Tim Tebow's Improved Mechanics Must Stand Up To Preseason Pressure

Stop me if you've heard this before: Tim Tebow has been working hard to improve his mechanics and shorten his throwing motion. 

According to multiple NFL insiders, including Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, Tebow's throwing motion is "noticeably improved," and he's much more accurate with his passes as a result:

Though Tebow didn't get much work done with the New England Patriots during the team's mandatory minicamp (he is the third-string quarterback, after all), the work he did put in was better than we've seen in the past.

According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Tebow completed 10 of 16 passes in the first two days of minicamp, and at least two of those incompletions were drops by receivers. 

That's a marked improvement from the horror stories we've heard in the past about Tebow's practices. After watching the following NFL.com video, Bleacher Report's Aaron Nagler had to admit Tebow's throwing motion does look different—more compact:

What does it really mean at this point?

Absolutely nothing.

Since joining the NFL in 2010, Tebow has repeatedly and continually attempted to improve his mechanics and shorten his elongated throwing motion. 

While it's true he looks better right now in practice, nobody knows how he'll perform when he's being rushed by defenders who aren't on his own team. In the past, Tebow has reverted back to his bad form when under pressure—a failing he shares with many other quarterbacks.

While it's important for him to continue putting together strong practice sessions, the real test begins in training camp and in preseason games. How he responds to the pressure of real-game situations when he's being chased down by NFL defensive ends and linebackers will determine his worth to the Patriots. 

If Tebow can continue improving in the face of pressure, it's safe to say he will continue to hold a spot on New England's roster. Should he revert back to his bad form, all bets are off. 

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