The Tim Tebow Era Begins with an OT 18-15 Win

The Tim Tebow era has officially begun in Denver, with the ex-Florida Gator making a long-desired (by Broncos fan) 2011 start, and the team came away with a win to boot.

Looking at it more closely, it was more of a Miami loss. More on that later.

It's not to say Tim Tebow hasn't played for Denver before, but as he has now been named the starter ahead of early 2011 starter Kyle Orton, this is the start of the Tim Tebow era. It couldn't have come on a more appropriate day. Today, the Miami Dolphins honored the 2008 University of Florida team that won the national title, which was quarterbacked by none other than --- Tim Tebow.

It was hardly a game that would be brought up as a great day, but Tim Tebow did produce two TD passes, and a late-game two-point conversion that tied the game, which led to OT, where Denver won. Tebow was 13 out of 27 for 161 yards, 2 TDs, no INTs, and a 91.7 QB rating.

The two TD passes were short, of 3 and 5 yards. The two-point conversion was Tim Tebow run.

In overtime, Denver's D.J. Williams sacked Miami QB Matt Moore, forcing a fumble which he recovered at the Miami 36. Three plays later Denver kicker Matt Prater hit a game-winning 52-yard field goal.

The Broncos moved to 2-4, winning for the first time in eight games that they've played on the Dolphins' home field. Meanwhile, Miami (0-6) extended the NFL's longest losing streak to nine games (including the 2010 season). It was also the 12th loss in their past 13 home games for the Dolphins.

To be perfectly honest, fans who wanted to see the Tim Tebow era might be shaking their heads somewhat. For most of the game, the Denver offense couldn't move. However, Tebow led the Broncos on a late-game scoring drive with 2:44 left that cut the score to 15-7.

The Dolphins have themselves to blame for their loss, and not just the overtime fumble. They had earlier tried, and failed, a 2-point conversion. If they had instead taken the kick, assuming it was good, they would have had 16 points and won the game.

In addition, after the first Bronco TD, Denver kicked an onside kick. Miami receiver Marlon Moore bobbled the ball and the Broncos' Virgil Green recovered at their 44 with 2:31 left. Tim Tebow then threw a strike to a diving Daniel Fells for 28 yards to the 3, and two plays later, Tebow rolled left and throwing back to the right to Fells, who dived across the goal line for a 3-yard score with 17 seconds left. Tebow then ran up the middle to send the game to overtime.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

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