Denver Broncos: Why Tim Tebow's Skill Set Won't Equate to Long-Term QB Success

It took seven weeks and the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots to finally put an end to Tim Tebow's string of success with the Denver Broncos. Despite his success thus far, it is still obvious that Tebow possesses a different skill set than what a normal quarterback does, and in the end this won't fare well for the passionate QB.

There is no denying what success the Broncos have had since Tebow came on board, but many forget that the quarterback isn't the reason this team always wins. He is a motivational leader, and that goes a long way; but that doesn't mean he is actually a good quarterback.

While things are riding high right now, Tebow won't be seeing this much success down the road. 

He Can't Throw for Enough Yards

Since becoming the Denver Broncos starter in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, Tim Tebow has averaged 156.1 yards per game over nine games. While his record is 7-2 over that time, Tebow has shown that time and time again, he cannot move the ball throw the air like a successful quarterback can.

From the way he plays, Tebow would be actually better set as a Wildcat quarterback. He doesn't bring enough to every play, but rather he is better set for certain situations.

Through nine games, Tebow only has 11 touchdown passes. While he is scoring, he isn't exactly scoring at will. If the Broncos are pitted against a team with an amazing run defense, where are the Broncos going to look? Tebow certainly isn't a guarantee for success.

He "Is" a Running Back

Brian Urlacher, middle linebacker of the Chicago Bears put it best: "[Tim Tebow] is a good running back...he does a good job for them."

He is right, too.

The Denver Broncos quarterback has ran for 610 yards on 106 carries. That is 5.75 yards per carry! That number is ridiculous. That is actually the best average in the entire NFL. In comparison, his yards per attempt on passes is 6.75, which ranks 21st in the NFL.

While it is nice to have a quarterback who is mobile, Tebow just doesn't present the dual threat as needed.

He Is Nowhere Near Elite

In regards to comparing Tim Tebow amongst other quarterbacks in the NFL, the Denver Broncos' passer doesn't even compare to some of the worst of the worst this season.

As previously mentioned, Tebow ranks 21st among all quarterbacks this season in yards per attempt. That stands behind the likes of Rex Grossman, Matt Moore and Alex Smith. While Tebow hasn't been on the field as often as each of them, the fact of the matter is that he has had to throw fewer attempts but is still producing at a lesser average.

His 11 touchdown passes rank him 26th among all quarterbacks, which ties him with Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Tebow has done what he has had to, but there is no reason to believe that he has the capabilities to lead a team for the long run.

ESPN Has Made Him to Be More Than He Is

This is not picking at Tim Tebow's religion, but the Denver Broncos have received a lot of positive media attention following Tebow and his passionate way of living. Networks like ESPN have made Tebow out to be this special player. While he has a special skill set, there is no reason to be comparing him to the likes of Tom Brady and company.

Scott Richards of the Chillicotche Gazette put it best: "Tune into ESPN anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and you're likely going to get at least five and a half hours of news on Tebow."

You can't blame ESPN, though. Everyone likes a feel-good story, and that is what Tebow has given everyone this year. Don't get it mixed up, though. Tebow just carries a lot of media attention and has done so ever since his college days.

There was no doubt that the Broncos were doing the impossible, but the amount of coverage they were receiving from ESPN made Tebow out to look like an elite NFL player.

He Can't Be Trusted Passing the Ball

Despite only throwing two interceptions through nine games, even head coach John Fox doesn't trust Tim Tebow passing the ball at will.

Through nine games, Tebow has had fewer than 30 attempts in seven of those games. The two other games the Broncos let him go off with 40 and 39 attempts. Still, between those two games of higher passing attempts, Tebow only averaged 202 yards per game.

Despite having nearly a completion percentage of 50 percent, Tebow isn't really going producing enough attempts to be considered credible with his output.

Amongst active quarterbacks, Tebow ranks 32nd in the league. Considering he hasn't played over ten games, it would be fair to compare him to Carson Palmer of the Oakland Raiders. With the Raiders, Palmer has 39 more pass attempts than Tebow through eight games.

Until Tebow is trusted to throw the ball, there is no reason to believe that he will really be able to lead a team for years to come.