Jets vs Broncos Thursday Night Football: Can the Tim Tebow Offense Last?

So far, so good for the Broncos with Tim Tebow under center. After a 1-4 start, Denver has won four of their last five games and are 5-5.

Obviously favoring them is being in arguably the NFL's weakest division, because the AFC West champion this season will be fortunate to finish 9-7, let alone 10-6. That being said, the Broncos got another big win, albeit close, against the New York Jets at home.

So, having won three straight, can the Tim Tebow offense last in the NFL, and if so, for how long?

Well, it's apparent that the Broncos have found a way to win using a college-style offense. More power to them, because when you're 1-4, why not take a shot at it, right? And it's paid off thus far.

However, Denver currently ranks No. 31 in passing offense, and averages just 154 yards through the air per game. Sure, they rank No. 2 in rush offense, gaining just as much (154 yards per game), but being that lopsided on offense can only last so long.

For one, Eric Decker is their No. 1 WR, and although he's been coming along rather decently this season, Decker is not a No. 1 receiver. At best, he's similar to Kevin Walter in Houston. He just needs that dominant receiver to emerge, because he can be a solid No. 2.

Which is also one thing that hurts Tebow and the Broncos passing game. It's hard enough to develop as an effective passer in the NFL. Now include a lack of established targets, and it becomes damn near impossible.

Thus, Denver must rely on a running game to utilize Tebow's strengths. Add in a solid RB like Willis McGahee, despite his lack of productivity on Thursday, and Denver has something to at least build on. That being said, this type of offense can be useful when combined with a solid passing game, but it will not last if it's the only plan in the repertoire.

We'll obviously learn more about Tebow next season, provided that Denver also drafts a stud WR. Nonetheless, the formula is working in 2011. Maybe it's just for this season, and that's fine, because then Tebow has the offseason to develop, but then 2012 becomes the deal-breaker.

We know that at some point either this season (such as the Detroit game) or next season, NFL defenses are going to adjust, and adjust well, into shutting down Tebow and the Broncos' one-dimensional offense. So if Denver once again lacks a passing game in 2012, don't be surprised if the running game takes a dive.

Also, on Thursday against the Jets, the Broncos defense stepped up big time. Both Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil recorded 1.5 sacks and Andre Goodman returned an interception for a TD. If the Orange Crush hadn't gotten pressure on Mark Sanchez and Goodman hadn't gotten that pick-six, Denver would not have won that game.

That being said, you can't always rely on a defense to score every game, as well as record three sacks. The offense has to become more productive in both passing and rushing; otherwise it's a recipe for disaster.

Right now the Tim Tebow offense is working, and that's great for the Broncos. However, don't say you weren't warned when defenses begin to shut it down. You can't win games in the NFL when completing less than 50 percent of your passes on a weekly basis.

But until this unorthodox Broncos offense actually does get blanked on a consistent basis, let's just enjoy the ride, because how often does an offense this rare in the pros last this long anyway?

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