Tim Tebow: 4 Reasons To Be Impressed but Not Convinced

After a horrid 1-4 start to the Denver Broncos' season, Tim Tebow has brought his squad new life since returning to his starting spot at quarterback.

Since Tebow has been back under center, his team has managed five close wins with three of those victories coming against AFC West rivals.

There's no doubting that many fans believe Tebow and his oh-so-familiar offense can, and will, be the future in Denver for many years to come.

Although it has been a very "impressive" showing as of late throughout their four-game win streak, it may be a little early to be totally convinced for Broncos' fans.

Taking a closer look at the Broncos and their poster child will be crucial for the fans that haven't quite given in to the hype of Tebow.

4. Offensive Scheme Won't Work Against the Elite

The new-look Broncos have found success in running an offense that Tim Tebow is used to. Not only does it work with his style of play, but they seem to have the other key players in their positions in order to run the offense effectively these past weeks.

The only difference that will arise from Tebow's glory years at Florida to his future in the NFL is that his offense can't, and won't, work against the better defenses in the NFL.

Sure, Tebow and the Broncos have been able to string together some wins with this offense, but the defenses that they have gone up against aren't quite the ones that come to mind when you think of the elite defenses in the league.

The Broncos may have some wins against the teams they've faced lately but don't expect this same offense to work against teams that they would look to face in the playoffs.

Defenses that have been playing like those of the Ravens and Steelers would love to have a shot at the young mobile quarterback.

3. Defense Wins Games

Lately, the Broncos defense has been causing troubles for opposing quarterbacks and helping the Broncos hold their last three opponents to 13 or fewer points.

The defensive tandem of linebacker Von Miller and defensive end Elvis Dumervil have proven to be a force to be reckoned with but have only faced an offensive threat once since Tebow's return. The one team that did exploit the Broncos' defense was a Detroit Lions team that put up over 370 yards for 45 points in Week 8.

Had the defense not shaken their defensive woes that plagued them early on during Kyle Orton's time at quarterback, the Broncos would still be in the cellar of the AFC West. If the defense held any of their first five opponents under 13 points, their four losses would have been victories and the QB position would still belong to Orton.

Since that wasn't the case, the key aspect of the Bronco turnaround must be their latest opponents.

2. Schedule Favored Tebow

Although the Broncos have managed to string together a four-game win streak, the quality of their opponents have been subpar at best.

With close victories against opponents such as the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, it's a wonder whether or not they can be productive against other teams. Both the Chiefs and Jets have seen struggles throughout 2011 so far, mainly because of their inconsistencies in finding a way to move the ball. Because both squads are ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in passing yards per game, the Broncos were able to focus on their opponent's ground game and hold them to minimal damage through the air.

Although Tebow was able to beat the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders, a feat that Orton failed to accomplish, the defense had seen both offenses before earlier this season.

After giving up 29 points to San Diego in their Week 5 loss, they managed to hold the struggling Chargers to 13 this last week.

Facing easier opponents in the then winless Miami Dolphins and the 4-7 Chiefs was a lot more manageable than facing the 7-4 Cincinnati Bengals, who started the season 6-2, and the undefeated Green Bay Packers in the first four weeks of the season.

Up to this point with Tebow back in the starting role, the only team that anyone could consider contenders was the Detroit Lions. The 45-10 beating shows that these Broncos might be out of their league come playoff time.

1. Tebow's Numbers Aren't That Impressive

Although Tebow and his Broncos have won games against less-than-impressive teams while flaunting a newly found defensive "powerhouse," his performance is mediocre compared to elite quarterbacks around the league.

Tebow's numbers look impressive when you look at his eight touchdown passes and lone interception, but a closer look at his performance should call for some worries in Denver.

After a look at the defenses he's already faced since his return, numbers like his 45 percent completion rating and 80.0 overall QB rating should worry fans.

Only twice has Tebow managed to surpass the 100-mark in QB rating with one coming in his infamous two-completion victory in Week 10 against the Chiefs.

Although Tebow has also managed to rush for three touchdowns and over 400 yards, Broncos' fans shouldn't get used to seeing him put his head down and run against the better defenses in the NFL if they expect him to play in the following weeks.

Not only do these superior defenses have the talents to slow a mobile quarterback, but they will put a hit on him that he won't forget any time soon.

With the exception of the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears in consecutive weeks, the remainder of the schedule doesn't look to get any rockier for Denver (pun intended).

If the Broncos stick with their style of play, the level of competition waiting in the playoffs and beyond will be a rude awakening.

Don't expect Tebow and the Broncos to pull off the miraculous season that some diehard fans are already looking forward to.