Denver Broncos: What Tim Tebow Must Do to Win over His Skeptics

How has Tim Tebow managed to do it? None of the stats indicate this. The Denver Broncos' 4-1 record during Tebow’s tenure as starter seems counter-intuitive.

In Tebow’s five games as a starter, the Broncos have averaged just 20 points per game. This number is distorted by a 38-point performance against the Raiders. In that game, the Broncos implemented the read option for the first time, catching the Raiders off-guard.

Since that game, Denver has scored 17 points in consecutive weeks. Despite Denver's record, Tebow has failed to gain respect. So let's look at what Tebow must do to win over his skeptics. 

Defy the Odds

Despite success in college and small stints of success in the NFL, running quarterbacks don't command respect. The NFL has always been and still is a passing league.

In today’s NFL, passing is more prevalent than ever. Despite this, teams continue to draft running quarterbacks. Michael Vick and Vince Young were both drafted high in hopes of being developed into passers. To this point, their success as passers has been minimal.

Tim Tebow faces the same questions they faced. Does he have the footwork, accuracy and ability to read defenses well enough to win?

Improve Footwork

The foundation of any quarterback's play is his footwork in the pocket. The best quarterbacks always have good balance and are in good position to throw.

Too often, Tebow's footwork fails him. Happy feet has been an all-too-common problem. If Tebow wants to take the next step, he has to make progress in the way of footwork. 

Improve Accuracy

Among all of Tebow's characteristics as a quarterback, accuracy has been questioned more than anything. Accuracy is generally considered the most important characteristic of a quarterback. Unfortunately for Tebow, it's also considered the most difficult to teach.

With better consistency in mechanics, though, it can be improved. Tebow has missed several open receivers since becoming the Broncos' starting quarterback. Those are opportunities he can't afford to miss in the future. 

Learn to Read Defenses

Tebow's inaccuracy is one thing. Many times, though, it seems as if he doesn't know where to go with the football.

Reading defenses is the area where most running quarterbacks fall short. When the first read isn't there, they look to run. 

Tebow must learn to better recognize the defense he is going up against and to go through his progressions more quickly.

Improve Passing Stats

It will take improvement in all the areas previously mentioned. But Tim Tebow must improve his passing statistics to gain more respect. 

On the season, Tebow is completing just 44.8 percent of his passes. His yards per attempt of 5.67 ranks ahead of only Blaine Gabbert among regular starting quarterbacks.

Tebow doesn't have to put up Peyton Manning numbers to prove himself; he's not that type of quarterback. He will, however, have to improve on what he's been doing to continue winning. 

Keep Winning

Tebow has done one thing to prove his worth since becoming a starter: win.

Tebow is 4-1 this season as a starting quarterback. There have been questions, though, about his ability to win long-term.

Right now, the best thing Tebow can do for himself is keep winning. He needs to produce numbers, but as long as he keeps getting wins no one will care. 

Win Big Games

You can only win the games that are in front of you. To this point, though, those wins haven't been very impressive. 

Of the Broncos four wins with Tebow at the helm, only one came against a team that currently has a winning record. The Broncos have games against the Bears and Patriots remaining this season. 

Strong performances in these games could go a long way toward Tebow silencing his critics. 

Make the Playoffs

I don't think anyone believes he has to make the playoffs this year. Ultimately, though, a quarterback is judged on winning. For most quarterbacks that means a Super Bowl. For Tebow, making the playoffs would be a strong statement. 

If Tebow could make the playoffs running the Broncos offense are right now, it would change the way the NFL looks at quarterbacks. I think even Tebow knows, though, that to make the playoffs, let alone win a Super Bowl, he has to become a much better passer.

Conclusion

What must Tebow do to win over his skeptics? He has to keep winning. But can he do so playing the same way he has been?

Most believe he has much development to do if he wants to win long term. He certainly has a chance to prove himself. With Denver just one game out of first place, I guess we’ll find out soon enough.