Tebow Time has been made possible by a vastly improved defense. While Tim Tebow is earning most of the credit for his 5-1 record as a starter for the Denver Broncos this season, none of the quarterback’s late-game heroics would have been possible without a defensive turnaround.
Last year the Broncos allowed the most total yards (390.8) and points (29.4) per game, leading to a 4-12 record and the firing of coach Josh McDaniels.
Denver then named defensive-minded John Fox as its new coach, drafted outside linebacker Von Miller with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft and switched from a 3-4 scheme that obviously had some issues back to a 4-3.
The results didn’t come immediately — the Broncos averaged 28 points against in their first five games. But in the five wins since, Denver’s defense has allowed just 15 points a game.
Tebow and an offense that now relies heavily on the run have helped control the tempo and take some pressure off the defense. With Kyle Orton as quarterback, Denver lost the time of possession battle in four of five games, including a loss to the Chargers in which San Diego had the ball for 40:08 to just 19:52 for Denver.
Orton was benched during that loss, and the Broncos’ defense has looked more comfortable ever since.
Miller leads all rookies with 10.5 sacks, and defensive end Elvis Dumervil, who missed the entire 2010 season, has come on strong with 5.5 sacks during the Broncos’ four-game winning streak.
If the 6-5 Broncos make the playoffs, it will be as much because of the defense as Tebow.
– Jeffrey Tomik
