Denver Broncos' Tim Tebow: For Real or Just a Product of an Easy Schedule?

Tim Tebow has taken the nation by storm.

The polarizing quarterback has led memorable game-winning drives, sparked countless debates and even inspired the creation of a new verb, "Tebowing."

Tebow has won six games this season, but only two of those came against a team that currently has a winning record.

So, is the young quarterback for real, or has he just capitalized on an easy run of opponents?

So Far, Both Sides Have Merit

Since taking over as the Denver Broncos starting quarterback, Tim Tebow has given both sides of the debate ammunition.

Those who believe that Tebow is a terrible quarterback who will never have success in the NFL have been given plenty of film containing ugly, errant throws.

Tebow fans have seen their argument legitimized as well. Nobody was ready to argue that the young quarterback had a polished game, but his staunch supporters believed that the guy is just a winner.

The big question is whether both sides can continue to be right. Will Tebow continue to find ways to win in spite of poor passing skills?

Leadership

Whether or not you appreciate Tim Tebow's game, there is no denying his ability to lead.

From his famous speech after a loss in college to his deflection of criticism, he is the consummate leader.

People within the world of sports have always referenced intangibles. For the average fan it was a concept that was understood, but rarely seen.

Tebow might be the most obvious example of a player with an "it" factor that you can find.

Skeptics argued that his "rah, rah" tactics would not translate in the NFL, but his ability to win has earned the respect of his teammates.

Record Speaks for Itself

In his seven starts this season, the Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos are 6-1.

This Broncos team has recovered from a miserable 1-4 start and lifted itself all the way to the division lead.

Obviously Tebow has not played these games by himself. The strong defensive play cannot be overlooked.

However, the defense has been on the sideline for each of Tebow's patented game-winning drives.

At the end of the day, quarterbacks are paid to help a team win and that is just what Tebow does.

Protects the Football

It's safe to assume that a player with below-average passing skills and a large volume of carries would have trouble with turnovers.

Remarkably, Tim Tebow has not.

On the year, he has thrown just one interception and fumbled the ball three times.

Tebow haters may try to argue that he doesn't throw picks because all the team does is run the ball.

However, the man he replaced, Kyle Orton, threw six more interceptions in three fewer passing attempts.

Tebow has done an excellent job of not beating himself by giving the ball away.

Conversion Machine

Tim Tebow is a conversion machine.

He has punched in a pair of critical two-point conversions and picked up 23 rushing first downs this year.

Rushing first downs may appear to be a ridiculous stat to reference when talking about a quarterback, but that's what Tebow brings.

Whether it's a six-yard pass, or a six-yard run, all that matters is converting that third down to keep the drive going.

There are few players in the league who are able to will themselves to the sticks, or goal line the way that Tebow can.

Week 13 Best Passing Performance Yet

Tim Tebow put up his best passing numbers of the season during Week 13.

He wasn't John Elway out there, but if Tebow is able to build on last week's success, he and John Fox just might be able to open up the passing game.

Against the Vikings, Tebow completed 10-of-15 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns.

Again, those are not eye-catching totals, but if he is able to continue putting up those numbers, the Denver Broncos will be a difficult team to beat.

Limitations

Tim Tebow's game has some obvious limitations.

We arrive back at the question of how long the current game-planning will be effective.

Give head coach John Fox credit for recognizing what his player can do and designing a scheme to maximize the talents.

Limiting Tebow's passing responsibility has worked to this point, but defenses always seem to catch up. Eventually defensive coordinators figured out how to shutdown Ronnie Brown and the Wildcat.

Tebow must evolve as a passer because at some point John Fox will need his quarterback to be able to air it out.

Inaccuracy

Tim Tebow's arm strength isn't great, but his biggest problem is accuracy.

He has struggled to connect with his receivers consistently. His completion rate is a dismal 47.5 percent on the year and 48.3 percent for his career.

Tebow must be able to hit receivers on short and intermediate routes if he is going to stick at the quarterback position long-term.

Easy Schedule Doesn't Hurt

On paper, Tim Tebow has faced a relatively easy run of opponents. However, all he can do is win the games put in front of him.

Tebow has won five games on the road, two of which were against divisional opponents who had already beaten the Broncos earlier this year.

Any NFL coach or player will tell you that there is no such thing as an easy game.

So, Is He for Real?

Tim Tebow is for real.

It's hard to declare someone with such poor passing numbers a legitimate NFL quarterback, but he has left little choice.

A seven game stretch goes beyond a fluky comeback. The man finds a way to win and that's what it's all about.

There is still plenty to prove, but as we stand now, Tim Tebow is a legitimate leader and winner.