Tim Tebow, Broncos test faith in Patriots

December 11, 2011|Obnoxious Boston Fan, Globe Staff

Happy Tim Tebow Week. New England Patriots at Denver Broncos, Sunday at 4:15 p.m. on CBS.

Providence is on the schedule this week for the Patriots against Tebow and the Broncos. But this time it's in Colorado, not Rhode Island. The Legend of Tebow and the Legend of Gronk are going to collide in apocalyptic fashion on Sunday. Gronkos vs. Broncos. Something has got to give. Better still, will Belichick recoil like Dracula looking into the light if he shakes hands with Tebow before the game. Finally, there's always The Only Virgin In the NFL vs. America's Favorite Baby Daddy. (Also known as the quarterback matchup.) Patriots-Broncos has been on our radar for several weeks. If you're just joining us, check out what you missed here and here.

While not everyone is in Tebow's corner, or God's corner for that matter, there's no doubt that Tebow has taken two of America's great religions - Christianity and the NFL - and brought them together whether we like it or not.

Tebow. Gronk. Brady. Bobby Valentine. I'm still not sure who to put at the center of the Nativity scene in my front yard this year. Actually, judging by some of the coverage, comments and Kool-Aid consumption in Red Sox Nation, any criticism of Valentine is considered much more blasphemous than using the Lord's name in vain after Brady's first interception in a month. (Thanks for that jinx, CBS).

The kids won't miss any of this game with its 4:15 p.m. kickoff. Robert Kraft had to toughen up a hesitant Roger Goodell to make sure the game wasn't taken by NBC and aired at night. It should be the most-viewed regular-season game for the Pats since they went 16-0 in the old Meadowlands on about 15 different networks. Tebow's so big, he was even the lead story on Drudge Sunday night. Not since Tiger Woods has any athlete so polarized the sporting public.

The Patriots and Tebow provide the perfect complement. The Pats usually play good football for about 50 minutes and Tebow needs about 10 minutes to handle his business before each come-from-behind victory. During Tebow's run, Broncos have won four games by four or fewer points and three in overtime. Just when, baby? About the time you think they don't have a chance. Amen.