Cries for Tim Tebow: The State of the Denver Broncos

Being an NFL quarterback is something that nearly every kid dreams about at one point or another. When one watches football on TV, it seems like the quarterback gets all the glory and the best-looking girls, all the attention in the world. However, the part that kids don't realize is that the quarterback also is the most scrutinized player and receives the bulk of the criticism after a loss. Just ask Kyle Orton how it feels to have the hometown fans calling for the 3rd-string QB to replace you as the starter. Granted, Tim Tebow isn't exactly your typical clipboard-carrying back up, but it certainly can't help Orton's already shattered confidence to hear the crowd chant Tebow's name at the end of the season and home opener when your biggest rival is in town on Monday Night.

During the offseason, the Broncos organization flirted with the idea of trading Orton to the Dolphins and anointing Tim Tebow as their starting quarterback. Eventually, the team decided to keep Orton because they believed that he gave them the best chance to win. To me, it still seems like a wise choice despite Orton's less than stellar performance last night. His stats weren't as bad as some of the fans made them seem when they began chanting Tebow's name in the 4th quarter. After all, he still managed to throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown with only one pick, although we can't forget the ill-timed fumble when no defender was within 5 yards of him. Nonetheless, the Bronco fans need to realize that Tim Tebow isn't ready to be a full-time starter in the NFL.

No, I'm not a Tim Tebow hater, I'm just trying to be a realist and try to make Bronco fans realize that  naming Tebow the starter maybe isn't the best decision in the world. In fact, I was and remain one of the former Gator's biggest fans, I really do want to see him do well one day in the NFL, just not now. His accuracy and unorthodox throwing motion can only benefit from more development time on the practice field. There is no better way to become an NFL-ready QB than to learn from a guy who has at least established himself in the league. Kyle Orton is one of those guys and he really does give Denver the best chance to win this year. While it may be a trying season for John Fox in his 1st year, the team can easily still win a respectable amount of games, with the ceiling likely being 6 or 7. Fox is already making his presence felt in the Mile High City by announcing today that he will stick with Kyle Orton as the starter for Week 2 against the Bengals. For those Bronco fans that may disagree with myself and John Fox, sticking with Orton is the right decision for now. Tim Tebow will get his chance in a few years when he has furthered his development and represents the team's best chance to win. If they didn't plan on giving him a shot, the Broncos wouldn't have chosen him with the 25th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Just keep that in mind as you watch the team this season.