Going back to visits to the University of Florida several years ago, New England coach Bill Belichick has always been impressed with Tim Tebow — to the point that, prior to the 2010 NFL draft, Belichick had dinner with the future Broncos quarterback in Boston.
In light of Denver’s current six-game winning streak, attributed in large part to “Tebow Time” fantastic finishes, Belichick sounded as if he isn’t surprised by Tebow’s success.
“I’ve known Tim for a while,” Belichick said today during a teleconference with media that will cover Sunday’s game between the Patriots and Broncos.
“He is, as we all know, an impressive young man,” Belichick said. ” He had an impressive college career. He has a lot of skill. I had a great visit with him. He’s been productive every place he’s been. He continues to do so. He’s a good football player.”
Belichick was asked if he had any explanation for Denver’s Tebow-infused comebacks.
“Obviously, the (Broncos) team is doing a good job of playing complementary football — offense, defense and special teams, ” Belichick said. “They’ve made some key plays when they had to … It’s good team play and Tim has done a great job for them in the running game, handling the offense, throwing the ball, getting the ball down the field, also taking what the defense has given them.
“He’s made good decisions, not turning the ball over, making a lot of positive plays. They’re a tough team to defend, a tough team to prepare for. They’ve done a real good job of playing error-free football, playing real sound and making plays when there are critical plays in the game.”
Belichick talked about adjustments made by the Broncos in the fourth quarter.
“Watching Denver’s defense,” he said, ” they’ve done a good job of getting whatever they’re getting (from the defense), whether they’re getting an all-out blitz from the Jets or zone coverage from Chicago or somewhere in between, whatever it is, they’ve been able to defeat it.
“That’s the key. You can do it different ways. But whatever they’ve had to do, they’ve gotten it done. That’s the mark of a good football team.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
