Tim Tebow: Broncos Fans Should Expect More Subpar Play from Young QB

Tim Tebow was fairly awful in Sunday's blowout loss against Detroit, and Broncos fans should expect more of the same going forward.

Before continuing, I'd like to make myself clear. I'm not trying to drink the Tebow hater-ade and spit it all over the faces of Broncos fans.

I'm just saying that he is a young quarterback, and I think Denver fans have set unrealistic expectations for him at this stage in his career.

The story on Tim Tebow is already old and tired: His mechanics and technique suck, his heart and competitiveness are exceptional. There's no denying either of those statements at this point.

Following Denver's dramatic comeback win against Miami last week, Tebow hysteria was at an all time high. This week, Tebow and his legions of fans were hit with a cold dose of reality.

The vicious Lions defensive line sacked him seven times, including one where Cliff Avril forced a fumble, scooped it up and ran 24 yards for a touchdown.

That made the score 31-3 early in the third quarter, and it appeared things couldn't get worse for Tebow. However, that's exactly what happened.

A few minutes into the fourth quarter, Tebow threw his second interception of the day, which Chris Houston returned 100 yards for a touchdown.

Tebow was able to add a 14-yard touchdown pass later in the fourth, but it was little consolation in the 45-10 defeat.

Tebow's numbers were pretty gruesome this game: 18-for-39, 172 yards, two turnovers that were returned for touchdowns and one score of his own.

One day, Tebow may be one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. But for now, Broncos fans are going to have to get used to sub-par performances like this one.