Going Off The Rails On This Tebow Train

Splashed on the cover of the Dec. 19 issue of Sports Illustrated are the following adjectives: "Amazing, incredible, phenomenal, incomprehensible, mind-blowing, and unbelievable."

No, the venerable magazine is not describing the imcomparable numbers Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is putting up this season. Instead, the words describe Tim Tebow, the Broncos quarterback who:

* Is dead last in pass completion percentage
* Is dead last in passing yards among NFL starters
* Owns a QB rating of 83.9, ranking him in the middle of the pack
* Completes only 24 percent of his passes on first down
* Runs from the pocket like a grouse being flushed out of the woods

There's a phrase I like to use to describe my pool game, "I'd rather be lucky than good." The Broncos are 8-5 and in playoff contention DESPITE Tim Tebow, not because of him.

Sure, Tebow inspires his teammates. Who wouldn't bust his butt for the man now seated at the right hand of God? But if I was Jeff Rodgers, the Broncos special teams coach, I would be suing the pants off the Credit Bureau. Since Tebow took over the starting QB role in Week 7, kicker Matt Prater has made five field goals in the closing minutes of the game or overtime, and three of those were from 50 or more yards. But Prater couldn't buy a used car with the lack of credit he gets.

Same goes for the Broncos defense.In the Broncos' last eight games, the defense hasn't given up any big touchdown plays late in the game, which has kept the team competitive. The defense has also had six sacks in the final minutes of the game during that time period.

Don't get me wrong. I respect Tebow's faith. He has a right to wear his Christianity on his sleeve if he wants to. But to think God chooses one team over another is ludicrous. Chicago Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo, before the Bears lost to the Broncos, even said "I believe there is some divine intervention associated with what's taking place."

According to Tebow's pastor, Wayne Henson, God even helps Tebow win games. "God favors Tim for all his hard work," the pastor says.

Enough. On Sunday, Tebow faces three-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady. The New England Patriots' defense ranks dead last in points allowed. But Brady ranks second in passing yards among NFL starters this season. Isn't that what quarterbacks are supposed to do, throw the ball? Brady has won 77 percent of his games over his illustrious career. Bill Belichick is the best coach in the NFL.

The Tebow Train is going off the rails Sunday in Denver.