Why Tim Tebow is Further Proof That ESPN's QBR Ratings Don't Mean Squat

Despite having gradual improvement in the passing game, Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow still doesn't measure up in the numbers game.

Which is bogus.

In an article by Greg Rosenthal of NBC Sports, Rosenthal is favoring ESPN's new total QBR. However, Tebow is still defying the numbers:

"For the year, Tebow is ranked 30th out of 34 eligible players at the position. Guys like Colt McCoy, Tarvaris Jackson, and Rex Grossman are ahead of Tebow."

"You would think that the statistic’s weighting towards late game “clutch” play would help Tebow, but it hasn’t made a big difference. Tebow has great rushing value, but very poor passing numbers drag him down."

Rosenthal went on to talk about where Tebow measures up all-together:

"Tebow’s struggles in QBR are vastly different than quarterback rating numbers. He would rank near the top 10 in that stat if his numbers qualified."

"So is Tebow closer to being a top 10 quarterback or a bottom-five quarterback? The answer is probably in the middle. In which puts him closer to a league average starter."

All this being said, yes some stats do matter and can provide good analysis about how a QB is doing.

Thing is, Tebow is winning but apparently to his cynics winning games doesn't make up for a 47.5 completion percentage this season. You think that it shouldn't, but the fact that he's winning is really all that matters.

As for his No. 30 ranking out of 34, some of those ranked in the Top 15 (Tony Romo, Matt Schaub, Matt Hasselbeck, Mike Vick, Matt Ryan, Jay Cutler), last I checked Tim Tebow has the same number of Super Bowl rings as these guys.

As for the future, he will most definitely need to become a better passer. However, Tebow will not have to be restricted as your prototypical NFL Quarterback. Make no mistake about it, that 47.5 completion percentage must improve. Although, not to where he's completing 65 percent of his throws.

Right now Timmy's overall rating is 87.9, but he's only attempted 158 passes. Obviously his rushing presence is what makes him a viable threat to defenses, and it is a useful package.

That dynamic opens up the playbook quite a bit. He won't need to attempt more than 20-25 passes per game as long as it's effective enough to keep the defense honest. All the Denver Broncos need right now is for their defense to continue improving. In addition, to get Tebow one wide receiver that can legitimately stretch the field.

What's also important here will be his development in the 2012 offseason. Regardless of when the Broncos' season ends, the time in which he devotes to becoming a better passer is the deal-breaker for 2012.

This season his mechanics have improved despite not starting until midseason, and having a shortened training camp. He has the arm strength and mobility to make plays in and out of the pocket. So you add in his rushing threat, and Tebow being an average passer is all the Denver Broncos need.

Tim Tebow isn't going to develop into a QB who throws for 3,000 or 4,000 yards a year, but 2,000 to 2,500 is perfect. That's average and good enough. Then include his rushing skill set, and he remains an average NFL Quarterback. Yet, becomes a complete and above average NFL player.

The kicker with this though, is that he still must improve as a passer. Mainly accuracy since he is careful and patient with the rock. But if he does not become at least an average passer, all will be for naught.

So all this being said, let's hold off on the Tim Tebow numbers game and just enjoy watching him play. As a Broncos fan he's nerve-racking to watch, but he gets the job done. Developing as an NFL Quarterback takes time, so we must be patient.

When 2012 comes around, we will know for sure as to whether Tim Tebow can remain under center with time to development. Until then, let's enjoy the unorthodox, uncharacteristic season that's been unfolding in The Mile High City.

Beginning 1-4 and then going 6-1 thereafter in pro football is damn impressive any way you slice it.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27