Love affair with Tebow reignites in Philadelphia

The so-called experts don’t like this player, but there are many good things about him

I love Tim Tebow.

I didn’t realize how much until Sunday. It had been two years since he appeared in a game.

A lot had changed. Could things ever be the same?

Tebow is 28 now and has been primarily a TV guy. The Eagles signed him in April, setting off national guffaws.

I laughed, too. Then Tebow returned to the field in the Eagles’ 3610 win over the Colts, and I can’t help myself. So with apologies to 19thcentury poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning . . .

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love the way you turned a meaningless pre-season game into the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter. Even trendier than Donald Trump stepping in horse manure at the Iowa State Fair.

I love the way Philadelphia fans gave you a standing ovation. Of course, they also gave one to Michael Vick in his first game out of the federal hoosegow.

I love the way experts still think you’re the worst quarterback since Ryan Leaf.

I love the way fans still think you’re the best QB since Joe Montana.

I love the way you inspire the masses, like this Internet commenter — “It’s fun to watch a guy who enjoys playing instead of treating it like a job.”

I love the way you irritate the masses, like this Internet commenter — “If Tebow wasn’t a Bible-thumper, you wouldn’t give two (bleeps) about him succeeding.”

I love the way you completed five of your first six passes, utilizing your new-and-improved throwing motion and crisp defensive reads.

I love the way you did not complete five of your last six passes, utilizing your old-and-erratic throwing motion and jittery indecisiveness.

I love the way your jersey was the NFL’s 16th-best seller going into camp, more popular than Marshawn Lynch’s, Tony Romo’s and any QB within 100 miles of Philly’s roster.

I love the way people say you succeeded Sunday against scrubs who will be in the Arena League next year.

I love the way people say you were held back Sunday by a supporting cast that will be bagging groceries at Publix next month.

I love the way you took time Saturday to tweet, “URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: . . .” for a girl battling leukemia.

I love the way you dove over Colts safety Winston Guy for a 7-yard touchdown.

I love the way you showed people like me who doubted we’d ever see that again.

I love the way you never doubted yourself.

I love the way you got out of New England before Tom Brady asked to use your cellphone to text the equipment guys.

I love the way people think Chip Kelly is Einstein for signing you to play in his unorthodox system.

I love the way people think Chip Kelly is Bozo for signing you to play in any system.

I love the way true believers are saying you’ll now become the starter, lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl and talk Iran into giving up its nukes.

I love the way true non-believers are saying the second that Kelly sobers up you’ll be told to pack your bags and go back to Good Morning America once and for all.

I love the way that all I have to do is write “Tebow” and both sides go to their corners and come out throwing horse manure at each other.

I love the way you savoured your return more than anybody.

“It’s a blessing to put in work for something and to be able to get to a point where you’re back,” you said. “You’re playing ball. You’re having fun. It’s a blessing and something I’m very thankful for.”

After two years away, I love that not much has changed at all.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ signing of Tim Tebow prompted guffaws from the pigskin pundits.