Miller and his companions fail, the Broncos will be watching the rest of the playoffs from their TV screens.