Why Tim Tebow Will Give Detroit Lions Defensive Line Fits

Tim Tebow's big first start this season was absolutely wretched for the first three-and-half quarters. Then it became magical.

The Broncos manic comeback this past Sunday cannot be solely placed on Tebow's broad shoulders. But there is no doubt that he had the chutzpah to keep fighting to lead the offense to 18 unanswered points against the Miami Dolphins.

Of course, the Dolphins are a thoroughly putrid team. Falling apart on defense and failing to secure an onside kick did them in just as much as Tebow's suddenly effective attack. Despite this disclaimer, there are a few key reasons why the Detroit Lions defensive line will struggle against the new Broncos quarterback this Sunday. Here they are...

The Lions' like to get upfield quickly and will struggle to contain Tebow

The huge motor on dominating defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is an amazing asset for the controversial second-year player. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch gets around the corner quickly and heads upfield with alacrity. Both of these guys could struggle with containing the mobile Tebow due to their style of play.

With Nick Fairley likely sidelined with a nagging foot injury, the Lions will also be down one guy who could help to clog the middle of the line and make it more difficult for Tebow to take off out of the pocket.

The Broncos will use the no-huddle offense to keep the Lions defense off-balance

Tebow did absolutely nothing and looked horrible doing it when the Broncos offense huddled up and took their time to call their plays. Once their offense transitioned to the no-huddle in the 4th quarter, Tebow instantly improved.

John Fox and his coaching staff will learn from the Miami game and use the no-huddle more often against the Lions this Sunday. By keeping the pace fast, the Broncos will put pressure on the Lions defensive line to keep up.

Tim Tebow will be better this Sunday 

He pulled out a victory in his first start this year against a team that is battling the Colts for the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Against an excellent team like the Lions, Tebow cannot be as awful as he was for three quarters and expect to stage a comeback in the fourth quarter.

Tebow is going to be better this Sunday. He figured out how to hit his receivers (and especially his tight end Daniel Fells) late in the game last week. He'll be able to carry that confidence in his arm forward against the Lions.

Tebow was sacked seven times by the Dolphins. He knows now that he can't hang on to the ball that long when he's up against the speed of NFL defenses. He'll be more decisive in either taking off on a designed run or getting rid of the ball by going through his progressions.

Tebow is still a work-in-progress, but he'll surprise a good Lions defensive line this Sunday.