DENVER BRONCOS: 'TEBOW TIME' A TEAM EFFORT

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is one of the most popular players in the National Football League. His appeal is widespread, luring even those who aren't interested in the game to want a glimpse of the excitement he generates.

Simply put, Tim Tebow is good for professional football.

But Tebow and Tebow alone is not the reason—not the only reason, I should say—the Denver Broncos found themselves as AFC West division champions in 2011. And after yesterday's 29-23 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Broncos are somewhat surprisingly headed to New England for a divisional playoff game against the top-seeded Patriots.

Tebow probably gets more credit than he deserves when Denver wins and more blame when they lose, but that's typically how it works for any NFL quarterback.

The Broncos looked awful as they backed into the playoffs with three straight losses to close their 2011 season. Thus, it was a foregone conclusion that Denver would quickly bow out of the Wild Card round of the playoffs against the Steelers.

Such was not the case as the Broncos were resurgent in their efforts—both offensively and defensively—against the Steelers.

Tebow is Denver's starting quarterback, so he has a huge effect on the team's successes or failures. It may even seem that as he goes, so go the Broncos. And that may be true to a certain extent. But, one look around Tebow and it's clear this is a team with formidable athletes on both sides of the ball.

The numbers were gaudy in the win over the Steelers. Tebow averaged 31.6 yards per completion. Receiver Demaryius Thomas averaged 51 yards per catch, including the 80-yard game winner. TE Daniel Fells had two big catches for over 50 yards. Eddie Royal had three receptions including a touchdown. The running game totaled over 100 yards with Tebow, Willis McGahee and Lance Ball. And don't forget the offensive line who gave Tebow plenty of time to look for receivers and make smart decisions with the football.

This against the NFL's best defense.

Speaking of defense, the Denver D was relentless. Safety David Bruton had eight tackles. Safety Quinton Carter had five tackles and an interception. Robert Ayers had two sacks. Elvis Dumervil is one of the most feared pass rushers in the game. He had a sack and forced fumble. Linebacker Von Miller is one of the best rookie defenders in the league. And cornerback Champ Bailey is still one of the best at his position.

Talent abounds. There are a lot of players making plays for the Denver Broncos.

What the Broncos are building around Tebow and his style of play is intriguing. Sure, there has been some "back and forth" regarding the team's commitment to Tebow for the future. And that's understandable. But Tebow has proven his value to the organization on and off the field. It's a story that's just getting started.

The best ending would be to see the Broncos miraculously wind up in the Super Bowl. It's unlikely and few expect that to develop.

But whatever happens in this postseason, the Denver Broncos, with Tim Tebow as their leader, will be a team to reckon with in 2012 and beyond.