Tebow Plays Better; Broncos Lose in a Shootout

Despite an improved performance at the quarterback position by Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos lost the highly anticipated matchup against the New England Patriots 41-23. On paper, Tebow did play better. Maybe not statistically, but this was a game that he looked the most like a passer. He was more accurate on sideline patterns and slant routes. He completed 11 of 22 for 194 yards and also had 93 yards rushing on 12 attempts.

The Good

Right out of the gate he orchestrated two drives for touchdowns and a field goal in the first three possessions. He also excelled midway through the fourth quarter when on consecutive plays he hit Demaryius Thomas along the sideline for 39 yards and then Lance Ball for 34 yards. That set up a 2 yard run for a touchdown by Tebow himself. The Broncos offensive line stepped their game up as well. They gave him enough time in the pocket to be able to make those plays, giving him more confidence at the quarterback position.

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The Bad

Against a team like the Patriots, ball security is of major importance. Fumbles on consecutive possessions by the Broncos in the second half proved to be too much to overcome. Tebow can be blamed for the second one. He was hit by Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson 6 yards behind the line of scrimmage; however it didn’t appear to be a particularly violent hit. Somehow, Anderson punched the ball out of the hands of Tebow, an inexcusable mistake, especially when the game was close at the time. That in turn, led to a Patriots touchdown. There were several other turnovers and penalties committed by the Broncos that proved devastating for the team and their chances of victory. The Broncos defense didn’t help the situation either. With captain Brian Dawkins not playing due to a neck injury, the Broncos started two rookie safeties, along with a rookie nickel back and rookie linebacker Von Miller. The four first year guys were no match for Brady and his high-flying pass attack.

Thanks to the Raiders loss in a late game thriller to the Lions, the Broncos still have a one game lead atop of the AFC West. They play this weekend in Buffalo against a meager Bills team. However, the fans and media are licking their chops at the final game of the season. Kyle Orton, who lost the starting quarterback job to Tebow after a mediocre performance in the first 5 games of the season, is returning to the Mile High City, as the signal caller for the Kansas City Chiefs. Orton was released by the Broncos six weeks after he was benched for the young Tebow. The Chiefs claimed Orton off of waivers the next day, and are responsible for approximately $2.5 million of his $8.9 million salary for the season. Orton led the Chiefs to an impressive win over the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers in Week 15. With playoff implications potentially on the line, the final matchup between the division rival Broncos and Chiefs should be a great one.

By Jennifer Eakins
ProFootball-fans.com Denver Broncos Correspondent