(Image Source: The Denver Post)

BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE

ANCHOR BLAKE HANSON

Tim Tebow is backkk. After three weeks of what analysts called pathetic quarterback play - Tebow dazzled in his first ever playoff game - beating the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers defense in dramatic fashion.

“Denver won the toss, kicked through the end zone and now the very first play. They are gonna run it right? NO! It’s Demariyus Thomas and he could go all the way! One play from scrimmage, 80 yards! Touchdown Broncos!” (ESPN)

After the game Tebow caught up with the NFL Network to share his thoughts on the big win.

“I just want to thank my teammates and my lord and savior Jesus Christ.  You know, it was just so fun to be out there in front of these fans and win it like we did. It was very special, and I’m just so proud of everyone.”

Now he’ll lead the Broncos to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro - to take on three-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Regardless of that outcome - a sports analyst on CNN says this year - it’s still all about Tebow.

“Tebow's become, in my opinion, the greatest story the NFL has seen this season. You know, I can get the Aaron Rodgers thing, Packers thing, great. But Tim Tebow far and away literally the best story NFL has got going this season. On the Internet last night. I thought Tebow was going to break Twitter. But, yeah, Tebow, he's proving all his critics wrong. Here he is in the playoffs.”

Tebow deserves his credit.  But, CNBC says despite the loss, Steelrs QB Big Ben Roethlisberger proved once again he is one of the game’s greatest warriors.

“That guy is a gamer, though. Big gamer, Big Ben. He couldn't walk.  He still had the touch even with no back fat to throw off of. He is a gamer. What could he do about the way that thing ended? He did everything he possibly could.”

The game will forever be remembered - as several records were broken.  Denver’s KUSA tried to keep track of all the action.

“The 80-yard Tebow to Thomas pass was the longest pass in overtime in NFL History.  The game was also the quickest OT game in NFL history both in regular season and postseason.  The Broncos are 4-0 in OT for this season. … Demariyus Thomas set a team playoff record for receiving yards in a playoff debut with 204 receiving yards.”

Tebow threw for more than 300 yards on just 10 completions - that’s better than 30 yards a completion - and the best total of his career.