Let’s be real here for a second.

The Broncos haven’t played anyone good except the Lions, who are not that good. The 2-10 Vikings almost beat them. The 2nd-stringer-led Bears almost beat them. Even if they make the playoffs, either the Steelers, Pats, Texans, or Ravens will make short work of them. More importantly, let’s not forget that this is basically the Packers’ year.

But watching the NFL chattering class try to figure out how this Tebow kid keeps putting together wins at the last minute is fun. Watching people who confuse their antipathy to his religion with a just assessment of his abilities squirm is fun. In general, watching the comeback kid comeback satisfies all one’s wishes for a Cinderella story for the season.

It remains to be seen whether the kid can improve his passing game enough to really be a premiere quarterback. But to whatever extent he can improve them, he will. Among the thoroughbreds who play QB in the NFL, Tebow is that rara avis, a man with something to prove.