Column: Aaron Worm, Behind the Mic

We now join fans of the Dolphins, Chiefs, Raiders, Jets and Chargers.

We have been Tebowed.

Yes, he has a good running game, and yes, his defense makes plays when they have to, but once again the former Florida Gator made enough plays, and made fewer mistakes than Christian Ponder, to help his team win.

Here is the passing yards Tebow has had in the Broncos’ five-game winning streak: 124, 69, 104, 143 and Subday’s 202. But the big stat from yesterday: Ponder two interceptions, Tebow none. Ponder’s two mistakes turned into 10 points, and that turned out to be the difference. Ponder also had a fumble that erased the chance of the Vikings kicking a field in the first quarter.

Ponder did throw for 381 yards, and may have a better arm and more pure talent than Tebow, but right Tebow knows how to win. Ponder is still learning.

I went to the game on Sunday for two main reasons: I wanted to experience the mania and magic first hand of Tebow and hopefully see us beat a team that hasn’t been one of my favorites since an experience I had in the Mile High City 12 years ago.

Back in Oct. 1999, I was watching the Jeff George-led Vikings beat the Broncos 23-20. I got hit in the head at least a half of dozen times by plastic cups cheering for the Vikes, but I left with a smile after the W and was hoping for the same yesterday.

It was a home game for the Vikings, but it was hard to tell with all the orange and blue jerseys. I would say 60 percent of the fans there were in favor of the Purple, but that is probably being generous.

Bronco’s fans aren’t the only ones that have Tebow fever. I sat near a teenager who was wearing a Tebow Jersey when Denver had the ball, and then would throw a Vikings jersey on over the top when the Purple had the ball. I asked him what the deal was. He said he was a big University of Florida fan and that was the reason. I responded with a chuckle, “I don’t think Florida is playing today.” But I do understand the love that Tebow fans have for the guy, because I have a little Tebow fever, too.

Tebow missed plenty of passes and he doesn’t have much mustard on his passes, but when the game is on the line, the guy delivers. I believe Tebow was 4 of 6 throwing at half for just under 30 yards. Vikings led 15-7. Even though the Vikings had blown a few halftime leads at home this season, I was confident (I never learn) that we had this one. I was about to be Tebowed. Two 3rd quarter touchdown passes later, and two fields goals in the final two minutes, and the Tebow-led Broncos had did it again, and are tied for first in the AFC West.

Some guys have pure talent but can’t win the big game (Tony Romo). Others just know how to win. That’s Tim Tebow.

 

KATE Radio sports director Aaron Worm’s column appears each Monday in the Tribune. He can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekdays on The Breeze.