The Broncos legend and current chief of football operations said in November that he wasn’t 100 percent sure Tebow was the Denver quarterback of the future, but this week, he’s changed his tune.
“Tim Tebow’s not going anywhere,” Elway told The Associated Press. “I mean, he’s going to be a Bronco and we’re going to do everything we can and hopefully he’s that guy.”
Despite Sunday’s loss, the Broncos control their own destiny in terms of reaching the playoffs, and Elways told the AP that he’s content with a team built on defense and a quarterback who manages the game.
“The best way for Tim to develop was to be good on the defensive side and take our time with him on the offensive side,” Elway said. “And that wouldn’t dump all the pressure on him and say, ‘Here you go, in your second year you need to go out and score 35 points a game.'”
Elway expressed confidence, though, in Tebow’s development.
“We want it to happen because of the competitor he is and what type of person he is and how he represents not only himself but represents the Broncos and the city,” Elway told the AP. “People have been watching him, so he’s a draw. But that’s where some time in the offseason [helps] and it comes down to timing and throwing. Do I think he’ll get there? Yeah, I do.”
Tebow has completed just 48.6 percent of his passes this season for 1,484 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s also rushed for 610 yards and five touchdowns.
Regarding the comments from November, Elways expressed some regret with his wording.
“I think,” Elway said, “that comment was probably a little bit too blunt.”
Photo via Flickr/leftyjeb
