Dear Tim,
Hi man, hope you've been well since we saw each other last. I'm not seeing you on television as much as a few weeks ago, not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. Hopefully it is more good than bad. I still can't get over that play you had in the fourth against the Jets man, that was pretty incredible.
To be completely forthcoming I am writing you more out of concern than to just catch up though. I am more than just ecstatic that you and the Broncos have been able to make it this far into the season. I know that fans of yours like to point out that you took a team that was 1-4 and turned them into a playoff team. You led Denver to a 7 and 4 record man, congratulations!
Honestly though, we both know that 7 and 4 down the stretch has more to do with the team than you. During the first five games the Broncos lost three of those four by a combined total of 11 points. The other... Well, that was the Packers, no one was beating Green Bay at that point.
Thinking about you and the team during that streak I often found myself reminded of that scene in The Social Network where Mark Zuckerberg says, "The rest of my attention is back at the offices of Facebook, where my colleagues and I are doing things that no one in this room, including and especially your clients, are intellectually or creatively capable of doing."
See that, you were Zuckerberg and the team was Facebook. Except maybe in the eyes of the fans you were probably Facebook and the team was more like Zuckerberg... I don't know, it doesn't matter. I am getting off track and that track was just passing my point about passion.
Do you remember in 2008 you were at Florida, hoping to do something the Gators had never done in history--go undefeated? Well, by game four the team had lost to Ole Miss remember? It's important that you lost, but what is more important is what you said after the game.
September 27th, 2008, "I promise you one thing: a lot of good will come out of this. You have never seen any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of this season and you'll never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of this season, and you'll never see a team play harder than we will the rest of this season. God Bless."
That's the passion that I think the fans are craving. The kind that I saw at the end of the Jets game, the Miami game; the kind that has gotten you out of at least five games this season with a win.
Now fans, they're blaming the play calling, the receivers, the coaches, some are even blaming you. You have to be honest with yourself though, you can only blame you. If the play coming down from the headset is wrong, audible; if the option is called, read it; if your primary receiver isn't available check down! If a receiver drops a pass, throw it at him until he catches it.
These men on the opposite sideline are laughing at you. You're praying for strength, they're only praying for your downfall. They're having the time of their lives trying to get inside your brain and rip your head off and you're just letting them.
You know better than anyone that, you got the team into this mess; no one predicted that the Broncos would be playing at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. Now they are and there is hardly a soul in the world that expects your team to win. With a win Sunday though, there isn't much standing between you, the team and immortality. Somehow I am guessing that you would have it no other way.
Well here we are now friend, entertain us. I'll be there Sunday, so will thousands more and if you thought you had a nation behind you when you were at Florida, wait until you see what Denver can bring. We don't have anything to lose. We weren't even supposed to be here GB².
Sincerely,
A Fan
19 recs | 95 comments
immortality! love it!
slicka007 - January 5, 2012
metalman5050 - January 5, 2012
Sort of agree
I know what you are saying, and partially agree. I don’t think lack of passion is the issue here though. Tim Tebow, like any human has strengths and weaknesses. He proved in college what many of his strengths were, and its too easy a cop out to say, “yeah but the NFL isn’t college”. Sorry, but you don’t go from setting the passing completion record and pass efficiency record in college to being unable to complete a pass in the NFL. Particularly not when he did it against the best in college and consistently for four years and in championship games.
The problem isn’t passion, it’s coaching combined with one of Tebow’s “flaws”: he does what he is told to do. He respects and obeys authority as he’s always been told to. He is first and foremost a servant. That’s part of his beliefs and his character. Problem is, he’s being told to do things that take away all of his strengths. Tebow is an instinct player, but he said just Wednesday in his press conference that he 1) isn’t the leader on this team, and 2) doesn’t (aka, isn’t allowed to) call audibles. He is supposed to run his plays, do what his coaches say, and stop playing by instinct. This will be Tebow’s undoing. If he can’t overcome this, he has no chance to succeed until he has a coach that recognizes his strengths and utilizes them. Those 4th quarter comebacks he pulled off where all based on instinct, as were most of his highlight real in college. For example, that double pump lob pass for a TD. He has the passion, the will, the athleticism to turn bad plays into good ones, if, he is allowed to.
Tebow will never be good at dropping back in the pocket, standing there and finding someone open and hitting that window, but he doesn’t need to do that to be awesome. He’s proven that already. What he does need is a coaching staff that works within his strengths instead of against them.
Brian Burridge - January 5, 2012
Very well said.
Automatik41 - January 5, 2012
I like what you're saying to a point
I agree much of Tim’s skill set is awesome and am a big fan. However, I don’t think that means he shouldn’t be somewhat cracked opened and expanded. I don’t think the coaching should tailor completely to him — there needs to be a happy medium; Tim needs to develop (in lots of ways) and the coaching needs to continue to try to maximize what he’s done well. I think the coaching staff has been extremely open in some ways (they’ve been running variations of the option!) and too conservative (helping him find that “just pull the trigger” mentality Elway is talking about.
It looks like Tim is doing just as you say — thinking too much. The answer to that (methinks), however, isn’t (generally) to simplify to the point where the Broncos only do what Tebow can do — because that limits Tebow’s and the Broncos possibilities. My caveat to that is this weekend where I would frankly dial it in, make it as sandlot as possible, have Tebow read through two routes and if it’s not there dump it or run — I don’t want to see him sitting in the pocket past three seconds. I also really want to see designed bootlegs and any gadgetry they might be able to pull out.
broncomack - January 5, 2012
He's only in his first real year with no training camp...
I think they could have been letting Tim be Tim this season as he gets comfortable playing in the NFL and with the team. Then in the off season work to expand it. I’m sure he can grow and improve, but people do that better when allowed to be themselves during it.
Brian Burridge - January 5, 2012
Couldn't agree more
I think what people were noticing about Tim, the lack of a spark, confidence, passion – whatever it is, is the result of being stifled. As the OP states, Tim is trying to do everything the coaches ask of him. Since the ask is to be a pocket passer, he’s determined to make it happen now, but requires him to suppress his instincts and athleticism at times. Knowing that you can perform better but have to take steps backward when the whole country is evaluating you on prime time TV and your career and job are on the line is an immense amount of pressure. Not being able to use your talents to be successful is incredibly discouraging and soul killing.
I also agree Tim needs to be stretched and needs to improve in many areas, but I think the onus is on the coaches to strike the right balance in practice and in games. In all liklihood, Tim is putting as much or more pressure on himself than anyone else; that’s what motivated achievers do. But again, I think the coaching staff may need to help Tim mentally in this area as much as they have attempted to set him up for success by adapting the playbook.
That’s just my two cents on it.
Slappy_CO - January 5, 2012
Said perfectly, steppy
.
We have come to believe his head / mind is above the average athlete, when in fact he feels as much as any of us. It also doesn’t help his confidence hearing weekely that your bosses aren’t hot on you. That alone would take the wind out of our sails.
Boiler etc - January 5, 2012
Never say never
because it never comes true.
Thnikkaman - January 5, 2012
Tebow is actually dropping back 5-7 steps now than he was last year and thats part of the development process...
He is having difficulty now with fixing-on or locking on a receiver and being tenative to throw the pass in tight windows. He for the most part requires his receiver to be completely open before pulling the trigger and that won’t work in the NFL. These are all correctable traits and the last one could be more of wanting to protect the ball and not turn it over. One of the worst things that could hurt a quarterback’s confidence is throwing 3-4 INTs during a game. They’re human too, and they can get rattled just like the next person. I hope his confident level is high for this because he mentioned the fact of keeping an eye on Troy Palumalu is a must. I take that as being concerned of where Troy will be aligned on plays, but that doesn’t necessarily mean where Troy will be when the play starts. That’s what makes him such a defensive threat and one that needs be to payed attention too, at least before the snap…
bfree2bronc - January 5, 2012
I think that
more than a few of the writers here on staff would agree with you.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
Brian, you're really on to something here.
I’d said in a comment earlier today that there has to be conflict at Dove Valley with Elway saying “pull the trigger” and “our play calling needs to improve” meanwhile Tim is hearing “be careful” don’t make mistakes" and “any series that ends with a kick is a good one”.
This is very well said:
asinsoin - January 5, 2012
Elway & Fox almost seem to be at odds when it comes to Tebow & the passing game...
Typical passing play:
Elway, “you must stay in the pocket to win, and sling it. If you don’t prove to me that you can be a top tier passer, I’m moving on. Don’t be so conservative and make something happen. It’s on YOU to be a pocket passer and put points on the board.”
Fox, “if no one is open, and I mean WIDE OPEN, BEACH IT. We’ll punt and trust our defense. We have a great run game and can control the clock, don’t take any risks. We got here because you didn’t throw INTs and force the ball. I don’t care if you have to beach it all game long – just don’t make any mistakes and we have a chance!”
Tebow, “went through 2 progressions, nobody open. Can’t run for it according to the Brass, so I need to stay here until someone is open. Crap, still nobody open…”
Fan, “Throw it to the tight window and let the WR make a play. Who cares if they haven’t really made any plays all year, just throw the ball! Audible out of those stupid QB draw on 3d down. And finally, if no one is open – RUN FOR IT!”
Man… Tim’s head must be swimming. Here’s to hoping he does what comes naturally to him – PLAY BALLS TO THE WALL!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 5, 2012
You're right,Tim's gonna need therapy soon...
asinsoin - January 5, 2012
I'm already in therapy.
Oh wait…you mean Tebow??
Tim Lynch - January 5, 2012
No, I was actually referring to you, hope it helps man.
asinsoin - January 5, 2012
The only therapy I need is a W on Sunday.
Tim Lynch - January 5, 2012
LMAO
I’m right there with you, buddy!
broncosmontana - January 5, 2012
I've been saying this for the last few weeks!!!
A-Rom - January 5, 2012
I liked much of this write up
I would add that a young QBs weaknesses are often covered over by a strong SCHEME and strong play from WRs. I hope everyone comes out Sunday and has their best game ever… But for us to be successful, McCoy/Fox and the WRs are going to have to do their job for the passing game along with Tebow.
PLAY-OFFS! HOLY COW BABY!
GOOOO BRONCOS!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 5, 2012
i am with you
Just for the sake of argument, how many awsome catches have we seen from our recivers? it seems that the pass most be 100 % accurete to be complete, not 99%,not 98 %, it has to be 100 % accurate, that most put a lot of pressure into the QB head, how many great catches do we se fitz make with AZ, Megatron in Detroit, Graham for Brees, come on the freaking 5 receivers GB has are all awesome, they have a magnet in both hands for the ball, just saying…..
gabriel suarez moreno - January 5, 2012
So true
As many of you do I’m sure, my son and I watch football all weekend. There are so many “bad” passes by even the best of QBs, including Rodgers, Brees, etc, but the WRs make amazing catches and no one notices. As well, its common to under throw a receiver on purpose to have them more easily beat the defender behind, but when Tebow does that everyone says he under threw it. When Rodgers does it everyone says it was a great decision to under throw it.
Tebow wouldn’t be Rodgers or Brees with better receivers, but he would be a better QB and have completed more passes.
Brian Burridge - January 5, 2012
There is a strong correlation between having great receivers, and great passing numbers.
Who’s responsible for what usually ends up being the question… but I’d venture to guess that Green Bay’s Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jermichael Finley would still be outstanding without Rodgers and that most any QB that stepped in that offense with those receivers would look pretty dang good.
OHHH wait, that did already happen this year!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 6, 2012
+1 Very well said.
SMDeal - January 5, 2012
100% agreed. he's a flow player...let him get in rhythm and play. Great post Brian!
boydy2669 - January 5, 2012
This is awesome!
That’s all I can say.
CompUser - January 5, 2012
Thank you sir.
We appreciate you reading, as always.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
With all the Elway/Tebow comparisons
I wonder if Fox/McCOY are Tebow’s Dan Reeves…
Donkeylover - January 5, 2012 via mobile
No they are not Dan Reeves
Dan Reeves and the rest of the world knew exactly what John Elway was capable of. Unfortunately, Dan Reeves was too stubborn and arrogant to tailor the offense to suit Elway’s strengths and or surround Elway with quality players on offense so I’ll never forgive Dan Reeves for that. Reeves has made us endure years of losing superbowls and years of comparing Elway to Favre, Manning, Marino and Montana so I’ll never forgive him for that either.
Tim Tebow is more of a mystery. They tailored the offense to suit Tebow’s strengths somewhat but definitely need to open up the passing game and see what he can do at this level. If for nothing else to at least evaluate him before going into the FA market and Draft so they can determine how important getting another QB really is.
KoloradoKaos - January 5, 2012
Agreed sir
Donkeylover - January 5, 2012 via mobile
How ironic was it for John to beat his old head coach in the end? That was way to cool..
bfree2bronc - January 5, 2012
Just like the KO vs Tebow season finale. Real life can be stranger than fiction.
I do think it was a fitting and satisfying finish to Elways career.
KoloradoKaos - January 6, 2012
Reeve's did take two teams
to the Superbowl. I never hated him like a lot of fans did. I got pretty frustrated but Reeve’s was a good coach and he proved it by double dipping with Atlanta.
I think Fox is a good coach to have here to get Tebow on the field but I don’t see a conservative offense lasting long in Denver.
Sean in Pa. - January 5, 2012
I agree. He was a good coach, just the wrong HC for John Elway. That's all.
KoloradoKaos - January 6, 2012
I was going to mention this above,
But I do think that Reeves is a parallel here. How many times did Reeves conservative playcalling lead to the Broncos being behind only to then give the reigns over to Elway to make a miraculous come from behind win? Why do you think Elway is the 4th quarter come from behind king? Reeves put him in that situation and ultimately, it got him fired. This situation is similar. Keep it conservative, no mistakes, grind the ball, “Oh shit, we’re behind with 4 minutes to go. Ok, Tim, we’ll let you throw it and run from the pocket and do whatever you want, it won’t matter anyway if we don’t win.” Keep in mind I’m not comparing Tebow to Elway, but rather the similarities in coaching with talented young QB’s.
go4broncos - January 5, 2012
3rd Quarter with Reeves always sucked
Get a lead, then go 3 and out running the ball until you’re behind, then claw back at the end. Ugh. It wasn’t coincidence that we didn’t win consistently until the days of TD carrying the rock.
MakeCents - January 6, 2012
I agree to a point with your point
but this goes way beyond play calling. The major difference is that everyone knew John Elway was a superior QB and had all the God given tools to not only succeed in the NFL but dominate the league while re-writing the record books. Elway was one of the few ‘complete’ QB in the leagues history. Reeves was obviously the wrong HC (stubborn & conservative) for Elway and it nearly ruined his career and his body, not to mention significantly reduced Elways impact on the team and league. What Reeves did to Elway was one of the most painful things to watch in professional sports.
Chris Kupers injury being one of the most unfortunate things to watch in professional sports. That guy was either hiding the pain while on the field or the adrenalin rush was masking the pain or he’s just one of the toughest SOBs in the world. Here’s to a quick and full recovery for Kup.
I digress…..Tim Tebow is none of those things so the coaches do not know exactly what to do with him or the offense just yet. Hopefully for the sake of the fans and organization the FO and coaches will figure out what to do with Tim Tebow and the offense very soon.
KoloradoKaos - January 6, 2012
With all the Elway/Tebow comparisons
I wonder if Fox/McCOY are Tebow’s Dan Reeves…
Donkeylover - January 5, 2012 via mobile
No they are not Dan Reeves
Dan Reeves and the rest of the world knew exactly what John Elway was capable of. Unfortunately, Dan Reeves was too stubborn and arrogant to tailor the offense to suit Elway’s strengths and or surround Elway with quality players on offense so I’ll never forgive Dan Reeves for that. Reeves has made us endure years of losing superbowls and years of comparing Elway to Favre, Manning, Marino and Montana so I’ll never forgive him for that either.
Tim Tebow is more of a mystery. They tailored the offense to suit Tebow’s strengths somewhat but definitely need to open up the passing game and see what he can do at this level. If for nothing else to at least evaluate him before going into the FA market and Draft so they can determine how important getting another QB really is.
Teboner - January 5, 2012
What?!
Did I just experience De-Ja-Vou? And with different posters?
go4broncos - January 5, 2012
Same here!!!
Thought the page scrolled back up or something. Then I saw the names were different. Interesting!!!
SouthBroncs - January 5, 2012
Interesting is a word that one could use to describe what happened.
When I saw the post twice, I thought that I must have hit post twice but then noticed it was good’ol Teboner.
It’s all good and not uncommon, the MSM has been using my stuff for years.
KoloradoKaos - January 6, 2012
hahaha
I saw Donkeylover double-posted, so I just copied KK’s comment.
Teboner - January 6, 2012
That's funny you little rascal.
KoloradoKaos - January 6, 2012
I was wondering if anyone would even catch it lol
Teboner - January 6, 2012
Folks don't miss much round here.
KoloradoKaos - January 6, 2012
That is weird.
KoloradoKaos - January 6, 2012
Your closing totally brings the famous quote form the Kevin Smith movie "Clerks" to mind....
“… and I’m not even supposed to be here today!”
I like the letter. Definitely hoping to see the good kind of entertainment from Our quarterback position this Sunday. The kind from the first quarter of the NE game. Or the kind from the last 5 minutes of the Miami game. You know. That Timmy.
PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 5, 2012
Would be great to see Tebow
in that gear throughout the playoffs. I mean we still don’t know what he’s made of, the playoffs are the only real way to see.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
I want to see the passionate Tim back on the sideline Sunday
However, when he made the Promise speech at UF, he was the undisputed leader on the Gators. He is a second year player in the NFL and does not yet have that kind of clout. The person he needs to concentrate on making better is himself. He knows he is one of the weakest links on the team right now which definitely was not the case at Florida. I think the coaches need to tell Tim to go for it. He needs to take risks and if mistakes happen, which they might, he needs to shake it off and try again. The coaches need to let it rip as well. At this point, what is the worst that is going to happen. The Broncos lose. I know, I really hate the Steelers and want to crush all the experts. While the Bronco are at it I want them to crush the Ravens or the Patriots as well. But most of all I want the Broncos to go into the offseason as a Team committed to doing anything necessary to improve both individually and as a group. I want them to remember what it was like during that amazing win streak and bring that forward.
cyngato - January 5, 2012
doesn't this letter seem like a back-handed compliment?
and i don’t know how you can say the 7 and 4 record had more to do with the team than Tebow AND THEN say ‘you got us into this mess’. which is it? tebow or the team?
to me, tebow must have had a lot to do with it, before him we were losing close games and last in the division, with him we are in first, miraculously and now, more often than not we win the closes games
this letter seems more threatening to Tebow, like you better play well dude on Sunday or else, than it seems like an honest assessment of the season so far, we aren’t really a playoff team but we are in the playoffs in large part thanks to tebow and his passion
Bucksnlucs - January 5, 2012
to A Fan
i wish i could recommend you to be an analyst in NFL and ESPN, who in spite of what tbow did to the Broncos namely dragging them to the playoff, they still refuse to give credit to him instead make fun of him. ill be in ecstasy when i see their moronic smiles wiped out after TIM TEBOW orchestrate another miracle on sunday!!! fantastic write up A FAN more power to you!!!
TBOWFOREVER - January 5, 2012
Thanks TbowForever
A win would be a great payoff for the loyal fans. I can only imagine what it would do for fandom and the attitudes of the NFL experts though.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
Thanks Ian for the letter...
Mine would only be a sentence long…Timmy, just go out there and be yourself instead getting all clouded with McCoy’s playbook information…That will come in time…
bfree2bronc - January 5, 2012
It’s your best work so far. Well done.
GB2.
McGeorge - January 5, 2012
Thanks McGeorge
But you obviously have never read my fourth grade thesis on Elway, it was by far my best work.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
With a win Sunday though, there isn't much standing between you, the team and immortality.
EPIC!
I would love Tebow to ‘pull an Elway’ and ‘call his own plays,’ but I just don’t see that in him. He seems to really believe that trusting EVERY WORD that his coaches say and trusting that EVERY PLAY CALL is the best one possible is the only way for him to operate.
I would LOVE to see him AUDIBLE to a quick slant or something like that, but I just don’t see it happening.
My hope is that the coaches really do make the best call, and install the best passing WR scheme possible this game. We need to find a way to break some of our WRs lose (separation) so we can get the passing going more.
HURRY UP – 5 WR SET – PASSING SPREAD. Every time Tebow has gone on a scoring spree in the 4th Quarter passing, it’s been THIS SCHEME. Haven’t see it used in the last two games (maybe a tiny bit in the Bills game).
GOOO BRONCOS! I think I might be there to cheer them on!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 5, 2012
I have a feeling
That we will see plenty that we haven’t seen as fans this season, as far as play calling goes.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
Agree
Going to be really interesting! Go Broncos!
Red_Crusader - January 5, 2012
You know what would work?
If the coaches just told him: “Oh BTW, feel free to call an audible because our ghetto-rigged playbook isn’t divinely inspired.”
But also what you said.
RoxWS2014 - January 5, 2012
haha!
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
Haha! Hell Yeah! Oops, I mean Heaven Yeah!
go4broncos - January 5, 2012
In that case...
Tim should audible to the ‘Hail Mary’ more often…
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 6, 2012
Hey Rodney – don’t come in here and say Brady Quinn should play the 2nd and 3rd quarters. That would be depressing.
McGeorge - January 5, 2012
Haha...
that’s funny.
go4broncos - January 5, 2012
Great article on several levels
The “it’s not just about Tebow” talk can take a rest, because clearly our team’s success relies on his progression.
After reading some comments above, I must say I’m a little more understanding of the fact that he’s only in his second year and can’t make the Ole Miss speech.
But I think the letter hits the nail on the head. I want that passion; I think every fan wants that passion. I hope some of you are right in that the reason he won’t show it is because he doesn’t have the clout yet. Because otherwise, it would mean Tebow’s lost his most valuable skill: his mojo.
I’ve never been a sentimentalist when it came to sports until Tebow. And I hope his passion overrides his listening to Fox unconditionally on Sunday.
RoxWS2014 - January 5, 2012
Thanks a lot Rox
You see players like Cam Newton taking the lead, but to hear Tebow say things like, Bailey, Kuper and Dawkins are the leaders of the team. I don’t know if it is him being humble or whether it is rooted in something deeper.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
Its easy to over analyze Tebow and the offense but...
… they were more successful without the turnovers. The team has won when the offense doesn’t turn the ball over.
The other BIG problem is that defenses have adjusted to this offense for four quarters, but the offensive gameplan has still been the same. A simplistic offense is a must with Tebow, but they better have some twists this weekend. No one runs the ball consistently on the Steelers.
Tebow will certainly bring the passion, lets hope he brings the confidence to read the defense and throw the ball on Sunday!
B_B - January 5, 2012
tebow is da man
did you ever see a chicken run around after you cut his head off, looks just like Teblow but you call it scrambling. he’ a joke
jakertwotoes - January 5, 2012
Contradiciting subject line
RoxWS2014 - January 5, 2012
Like your post you jack wagon!
boydy2669 - January 5, 2012
A thousand attaboys
won’t make any difference if he is told he must stay in the pocket and only throw balls with 0% chance of being picked.
It sounds like ‘pretend’ to me. We’ll pretend we want Tim to have a good game but we aren’t changing a thing in the game plan.
Portia11 - January 5, 2012
Brian Burridge’s comment is dead on. The problem here isn’t an absence of passion from Tebow. That’ll never be his problem. It’s a confidence problem that is hardly surprising given that everyone, including Elway and the coaches, have been drilling it into his head how he needs to fix this and that and all right freaking now, which is impossible. Fox/McCoy have obviously have only ever truly unleashed Tebow late in the fourth quarter when they figured they had no other choice. Before then they play it ridiculously safe and act like they’ve forgotten how to call remotely creative plays, or even to simply mix them up.
That’s why this “letter” is even worse than a back-handed compliment, Bucknlucs. It’s just not even right for the OP to say that Tebow has "only" himself to blame. After all, he won’t say that Tebow has “only” himself to credit for the win streak and getting the team into the playoffs. So you have to ask yourself, what is he saying…when the Broncos win, Tebow shouldn’t get the credit, but when they lose, it’s all his fault? Give me a break. Any objective look at these three losses and you have to acknowledge that they aren’t all on Tebow. Look at the NE loss, for example. You can’t argue that football is a team sport when it’s convenient and then leap back and dump things all on one player when it’s not.
Something else B. Burridge gets right: Tebow’s natural personality as a player is to listen to and trust in his coaches, accept their expertise and then go out and use his skills and intangibles to execute the coaches’ game plan. That’s not unique to him and it is the attitude every player, particularly a very young one, should have. He can’t be telling the coaches how to do their jobs, or second-guessing them in the heat of the season. The thing with Tebow being willing to accept his coaches’ leadership is that it’s always served him well in the past, but now he’s in a situation where his coaches either don’t know how to make the best use of him, or they’re too worried about looking bad if they take the perceived “risk” of unleashing him, or whatever. So they drill into him that not committing turnovers is the most important thing he has accomplished this season, as if that’s all he’s good for, instead of emphasizing to him that at least for this season, he’s their guy and that they consider him the leader of the Denver offense and he should go out there and make plays, win or lose.
But the coaches haven’t done that. Elway’s pointed lack of support until very recently didn’t help, either. This isn’t a matter of saying that Tebow’s at times erratic play has had no role in the 3 losses, but they haven’t been all his fault, which some people too easily fall into thinking is the case because it’s easier than taking the time to assign responsibility to so many different parties. The Broncos are a team with real promise, but also one with several issues that have been exposed. If things were as rosy as the OP seems to suggest by mentioning that three of the first four games were “only” lost by 11 points or less, Orton would still be QB. Obviously, there was more going wrong than just a need for "passion" that Tebow just happened to provide (but little else, apparently, the OP strongly implies. Guess those TDs he scored don’t count).
What’s really needed is an open letter to Fox/McCoy telling them to stop making a hash of something really good by forcing too many things on Tebow at once. All they’ve succeeded in doing is stifling the guy with all of the "become a pocket passer" stuff being forced on him now when it should have been left for the off-season. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Not until the season’s over and you have time to really evaluate how best to further Tebow’s progression.
dallasdayone - January 5, 2012
Great points Dallas
I’ve watched every Fox presser from the Brocnos site and never once has he said Tebow did a good job. Not that he should be singled out of course since there were many contributors, but still.
TT is reminded of this every time he faces the media. “What doe you think about John Elway saying this…….” or
“John Elway says you need to do that…….” The kid has a lot to internalize.
Boiler etc - January 5, 2012
I wish 2 former broncos one from the offense and one from the defense
Give a pre game speech to fire everyone up . I would like to see Rod smith uplift the offense and WRs . And either john lynch or al wilson invited in to inspire the D … What former player or players would you like giving speechs ?
broncosfaninphilly - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Dawkins
Scotty Payne - January 5, 2012
Former player
broncosfaninphilly - January 5, 2012 via mobile
I still want Dawkins
Scotty Payne - January 5, 2012
Ok.....lol
I love dawk too . He motivates all day long before , during , and after .
broncosfaninphilly - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Agree with broncosfaninphilly
I think the staff should also put together a highlight real of the amazing things the team has done this year. Everyone is pointing to the 3 game skid, backing into the playoffs, and no chance to beat the Steelers in the media. The team needs a visual reminder of why they are here, and that they can and have won against incredible odds.
BroncosRock! - January 5, 2012
Yeah , all week so far the team hears negativity from the MSM .
I like your idea with the video highlights also . A coaching staff thinking outside the box . One monster effort to inspire . For this game could be our last .
broncosfaninphilly - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Everything to Denver
A win vs Pittsburgh would mean everything to Denver sports. Yes we had a nice run with the Rockies, and have seen some success with the Avs and Nuggets, but this is a football town through and through! Want more money to pour in to the other sports, have success on the football field. The past several years of losing football have put the whole damn state in a funk. Get out there and play some Broncos football and win some playoff games. Get that swag that Broncos players once had. LET’S DO THIS!!!!
DENrat - January 5, 2012
Well said
I have a problem w/ this line of thinking though
I know it’s a team game, I get it & a team wins not an individual. Think back to the Miami game, when Wake was about to clean Tebows clock, Tebow spins out (amazingly) of trouble and throws a TD to DT. Plays like that were/are Tebows doing, that’s not intangibles, thats tangible skill coming out. Dude can ball. Team wins, but Tebows skill helped that along greatly. Not many QBs can make that play. I think it’s to far one way or another w/ Tebs. AKA – He’s the greatest, or it’s the team not him that is winning, when in reality it’s somewhere in the middle. He helped this team win and get where they are, not soley, but also not w/o great skill.
NewEraNugg - January 5, 2012
Just for the sake of argument
how many awesome catches have we seen from our recivers? it seems that the pass most be 100 % accurete to be complete, not 99%,not 98 %, it has to be 100 % accurate, that most put a lot of pressure into the QB head, how many great catches do we se fitz make with AZ, Megatron in Detroit, Graham for Brees, come on the freaking 5 receivers GB has are all awesome, they have a magnet in both hands for the ball, just saying…..
gabriel suarez moreno - January 5, 2012
Even when the pass is 100%
It gets dropped most of the time.
IanHenson - January 5, 2012
that is what i am talking about
When i see rodgers play, the reciever are almost always making plays for him, it is a falaci that all the balls rodgers throw are 100 % accurate, jordy nelson is making diving catches with regularity, how many diving catches have we seen from DT decker, royal, M willis, 1? 2? over the year, i would have to watch a lot of film to find them i guess
gabriel suarez moreno - January 5, 2012
SHHHHhhhh...
Don’t tell ESPN this. It’s a Broncos secret.
We’ll just have to hope that the whole unit comes together for the next few games and plays lights out!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 6, 2012
Great letter, Ian
Fabio Broncos - January 5, 2012
Great writing
A thought on this though:
We still haven’t sold out the game! A mfing playoff game?? Seriously?? Cmon, Broncos Country, pony up for those tickies!!
broncosmontana - January 5, 2012
Coaches
When Tim plays badly it’s on him. Why are people so quick to defend him? This is pro football. Great person but his play is not acceptable
Baghdad - January 6, 2012
I wish I could be there...
The playoffs, I really truly believed that we would be here but not at 8-8. The thing is even with that KC game being so high stakes I feel like we held back. Partially I’m glad we snuck in with three losses. Streaks are tough and teams like New England have been hot for long streaks that will be tough to maintain throughout the playoffs. Winning 4 straight is tough enough, winning 10 or more straight can be nearly suffocating. Denver goes in loose and almost surely with no one thinking Tim can throw for crap, I think it’s time to debunk the theory. Cut the leash, give Tim the playoff atmosphere to feed from, this could be very telling because we have said it before and now it’s time to put up or shut up, Tim Tebow is the definition of clutch. Sunday we need that to be true. I’m sure all of us feel something extra for this march up, this is the 2005 AFC Championship all over again. We lost our team, our pride, our dignity to these Steelers. We’re back to reclaim it all. What these Steelers took us up for grabs Sunday.
Love Hope Hero - January 6, 2012 via iPhone app
Rec'd
Good post + excellent discussion!
MakeCents - January 6, 2012
great letter
don’t get the negative ninny’s complaining that this is a backhanded compliment, etc. I thought it was a very positive but realistic assessment of how we got here and TT’s positive contribution to that success.
TT and the team have a great opportunity this weekend… our ability to seize it will be fun to watch, but indeed whether the team can or not will be a lot on whether TT can overcome the weaknesses shown in his recent games.
cjfarls - January 6, 2012
actually this letter seems negative
just trying to point that out, as far as i am concerned Tebow doesn’t have to do anything this weekend for me to be happy with this season and i certainly don’t feel compelled to write an open letter to him in a tone that strikes me as heavily extortionary (if that is a real word)
here’s my open letter to tebow:
Thanks for an amazing season. Period.
Bucksnlucs - January 6, 2012
faint praise much?
Yeah, not such a good letter. Certainly, it positions the OP to claim both sides of the after action arguments. Neither hot, nor cold. Equivocation is such a beautiful thing and it’s so apropos for this era.
As a fan, I have enjoyed this season far more than the previous three. The entire quarterback controversy should never have taken place, but it was entertaining.
After a roller coaster season that has resulted in our first playoff appearance in far too many years, I’m just thankful for the spark which Tebow provided. I don’t need to analyze it, or qualify it. I’m content that, however we got here, we are the AFC West Division Champions.
Whether Tebow will be our QB1 next season is for EFX to decide. For now, he is “The Man” and will have my complete support before this unexpected and wonderful playoff match.
Will it be tough? Bloody well right it will. These are the Pittsburgh Steelers we’re facing! Win, Lose, or Draw this game is just icing on the cake of Bronco goodness. Enjoy and make a loud noise until the very end!
MoB.DeadMeat - January 6, 2012
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