NFL Playoffs 2012: How Will Tim Tebow Stack Up Sunday Against the Patriots?

Tim Tebow saturation has set in.

The entire nation has been carpet bombed with Tebow stats, theories, and tidbits, so it’s easy to think that the patron saint of the pigskin has been with us longer than he actually has, when actually Saturday evening’s primetime showdown against the Golden Boy, the Hoodie, and the rest of the Patriots is only his second playoff game.

Many are judging Tebow like he’s a seasoned vet, but he isn’t and it isn’t fair to critique him as one. A fairer way to compare the former Heisman winner and his contemporaries—in this case active playoff quarterbacks—is to see how they performed in their second postseason contests, so we’ll have a better idea of how good Tebow actually is after Saturday’s game.

AFC

Tom Brady

2001 AFC Championship Game, New England 24 – Pittsburgh 17

The future Mr. Bundchen was sidelined with a knee injury, but before surrendering the reigns to Drew Bledsoe, was an efficient 12 of 18 for 115 yards.

Joe Flacco

2008 AFC Divisional Playoff, Baltimore 13 – Tennessee 10

Flacco didn’t set the world ablaze, but protected the ball going 11 of 22 for 161 yards and a touchdown.

T.J. Yates

2012 AFC Divisional Playoff, Houston @ Baltimore

We’ll let you know.

NFC

Drew Brees

2007 NFC Divisional Playoff, New Orleans 27 – Philadelphia 24

Outgunned Jeff Garcia with a 20 of 32, 243-yard and a touchdown performance.

Aaron Rodgers

2011 NFC Wild Card, Green Bay 21 – Philadelphia 16

Started the Packers’ Super Bowl run with three touchdowns and 180 yards on 18 of 27 passing.

Eli Manning

2007 NFC Wild Card, Philadelphia 23 – New York Giants 20

In a mediocre showing, the younger Manning was 16 of 27 for 161 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He’s the only signal caller on this list to drop his second postseason game.

Alex Smith

Saturday’s NFC Divisional game against the Saints will mark his postseason debut.