Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow Doesn't Have to Be an Elite QB to Be Successful

Oh, yeah, it's another article on the one athlete everybody loves to hate for many reasons. Before it was because he did nothing but win at the University of Florida. Others hated him because they believed he was pushing his religion off on others.

Now it's because they're sick and tired of him trying to become an NFL quarterback when he clearly doesn't have the mechanics to do so.

We all understand that Tebow has a lot of things to work on.

His delivery takes way too long, his technique is all out of whack and he isn't the "traditional" quarterback.

I think this has all been explained before during his years at Florida and to this day by everybody from athletes to the media, all the way down to the fans.

But while listening to Colin Cowherd earlier this morning he had a few comments on Tim Tebow.

"Tim Tebow will never be an elite NFL quarterback, period," Cowherd said. "I see him as a two to three year project, who, like a Vince Young, could eventually win you some games, but if he's not going to be your franchise quarterback in my opinion in the NFL, what's the point?" 

Once again, Tim Tebow has a lot to work on and unless something really bizarre happens, he will never be elite. He will never be considered a quarterback in the class of Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning.

He may never even be a Matt Ryan or Josh Freeman.

But he doesn't have to be.

Tim Tebow is a winner, point blank. If you followed him in college, you would already know this.

Tebow led the Gators to two SEC Championships and won two National Championships. He won the Heisman trophy in 2007 and was a two-time First-Team All-American. He also had a record of 35-6 as a starter in his four-year career at Florida.

There is no question he had a very accomplished career as a collegiate athlete and will forever be considered one of the greatest in NCAA history.

This is only Tebow's second season in the NFL, and he has only started three games in his short career. In those three games he has a 1-2 record, but wins and losses don't tell the whole story.

In the one win against the Houston Texas last year, he brought the Broncos back from a 17-0 halftime deficit. In the two losses, the defense didn't play particularly well, and it's hard to win when they give up 33 and 39 points regardless of who your quarterback is.

What Tim Tebow does bring is energy, and that is one thing that can't be taught. You either have it or you don't.

Tim Tebow is a proven leader, and the team responds around him.

Take last week's game for example against the San Diego Chargers. San Diego was up 23-10 heading in the fourth quarter. Six-year veteran Kyle Orton couldn't get this team going at all, and as usual, they were struggling on offense. They looked lifeless and boring.

In comes Tim Tebow.

They score 14 points in the fourth quarter and were a Brandon Lloyd dropped two-point conversion away from tying the game. 

The players were jumping around and showing emotion for the first time this season. The team actually showed life and like they wanted to be in the game.

You can criticize everything about him, but you can't deny the energy he brings and how it spreads like a wildfire throughout the team.

Whether you want to admit it, this trait is very underrated and can go a long way.

So Cowherd compared Tebow to Vince Young who is 30-17 as a starter. This is the same quarterback that took over a 0-6 Titans team and led them to an 8-2 record and they just missed the playoffs.

Young may have never been an elite quarterback, but he has a strong enough skill set to win games and is a good enough quarterback to get away with.

Also, who's to say neither quarterback can develop into a traditional passing quarterback? Granted, it's highly doubtful, but nobody thought Michael Vick would be the quarterback he is today. He also did that after missing two years in prison.

They may not be a sexy option at quarterback, but in the right system can thrive and with the right team around them, could be good enough to lead them to a Super Bowl victory.

Don't believe me?

Have you ever considered Joe Namath elite? How about Trent Dilfer? Eli Manning?

Well, all three of those quarterbacks have won Super Bowls. Neither have ever put up elite numbers or even elite seasons. They have never been considered to be a top quarterback in the league.

But with solid players around them and a great defense, they ended up going to the Super Bowl and winning it.

Not saying Tebow will ever win a Super Bowl, but at the same time, it's not impossible. He just has to be given the chance and stop being doubted before his career even starts.

Tebow may never be a top quarterback in this league, but he doesn't have to be to be successful.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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