NFL Notes: Tebow remains upbeat

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Tim Tebow insists he’s a happy camper unfazed by his many critics who are blasting him over his inconsistent performances at the Denver Broncos training camp.

“I just have fun, you know, playing football,” Tebow said.

“I love doing that, and so when I get an opportunity, just play. It feels good. And I love doing it, so you know I’m not really down, no.”

Tebow has been the subject of intense scrutiny this summer. Many expected him to be thrust into the starting role this season, but trade talks regarding Kyle Orton fizzled and Orton has been the clear No. 1 QB in Denver since the first day of camp.

Tebow? He looks as raw as he did last year as a rookie.

The popular but unpolished second-year pro from Florida is still trying to morph from a star college quarterback who relied on his legs and trademark jump pass into a drop-back, pocket passer in the pros.

Some scouts thought it could take two years or more for Tebow to make the transition from combination college QB to a pocket passer.

Listed as the primary backup on the first depth chart, Tebow said he expects to be the second Broncos quarterback to play in Denver’s preseason opener at Dallas tonight.

Eagles sign WR Smith

The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms with former New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith on a one-year deal Wednesday.

Smith, 26, had 220 catches for 2,386 yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons with the Giants. In his 2009 Pro Bowl season, he caught a franchise-record 107 passes for 1,220 yards and seven TDs.