Tim Tebow can be an NFL Star, but the Denver Broncos need to realize that his best chance for stardom beyond his faith or luck is to convert him to another position before free agency begins. Regardless of what side of fandom you fall on regarding one of the NFL’s most popular players, no one can question Tim Tebow’s heart, passion and desire to be a team player.
Is that enough to get the Broncos to the Super Bowl? To build an entire offense and defense around one man with questionable ability to survive as an NFL quarterback?
In deciding what to do with Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos almost face a more interesting quarterback dilemma than the Indianapolis Colts face in deciding whether or not to release Peyton Manning.
Without argument, no one can question Tebow’s desire to be a team player, and to give his heart and soul to win. After all, he played through rib, lung and chest injuries while being crushed by the New England Patriots 45-10 in the AFC divisional playoffs last weekend.
Broncos boss John Elway already said that Tebow is the starting QB entering training camp next summer. But at this point, is there really any other choice? While Elway also said he’d work with his young quarterback in the off-season, what if he decides improvement isn’t possible?
What would be his options for a player whose immense popularity doesn’t match up with his ability at this point in his career?
Sure Tebow went 8-5 as the Broncos starter after taking over for Kyle Orton. But as we saw in New England, when facing the league’s elite, Tebow mania failed to run wild.
Well actually, he still did run.
Which brings me to my point: Tim Tebow should be a fullback.
I’m anticipating the comments of hatred as I type this and the stat geeks who will point to his averaging 31.6 yards per completion, the best in the NFL in 40 years, shredding Pittsburgh’s No. 1 ranked (and injury decimated) defense. But I believe, while moving Tebow to fullback may shorten his NFL career, it could make it an even more special one when all is said and done.
In less than a full season as a starter, Tebow ran for 660 yards, most by a quarterback in team history. He also rushed for six touchdowns. His bruising style would compliment a speedy running back nicely, while opening up all sorts of offensive possibilities for the Broncos if they complimented him with a quarterback suited for pocket passing.
Tebow could do what he does best, run. Or take the hand-off, get a lateral pass and pass the ball himself to receivers. He could line up in the slot or at QB. The possibilities would be endless as his true skills match the part. As a quarterback, he’s best suited for fantasy.
Soxman is a senior contributor for the Sportsbank.net and local sports journalist appearing frequently on t.v. and radio in the Chicagoland area. You can follow him on Twitter @thesoxman72.