The mystery of Tim Tebow

After Tebow led the Denver Broncos to victory over Miami in his first game as an NFL starting quarterback, Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby was heard on Jim Rome’s radio show to say:

Us losing to Tim Tebow the way we did, we seen it first hand. Young man is blessed. Young man has a special anointing on him. And for God to show himself in that game the way He did, through the guy He did it through, it opened a lot of guys’ eyes on our team. And it brought a lot of guys closer to God, so like I said, everything happens for a reason. . . . My hat goes off to Tim. And God working through him like that, it opened up a lot of eyes. He’s a blessed young man and I wish him much success the rest of his career.

ESPN’s Jemele Hill opined that Detroit players were “disrespecting his faith” during the Lion’s blowout win in his second week as Denver’s starting quarterback. Players openly mocked Tebow in the course of the game, pretending to pray after a sack or a score.

Since that game, the Broncos record is 5-0 while the Lions have gone 2-3.

Just pointing out the obvious.

So…what is the big deal about Tim Tebow?

This absolutely fascinating, sometimes heated debate between Stephen A. Smith, Cris Carter, and Skip Bayless about whether Tebow’s Christian beliefs influence the outcome of football games on ESPN’s First Take can be found at the link below.

The Tebow Debate

In the course of argument, all three men profess to sharing Tebow’s Christian faith. Each analyst thinks he knows the “logical” explanation why the Broncos are 7-1 with Tebow as their starter.

Stephen A. Smith half-jokingly claimed there is a valid argument for divine intervention, because Tebow’s skill set simply isn’t good enough to win in the NFL.

Carter credited Tebow’s teammates. saying the defense keeps them competitive just long enough for the team to win using some late game magic.

Skip Bayless argued that Tebow’s faith does give him a competitive edge, a point that seemed to offend Cris Carter.

Carter was known as a leader and for his Christian beliefs during his career for the Minnesota Vikings. His argument seems valid — why would God bless Tebow with wins he doesn’t deserve when the Vikings hadn’t been similarly blessed during his playing days?

The exchanges were contentious but cordial, at least toward each other.

However, Tebow was savaged, described using words like “anemic”, “limited skill set”, and “not good enough to be an NFL starter.”

Yet his record is 7-1 as the starting QB. Prior to his promotion. the team was 1-4.

In my opinion, all three analysts were right to a certain degree.

But none of them are completely correct.

Clearly, Tebow does not have the same skill set in terms of mechanics as a passer of a typical NFL quarterback. He does not possess the throwing arm of a Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, or even a Matthew Stafford or Matt Ryan.

So Smith was right.

On the other hand, Tebow is 7-1 as the starter. It’s tough to deny that he has been good enough for at least an eight game stretch.

True, the defense and running game have contributed mightily. So Cris Carter was also right.

Just not completely right.

To say Tebow doesn’t inspire his teammates is to ignore what his own receivers have said.

As reported at the link above, obviously Tebow leads his team by inspiration and determination.

Therefore, Bayless was also right.

Still, he neglected to point out that “the Tebow effect” is not limited to his own team. Evidently, the authenticity of his Christian faith tends to psyche out the opposing defense, if the words of Karlos Dansby are believed.

One could conceivably argue that the Dolphins fell prey to the principle of Gamaliel more than the late game theatrics of Tim Tebow.

On the other hand, Brian Urlacher joked that Tebow was a “good running back” after the Bears played Tebow and the Broncos last weekend. This was after Tebow torched the vaunted Bear defense in the fourth quarter and OT by going 18-24 for 191 yards and a TD.

Sour grapes, Brian?

Obviously, Tebow had the last laugh….Broncos 13, Bears 10.

What should we make of all the controversy surrounding Tim Tebow?  Do I think God cares if the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl?

Absolutely not.

However, I have to believe God loves Tim Tebow.

I also believe God loves Cris Carter, Karlos Dansby and me.

Personally, I wouldn’t be the least bit upset to see Denver win it all.

Just think of the entertainment value, to see the wailing and gnashing of teeth by the Tebow haters.

Comments

  1. Lorraine Wright says

    I give him credit for standing up for what he believes in not easy to do in today’s world. Not many would be willing to put themselves in line for media abuse.

  2. jack fitzelle-jones says

    what I don’t here anyone acknowledging is that a quarterback option offense is simply a better offense if you have the players with the skill to execute it. It is simply harder to defend against. The reason pro teams don’t run it and so many college teams do is because they pay so much money for their quarterbacks (and colleges don’t).

    So it ma not be sustainable over the long haul but it is effective while it lasts.

    I’ve also been thinking that a big strong quarterback like Tebow might do just as well running at the defense and giving as good as he gets. Sharing the shock of a blow is much safer than standing around distracted by looking for someone open while a massive defensive lineman cleans your clock from behind. Absorbing the full shock of the hit is more dangerous! There are many running back who know when and how to fall and to avoid injury. Tebow is breaking nfl taboos and eating up sacred cows.
    As for his faith, he’s the real deal , and is very thoughtful and eflective in a joyful centered way. He also emphasizes not being judgemental. My prayer is that more and more evangelicals model themselvs after him and not the political and televangelist phonies.

  3. America has changed so much since the 1950s. At that time most people went to church, believed in God, even the schools had the pledge of allegiance and then prayer. Now science pooh poohs the belief of there even being a God, causing many people to become atheists. There is an important point to make also: during the 1950s the U. S. had a good economy and the American dollar was as good as gold. It also had very little indebtedness to other countries and the world banking system. Now we are in the throes of economic problems, out country is indebted to such a point it would take decades to pay off, and the dollar is heavily devalued as a direct result. The Bible, in the old testament, warned Israel that worshiping God would make them the head over other countries and not the tail. Which end of the body are we on now? Just saying.
    God help our country, it is a FACT that it is through Him and His blessings that America became great. Without faith in Him and following His word, we are doomed to certain failure.

  4. Linda Quezada says

    Tim Tebow doesn’t have to laugh because of a win. He does the right thing by thanking God almighty. Whom with God all things are possible. If Tim’s faith will help win lives for Jesus, then more power to him. Even if it’s only one person. Tim cannot save a person, only God can do that, but he can be an instrument getting a person to accept Jesus Christ as their saviour. My hat is off to him and hopefully he will continue with is faith no matter what the media throws at him. Anyone that complains about his way of life and does not follow Jesus, they will be the true losers. Keep up the good works Tim.

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