10 Defenses Designed to Stop a Tim Tebow-Led Offense

Dan Patrick would be so proud of me.

When it comes to Tim Tebow, you cannot stop him, you can only hope to contain him.

There, I said it. I got it out of the way. But seriously, NFL teams now plan for the Broncos quarterback as a passer and runner and late-game winner possibly more than any other player in the NFL right now.

Funny how we all thought he would totally bomb on the professional level and now he is playing the most important position on the field in a way that makes sandlot football and the "Wildcat" look like more child's play.

Tebow is a disturbing figure to anyone who has to scheme for his team or him. To think the opposing defensive coordinators have to prepare for an unconventional quarterback with a hitch in his throwing motion and great running ability is unheard of, right?

Guess again.

There are defenses that could stop him or at least contain him. We aren't sold on the idea of making him obsolete, but just enough to let him know this is still the NFL, not college football.

10. San Francisco 49ers

The team that is 9-1 on the season surely has to be doing something right on defense.

Jim Harbaugh has gotten his players to buy into the Kool-Aid he is drinking and the opposition has been stopped in its tracks.

Let's see what it can do against a strong, fast and agile quarterback.

9. Dallas Cowboys

You wouldn't think of it, but the Cowboys have a Top-10 defense.

The team is underrated and the youth of this team gives it hope of being one of the best for years to come.

They have speed that can help catch and contain Tebow.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

Off the top of my head, I cannot name a single player on the starting unit of the Bengals.

Maybe that is a good thing.

The Bengals have been near the top all season in total defense and have looked decent against better teams in Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Surely they can stop Tebow.

7. New York Jets

Rex Ryan and his Jets looked like they were going to win 13-10 against the Broncos last week and had contained Tebow pretty well.

Then Tebow decided to break off a 20-yard scamper to win the contest 17-13.

It is the little things he does that aggravates everyone.

But the Jets showed they could contain him.

6. Houston Texans

Has anyone noticed that the Texans are the best defense in the NFL?

Wade Phillips is doing it and doing it well.

What used to be the Achilles Heel of this team is now its strength.

And they could stop Tebow in his tracks.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Are they older? Yes.

Are they wiser? Yes.

Are they more experienced? Yes.

But the linebackers of the Steelers, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison, are still pretty darn good.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

I am actually going to praise this team.

Ranked third in overall defense, Jacksonville could make the case that they could stop the hometown hero.

Their front seven is strong with the additions of Paul Posluszny and Clint Session and their front four with Jeremy Mincey, Terrance Knighton, Tyson Alualu and Matt Roth are pretty stellar.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Hello, Tim. I want to introduce you to Haloti Ngata.

Hello, Tim. I want to introduce you to Terrell Suggs.

Hello, Tim. Meet Ed Reed.

Hello, Tim. This is Ray Lewis.

The Ravens defense is still mighty and could have Tebow running...for his life.

2. Miami Dolphins

This might be an odd choice, but, for 55 minutes, Miami made Tebow look like a high school freshman behind center.

Tebow could not hit the backside of a barn before he came up with the magic to beat the Dolphins in overtime.

Miami put pressure on him and then clogged the passing lanes like any team would against a newbie on offense.

1. Detroit Lions

Right now, I put them first because they showed they could contain him and beat him up pretty good earlier in the year.

Coincidentally, this is the only loss on Tebow's resume this season as a starter.

Detroit has a knack for being labeled a "dirty" team when it comes to defense. But against the Broncos, they proved it was all about containing the quarterback.