by Paul Schingle

Created on: January 22, 2012   Last Updated: January 23, 2012

This is an interesting question. I openly admit to having the advantage over those who wrote to the question when it was first posed. I've now had the advantage of seeing Tebow play, as a professional, for two seasons. This question was first posed when Tebow was yet to have been drafted. However, with that confession, I'll try to use the advantage of having seen him as a pro, and give a more objective and meaningful answer, perhaps, than those who wrote to this without that as a reference.

Probably the hardest part of the question is the use of the word, "successful."  How does one measure "success" in this instance? Tim Tebow has won more games than he's lost, as a starter. He's still fairly green and played this past seaon (though the season is still going, it is "past" for Tebow and the Broncos), without the benefit of a full training camp because of the lockout. So, on the surface, it would appear that, for his age/experience, Tebow has been, to date, relatively successful.

On the other hand, the most obvious difference between NFL football and college football (other than the fact that college football games last about two and a half weeks each) is the passing game. While some college programs run a "pro-style" offense, which makes success in the NFL more realistic. Pro football teams who run a "college-style" option type offense on a regular basis, have not historically been particularly successful. Tim Tebow can't throw a spiral. He's really not equipped (at least, for now) to compete at the professional level.

John Fox, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, brilliantly decided to build an offense around Tim Tebow's talents, rather than trying to convert Tebow into a first-rate passer. It worked for quite a little while, there, too. However, if one looks at what happened over the last three weeks of the regular season, one can see, it's not a long-term solution. People figured out the Broncos' gimmicks and Tebow was noticeably less successful as a result. 

Now, does this mean that, in the long run, Tim Tebow will never be successful as an NFL quarterback? I don't think necessarily so. I do believe the Broncos solution this past season was a nice temporary fix. But, teams caught on, and it became less successful as the season progressed. So, if Tebow is to be a success, he needs to learn how to throw like a true NFL quarterback. I'm not the world's biggest fan of Tim Tebow, but I give my props where they're due.  He's a very good athlete. No one will ever take that away from him. He CAN learn how to throw like a pro. It doesn't mean he necessarily will, but he can. If he does, there's an above average chance that Tim Tebow will become a solid NFL quarterback. But, that's a big if.

The question asks, will Tim Tebow be successful in the NFL? If I had to bet money, I'd bet against it. But, if anyone can do it, it may well be Tebow, if for no other reason than his natural athletic ability.

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