Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow Proves Both Fans and Haters Correct in First Start

The paradox that is Tim Tebow was wildly inconsistent on Sunday, thus providing plenty of firepower for both his fans and his critics.

Tebow was awful in the first three quarters, overthrowing wide open receivers on numerous occasions. The Broncos' coaching staff was very tentative with their play calling, seemingly not trusting Tebow to make plays with his arm.

Through three quarters, his hideous mechanics and lack of pure passing ability were the dominant storylines.

But with less than three minutes remaining, Tebow showed that he does indeed have that "it" factor—whatever that means.

Tebow orchestrated an eight play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a five-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas with 2:52 remaining.

After an onside kick, Tebow then led the Broncos on a 10 play, 56-yard drive. He capped that one off with a three-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Fells. Then, Tebow ran for the two-point conversion to send the game into overtime.

Tebow wasn't spectacular in OT, but he did enough to get Denver into field goal range. Kicker Matt Prater did the rest after that, drilling a 52-yard field goal to win it.

Tebow's overall numbers from the game are exactly what you should expect from here on out. He had a predictably low completion percentage (13-of-27) and just 161 yards.

But when the game was on the line, Tebow made plays.

It should obviously be noted that this thrilling victory came against the winless Dolphins, so Broncos fans shouldn't get too excited about this.

Better teams won't choke away 15-point leads in the final three minutes like Miami did. If Tebow is that bad through three quarters against good teams, Denver will get blown out.

I have been a Tebow critic for some time now, but there's no denying that he has a flair for the dramatic. If he can play with some consistency, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Until then, both haters and fans still have plenty of ammo for their Tebow arguments.