A little Tim Tebow will do a team good. A lot of Tim Tebow will give one's team the lead at some point. That's how it has been today for the Denver Broncos. Rookie quarterback Tim Tebow made his first career NFL start because Kyle Orton's rib injuries was too severe to play. Tebow has led the Broncos to a 17-17 tie at halftime with a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown.
After a quick three-and-out by Tebow and the Broncos, the Raiders scored on their first offensive play of the game, a 71-yard end-around by receiver Jacoby Ford. But that nor a second stalled drive was going to discourage Tebow. Broncos defensive end Kevin Vickerson intercepted Jason Campbell for a four-yard return. After a penalty put the Broncos on the Oakland 40-yard line, Tebow faced a 3rd-and-24. Just like he did with the Florida Gators, Tebow made a QB draw and rushed for a 40-yard touchdown. Backup running back Correll Buckhalter aided Tebow with a key block on the run.
On the Raiders' next possession, Darren McFadden fumbled the ball, which Broncos linebacker Jason Hunter recovered. On the second play of Denver's new drive, Tebow threw a deep pass to Branond Lloyd in the end zone. The original call was an incomplete pass. However, Broncos coach Eric Studesville challenged the play. Upon further review, the referee reversed the call after finding Lloyd had possession of the ball while still in the end zone. That score put the Broncos up. 14-7.
However, the rush defense has left much to be desired. Besides the Jacoby Ford run, Darren McFadden has rushed for 77 yards. The Raiders have 201 rushing yards total. The Broncos, only 89 (63 by Tebow alone). Knowshon Moreno, who has only five yards on four carries is out with a side injury and his return is questionable.