Getty Images

Sometimes the box score really does tell the story.

So we’ll just start by telling you what Patriots quarterback Tim Tebow’s stat line was in Friday night’s preseason game: 1 completion in 7 attempts, for -1 yards, with 0 touchdowns, 1 interception and a 0.0 passer rating.

Yes, that was negative yardage. The only pass he completed was a short toss to rookie receiver Josh Boyce, who was tackled a yard behind the line of scrimmage. Tebow’s interception was an absolutely horrible play on which he took a shotgun snap, ran a couple of steps toward the line of scrimmage, and then fired the ball way over the head of intended receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, and right into the hands of Tampa Bay cornerback Mason Robinson. He threw a couple other passes into coverage that easily could have been intercepted.

Folks, an NFL quarterback is simply not supposed to look like this.

Still, Tebow was upbeat and optimistic after the game, saying that he believes he is getting better as a quarterback and getting a better feel for the Patriots’ offense.

“I feel like I’m improving every day and you know, growing and learning, and learning the offense. That’s what it’s about – every day trying to get a little better,” Tebow said.

Unfortunately, Tebow doesn’t need to just get “a little better.” He needs to get a lot better. And he’s running out of time to do so. If Tebow doesn’t look a lot better in the last two preseason games, it’s tough to see him making the Patriots’ 53-man roster.