Caine Gardner is the former sports editor and remains the BG film critic. He is also a Master of Panic.

I have one word for you -- Tebow

Posted Thursday, January 12, 2012, at 10:44 PM

He might not be the best at the position, but you can't argue the appeal of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Once thought to never have the skills to be a starter in the NFL, Tebow has taken over the offense in Denver and taken the city and nation by storm.

It seems like a week doesn't go by without some news about Tebow, whether it be good or bad. The most recent news involved a number near and dear to Tebow's heart -- 316.

A devout Christian, Tebow led his team to a big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to open the playoffs this year. What was even more intriguing was the way the number 316 came into play.

Tebow was known for wearing Bible verses on his eyeblack during his college career, including the verse John 3:16. In the Broncos' win over Pittsburgh, Tebow threw for 316 yards and averaged 31.6 yards per completion. Also, the game's peak viewership in overtime was -- you guessed it, 31.6. Another odd occurrence is that the receiver who scored the winning touchdown, Demaryius Thomas, was born on Christmas Day.

I've mentioned these facts to several people with reactions ranging from mild laughing to outright anger. "How can you say God is winning Tebow games?" In reality, I never said that, but the fact that the number 316 showed up so many times in a game where one of the most visible Christian athletes in pro sports is playing is intriguing.

Tebow isn't shy about sharing his faith. He willingly discusses it in interviews and press conferences and the fact that John 3:16 was the most searched term on Google following the game and the next day is only helping him spread the message.

The Broncos will take on the Patriots this weekend and the season of Tebowmania shows no signs of slowing. Tebow was named the most popular athlete in an ESPN poll recently. It will take another big performance from Tebow to get the job done though.

I want to see how Tebow responds against the Patriots following his best performance as a NFL pro. Win, lose or draw, he's performed well enough to be the Broncos starter for at least next season. If not, I think I know a franchise in northern Florida who might welcome him with open arms. Plus, it's only an hour and half from the University of Florida, where he played his college ball.