Tim Tebow: How the Broncos QB Is Actually Winning with a College-Style Offense

Criticize him all you want, but Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has brought more success to the franchise than they had seen in two years with Kyle Orton at the helm.

In the 18 starts Orton had, he only managed to win four games. Tebow has won three games in only four starts, with a comeback victory against the Miami Dolphins, a dominant win against the Oakland Raiders and another solid victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. In what was thought to be a lost season, Tebow has resurrected this franchise, and now has them contending for the AFC West crown.

Tebow's only loss came by way of an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions, in which he was sacked seven times, lost by 35 points and was considered a joke by the opponent following the game. Most quarterbacks would be distraught after the loss, but Tebow took it in stride, and has since come back with consecutive road victories against divisional opponents.

While Tebow is winning games, not many people are understanding just how he is doing it. He has a completion percentage of 45%, has completed 12 passes in the past two games and has yet to throw for more than 172 yards, but he is pulling out victories that usually seem improbable. Take, for instance, his most recent game against the Chiefs, where he managed to complete just two passes and still lead his team to a 17-10 victory, Tebow was able to pull out a victory thanks to the offense that he's helping to execute under John Fox.

Rather than forcing Tebow out of his comfort zone and making him play in the pocket like the average NFL quarterback, Fox continues to have Tebow and his offense run a college-style offense that is complete with the option. The option basically involves having the quarterback and the running back running to one side, where the QB will then have the option to wither take it himself or lateral it to the RB.

With Willis McGahee by his side, this is somehow working out, as the Broncos have run for at least 177 yards in each of Tebow's four starts. These pro defenses aren't accustomed to playing against this style of offense, much akin to the Miami Dolphins in 2008, when they finished 11-5 running the unpredictable "wildcat" offense all season long.

It also helps that Tebow doesn't turn the ball over too often, as he only has three giveaways on the year.

The problem with this offense is that defenses like the New York Jets and Chicago Bears won't fall for it. It's a gimmick offense that will only work for so long before these defenses begin to get adjusted and force Tebow to become a passing quarterback, which he has clearly shown he isn't. Successful quarterbacks have proven time and time again that standing in the pocket and weighing your options is the way to go, and Tebow's option offense will only bring success for so long before defenses begin to get adjusted.