How quickly we forget (and by “we” I mean the media). The

passion that his fans have for Tebow is only rivaled by the hatred thrown his

way by most everyone else. This is a media driven frenzy where all of the facts

of the equation are thrown out because they don’t like other people liking him

so much.

Tebow made the Broncos into playoff contenders. The previous

few years, they were not even in the hunt. At the beginning of 2011, they weren’t

being discussed. After starting 1-4, they were all but crossed out of the

picture. So what happened after Tebow came onto the field? Did the line start

blocking better? Did the running backs miraculously start putting up twice the

yards that they were before Tim? Did the receivers get better? Defense?

Honestly, think about… what happened.

The Denver Broncos traded their best receiver in Brandon

Lloyd the week before Tebow started. Even with Brandon, the group was and still

is considered one of the worst in the league. By contrast to the Colts, Jets

and Patriots, the Broncos did not have a single receiver or tight end that could

sniff 2^nd string on those teams.

The offensive line was, and is the lightest in the AFC,

averaging 254 lbs, their pass blocking skills were virtually non-existent for

both Brady Quinn and Kyle Orton. What made them more functional with Tebow in

the backfield was the threat of Tebow running the ball. They were not getting

blown over as easily when teams were hesitating to blitz the passer.

The same could be said for the running backs. Willis McGahee

and Knowshon Moreno didn’t suddenly start running for over 200 yards a game due

to personal growth. They were given that opportunity because Tebow was also a

threat and defenses couldn’t stack up on the running back.

The defense remained consistent, but did have a couple of

key plays when needed. Nonetheless, they were ranked last in the NFL in 2010,

in the bottom third in 2011 and remain a bottom dweller today.

Manning is leaving a team in Indianapolis that was built

around his skill set. They had a much stronger offensive line, far superior wide

receivers and a stable of running backs. On top of that, their defense was consistently

produced.

Tebow made something out of nothing because his abilities

offset what the Broncos were lacking. Unfortunately, they did not have enough

horse-power to take it farther into playoffs. Peyton, in my honest opinion, is

headed for a crash. They do not have enough money to make that team a contender

through free-agency and what that have built within flat out sucks. His skills

are for not if he doesn’t have time to throw, and there is no one to throw to. In

addition, he will be faced with playing the come from behind role that Tim was

dealt time and time again due to a poor defensive showing.

Elway should have bought into Tim. He should have built a team around his skill set. He had the money to improve that team in free-agency, instead, he replaced the one cog of the wheel that was actually working... 

Elway to Tim; 1^st season comparison for grins:

CMP	ATT	CMP%	YDS	AVG	TD	LNG	INT	RAT
123	259	47.5	1,663	6.42	7	49	14	54.9
126	271	46.5	1,729	6.38	12	56	6	72.9