Great commentary from last night by Bob Costas:
The Denver Broncos now lead the AFC West at 8-5, 7-1 with Tim Tebow as their starting quarterback. Here's the list of quarterbacks with higher winning percentages this year than Tebow: Aaron Rodgers -- and nobody else.My quick take:
And the truth is, there's nobody else quite like Tebow. No fewer than five of his seven victories have featured late fourth quarter comebacks. Approaching -- okay, we'll say it -- the miraculous.
Again today, Tebow did next to nothing until the waning moments, and then, down 10-0 with two minutes left, he throws a touchdown pass, and the Broncos tie it at the gun on a 59-yard field goal. And then win it in overtime on a 51 yarder. The combination of Denver's continuing late heroics, and today, the Bears otherwise unexplainable errors, is enough to have some at least suspect divine intervention. Except that Tebow, whose sincere faith cannot be questioned, and should be respected, also has the good sense, and good grace, to make it clear he does not believe God takes a hand in the outcome of games.
Most of us are good with that. Otherwise, how to explain what happens when there are equal numbers of believers on either side. Or why so many of those same believers came up empty facing Sandy Koufax. Or hit the deck against Muhammad Ali. Or why the almighty wouldn't have better things to do.
Still, there is no doubt that Tebow and his team benefit from his honest belief. How? Frank Bruni put it well in today's New York Times. Whatever Tebow may lack in classic NFL quarterbacking traits, he possesses other qualities in abundance. And in his case, those qualities -- confidence, equanimity, optimism -- and a presence that can't be explained, but can certainly be felt. The whole Tebow persona derives from how he sees the world, and his place in it. Those qualities, no matter how one comes by them, are an asset, perhaps especially in sports.
Good for Tebow, and those who share his beliefs. And those who don't can still acknowledge, and appreciate, that who Tim Tebow is, is not only genuine, but for the moment at least, it makes him and the Broncos, one of the most fascinating, and in whatever sense you interpret it, uplifting stories in sports.
1. Don't forget that we wouldn't be having this conversation if Prater fails on a 59 yard and 51 yard field goal. But he didn't. He needs huge praise today. Probably more than Tebow.
2. The Broncos D is TOUGH.
3. I have zero doubt that Tebow is one of the best winners in the sports world today. It's a cliche because it's true. Some guys just know how to win. It's an intangible. But Tebow is on a team with a defense that really helps him do what he does and they probably need to get way more credit.
2 comments:
My take on this is that both Tebow, if reported accurately, and Costas have some suspect theology. While God may not care in the way we do about whether "our" team wins, God certainly does care about them in the same way that He makes the sun rise, gives breath to life, and causes the rain to fall (or not). Is there anything, even NFL football games, that He does not sustain?
I suspect that Tebow means that God doesn't root for our team over anyone else's or, at least, for the same purposes for which we root for them. I'm less certain about Costas. I suspect that his "god" is at best a benign force or an impersonal God too busy doing "important" things to care about our mundane lives. The reality is that God is infinitely able both to sustain the universe and momentarily distract Marion Barber so that he (Barber) forgets to stay in bounds should He (God)so choose.
I don't claim to understand the mystery of how God both grants us free will and numbers and orders the days of our lives, but I accept that He does. I also accept that there is not one thing about which God does not care: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered."
Is God causing the Denver Broncos to win because of Tim Tebow? I don't know. I can say with assurance, though, that whether the Broncos win or lose, God will use that to bring glory to Himself.
I was at the game this weekend.
I agree with your take Z-dub, however, if you listen to his post game comments, he says "my team made me look better than I really am." I know exactly what you are stating, but because he admitted nationally before you did, I think that nullifies that argument.
He hasn't done it himself, but has taken a team from 1-4 to 8-5, they wouldn't have done it without him at QB. And we know, from Peyton Manning, that one man, can make a huge difference!
At the game, all the other players went in the locker room to get ready to start, he stayed out on the field, went and hugged fans, knelt down and prayed with a couple little kids, and shook hands with so many people. I couldn't help but praise God for that. I give God glory for raising a man up that is so contriversial, that even our society as numb as it is, has to notice.
I happen to be a Broncos fan too!
Ha!
D
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