Following Week 16’s 24-23 victory over the Houston Texans in which he scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the 4th quarter, Tim Tebow chose to Tweet the biblical passage, “Luke 2:10-11,” which reads: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
I partially understand Tebow’s messianic complex. After all, for his entire young adulthood he has been lauded as such by fans, coaches, religious leaders and media members, whether it be Thom Brennaman, Andy Staples, or virtually any ESPN hack. In fact, before the game had been decided, CBS’ Steve Beurlein had already proclaimed December 26th, 2010, ‘Tim Tebow Day’ – a clear slap in the face to all the Canadian viewers enjoying their ‘Boxing Day.’
But let’s walk this back a second. “Do not be afraid?!” Tim, you were playing the Houston Texans. No one is afraid of the Houston Texans. Their pass defense ranks last in the NFL. Total defense ranks 28th. They have given up 27.3 points-per-game. In fact, the Texans have allowed at least 24 points to all but one opponent! If they would’ve done it again in Week 17, it would’ve been an NFL record (they gave up 17). Instead they tied the ’08 Lions for a record that could literally read, “NFL’s Least-Feared Defense” or “All-Time-Defense-Least-In-Need-Of Angelic-Assistance-In-Order-To-Score-On.”
If Luke’s passage read “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born who will do as much but not more than 14 of the saviors who preceded him,” I could see the parallel. Otherwise, I have say, Tim Tebow, calm down.
And Happy Belated Solstice!
Gratuitous World 