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Published on 08/22/2011 at Mon Aug 22 14:00.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow tosses the ball during training camp in Englewood, Colo., on Friday, Aug. 19, 2011.(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow tosses the ball during training camp in Englewood, Colo., on Friday, Aug. 19, 2011.(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

“He’s not going to be your starter, he’s never going to be your starter, and the longer he stays on the team, the more drama he is going to create.”

Those are the words of ESPN analyst and noted Tim Tebow critic Merril Hoge this morning, referring to the NFL’s most famous backup quarterback in a debate that aired on SportsCenter this morning. Now that Tebow has seemingly become untradeable, Hoge argues that the Broncos should cut ties altogether. On air, another NFL analyst agreed with him.

Following Tebow’s demotion on the depth chart to Brady Quinn (for at least one game), it is true that Tebow’s stock in Denver is at an all-time low. “The consensus in speaking with a handful of team personnel executives when it comes to one Tim Tebow is this: A trade could happen, but it’s becoming increasingly likely the Broncos will keep or cut Tebow because the trade interest is dwindling rapidly,” CBS Sports’ Mike Freeman writes (link above).

“The executives portray the Tebow situation as a complicated one.”

It is indeed. But cutting Tebow does absolutely no good for the Broncos. If the fan frenzy is distracting the players, coaches, or team executives, there are other ways to mitigate those distractions than outright cutting the player.

For one, it would do the Broncos well to officially name Kyle Orton the 2011 starter (UPDATE: they did that). They unofficially did so by moving Brady Quinn up the depth chart, clearly illustrating the divide in their evaluation of their quarterbacks, but putting an official stamp on it would unify both players and fans behind #8.

Second, the Broncos need to make a decision about Tebow’s future. Can he be a quarterback in this league? It’s a tricky question. If there was ever a political and contractual climate for him to win a starting job — second year in the league, 4-12 season, starting QB in trade talks, two other quarterbacks with lame duck contracts — this offseason was it. Yet, at the same time, it’s difficult to doubt Tebow.

That’s why the Broncos won’t be cutting Tebow any time soon.  Tebow will not be a distraction. Orton always starts his seasons red hot, and it’s not like Tebow’s complaining or dividing the locker room.

Instead, the Broncos will keep Tebow and lean on his world-renowned work ethic. They’ll bet on his ability to morph into a professional football player in this league — either as a full-time quarterback, situational player, or as a convert to another position. There are a number of scouts and team executives that maintain that Tebow could be a Pro Bowl fullback in an H-back role.

If Tebow truly wants to help his team as he so often says he does, that change of position might be necessary.

But that’s a decision that can wait another year. For now, the Broncos will keep Tebow and let him learn. The Broncos don’t need a trade market to do that.

  • AtomicLeo

    This is a non-story. Tebow is due ~6M this year. That's chump change for a QB. Hell, Orton getting 9M this year. Cut him? Why? Go into the season with a starter who hasn't played a full season without injury for 3 years, a backup that hasn't shown much in real games and a undrafted QB that hasn't even earned playing time with scrubs in the preseason? Seriously, this is an example of bored media types looking for easy hits on web pages.

  • WhidbeyBronco

    6.28? I'd cut him or ask him to restructure.

    I hope we can keep him but uh no thanks at that price.

  • herc_rock

    Are you seriously that dense?

  • herc_rock

    Nah, you're a feeb.  

    Who gives a shit what raiders fans say?

  • http://ehalseymiles.com E. Halsey Miles

    Er. You agree 100% but I didn't say anything about whether or not Tebow will be a QB. We just don't know.

    He's probably not an a starting quality NFL QB today. But he's got the It factor and he's got the work ethic. If it's physically possible for him to be a starting caliber QB, he will put in the work to do so. That much is clear. When he's played a season as a starter, either due to promotion or injury, we'll know a lot more about him.

  • King

    You're more dense.  I was talking about being right about Hoge being wrong on Rodgers. 

    Any moron could see that Rodgers had a laser-rocket arm w/accuracy. 

    Hoge is a dork that can't even tie a proper knot.

  • King

    Never say never.  If you can remember correctly there were “experts” saying Steve Young wouldn't replace Montana.

  • King

    Didn't say that I give a chit what Raiders fans say.  You miss the point entirely.

  • King

    Exactly.  We are fine as far as the cap goes. 

    We wouldn't even be talking this mess if we could've gotten anything of value for Orton.

  • areferee

    hehehe…

    I'd say that the malaise that Bronco fans suffered during the lockout and was reflected briefly on this blog-site, is officially over.

    Way to get things pumping Kyle!

  • 5280

    Point blank, if you dont run every QB you have with the starters at least in camp and in preseason then you really have no idea what you have. Orton has obviously done the best of the 3 QB's, but Orton is the only QB running with the 1's, and has been since camp onened and i just think thats unfair. I'm not saying  Tebow would be named the starter if this were to happen. I'm just saying that Denver would have a better idea of what they have with him and Quin. They wouldnt be stuck like they are now, trying to figure out if Teow is worth keeping for the future or if they should just cut him now.  But IMO if they were to run Tebow with the 1's and give him the running game that is already looking great that Orton has and the protection that Orton has enjoyed then Tebow would have room to display his skill set and they same goes for Quin as well. i think that if the other 2 QBs got a shot with the 1's then we might all find out that Tebow would at least be the designated QB of the future and quin could probably start. Quin has displayed that he can throw as well as Orton plus he's willing to pick up the tough yardage and leave it all out on the field like Tebow.  In NO WAY am i saying that Tebow is ready to start now, but what i am saying is that, for the money Denver is paying for him they need to at least give him a fair shot at it. It's now like he hasnt shown significant flashes.

  • 5280

    people are also completely forgetting that there was a 136 day lockout through the offseason and second year QB's coming off of their rookie seasons are at quite a disadvantage at getting to know the playbook, especially with teams that have completely renovated their coaching staffs and are expected to learn a brand new playbook. Tebow might not be doing very well right now but if he gets time to learn the playbook and get his experience he could still make it in this league.

  • MrEast

    I wouldn't. Xanders is heavily responsible for that contract. Asking Tebow to restructure a year after drafting him is simply insulting.

    The Tebow situation is simply proof that Xanders is a huge coward for letting Josh McDaniels take the blame for the past two seasons.

  • http://thingsatrexdoes.tumblr.com Mike Birtwistle

    Wonder how Hoge's book is selling?

  • WhidbeyBronco

    McD lover.

    The reality is 6mil is too much. screw the insult, it's a business

  • Krissflack

    i'd like to c tt start the yr give him some expierence and some credit..i would hope we had more faith in him than a bench warmer..we havn't looked really good for a lonnnng time

  • Krissflack

    wish they wld trade orton and replace with t

  • George

    Look I'm not an Orton fan but last year was more do to the defense then to Orton he was the 7th best passer in the NFL and we had no run game either so everone new we were going to pass the ball!!!

  • George

    You mite not agree with Hoge but if Fox has moved him down the rankings it because he see's him everyday and he can tell that he not even close to being the starter. Now are you going to say its because of a religion thing there also the couch has the last word in any game he is no better then 3rd string at best!!!!!

  • George

    Look the only person who liked Tebow was McD and you know where he is he took the number 3 offense and broke it up shipped out all the good players then gave away 4 players to move up to get Tebow and I would take any rookie QB in this years draft before him he just is not that good! Now if he wants to play football letts make him a FB or TE with his size and running ability he mite have a chance to play!!!

  • King

    But it's the only sample we have so far. 

    Orton has not progressed enough in his 6+ years in the league. 

  • Drshirack

    Nobody knows what Tebow will do going forwarded except God but with his faith and work ethic I do think he will be the starting QB for the Broncos for a long time to come will he be a probowl QB nobody knows you know Big Ben for the Stellersi would not say he is a Brady or a Manning but he has 2 rings and he finds a way to get it and if given the chance Tebow will to hopefully in Denver

  • dogheadbrew

    My favorite back room deal recently:

    John Fox: Look Merril, we all know you are suspect in your analysis, and have a personality that makes people bristle.

    Merril Hodge: What are you saying, you just moved from the worst team in football to the second worst!  I'm on ESPN! How's that a-

    John Elway: Merril, no one is saying you don't try hard, we all just know your don't have talent.  All you need to do is embrace what you have, and this could be mutually beneficial.

    MH: What do you know pretty boy? You lost th-

    JF: That's exactly what we're saying.  All you've got is outrage and bombast, but you can use it, a la Jim Rome.

    MH: Jim Rome?!? That guy never even pla-

    JE: Ataboy! Keep that up! We will feed you some talking points on Tebow, and you can just lambaste him.

    MH: Tebow?!? That's the wors-

    JF: Exactly! While you do that, and keep focus on a relatively meaningless QB “battle,” John and I can actually work on the defense, running game, line play and special teams that this team really needs.  All the while giving us time to grow without the spot light.

    MH: Special teams? More like sp-

    JE: Hey now, stay on course big guy.  Don't forget that Stink still has my back over there.

    JF:  And while we put together the ground work for a good team, you get to launch your career in to the realm of loud-mouthed hack willing to say just about anything to keep people talking about you.

    MH: Would a hack have a superbowl rin-

    JE: Plenty do, but that's not the point.  Just keep up the hyperbole with Tebow, and we'll do the rest.

    MH: Hyperbo-wha?

    JF: And don't worry about Timmy, we got him an FRS contract, and Mr. Bowlen is helping him build a couple of schools in Manila.

    MH: Ha! Manila, I thought that was an enva-

    JE: Come on Coach, I think this'll work out just fine.

    MH: I'M A GOD!!!

    JF: Me too buddy, me too

  • areferee

    Methinks the wrong  NFL analyst has the name “Stink”…

  • Sugacock

    could it be that tebow just isnt any good?

  • herc_rock

    Yeah, Hoge was wrong on Rodgers, just like the 23 teams that wanted nothing to do with him on draft day, just like Mel and McShay and every other draft analyst out there.  

    You're dumb…and your argument is stupid and pointless.

  • Just being honest…

    Hoge has brain damage.  There is no point of writing an article on his opinion.

    “…and was forced to retire due to brain injury. Hoge had to learn to read
    again and experienced memory loss, confusion and headaches.”

    /thread

  • herc_rock

    Uh yeah you did, moron.  

    You said that since mouth-breathing, prison-thug raider fans use the phrase “donks” as a slam on us, that I, a Broncos fan for 30+ years can't use it as a term of endearment. 

  • virginiabronco

    tell me again what Orton has proven?

  • anthony33

    I would agree except when I see what Colt McCoy is doing in preseason.  Dude is tearing it up right now.  Just one more McDipshit passed on.

  • virginiabronco

    You need an offense, A QB that can covert a 3rd down once in a while so the defense isn't always on the field.  KO can't complete a pass consistantly over 8 yards. For years Indy had a playoff team without a defense but they had a QB.  You might have heard of the guy.  Manning I think is his name.  With no manning, and no defense, we headed for another 4 win season.

  • virginiabronco

    I don't know if Tebow is or will ever be ready to start at QB.  I don't know if Quinn should be the number 2.  Here's what I know,  I can't think of any big game win that KO has delivered since he has been a Bronco.  Come to think of it, I can't think of any big play 3rd down he has delivered though I concede there must have been one or two.  The man simply cannot complete 8 yrd+ pass with Consistency.  You have to have a QB that can complete the 3rd and long once in a while so your D is not constantly on the field.  Can you say 2010?  KO should be a number 2.  If the Bronco organization don't think Tebow has the talent, then they should throw in the towel and find the QB of the future.  It certainly isn't KO.  Just look at the record.   Just look at the record.

  • George

    If Tebow was wroth anything we would have other teams trying to trade for him its not only Denver or Hoge's that think Tebow stinks as a QB!!!!

  • jdkchem

    You haven't been a fan very long then.

  • Troyn

    I didn't watch Tebow in college, was never a fan.  I am going off what I saw in games last year and comparing him to the anti-clutch starter that is Kyle Orton.  To me it's not about winning games right now, it's about winning Superbowls,  KO only wins a SB if he's QBing the incredible defensive teams in B'more or Tampa that won SB's with extremely mediocre QB's in Dilfer and Johnson.  Tebow makes plays when things go wrong, that is what separates mediocre from good.  He needs to play and make his mistakes, and then we will see if he is what we already know KO isn't or simply a h-back taking snaps.

  • Young Bill

    Broncos will regret it, if they do not invest in Tebow. If you want a team leader he is the guy. When he started at mile high at the end of last season, the electricity of the team and the fans was like a playoff game. even though we finished 4 and 12.

    I am not sure any other player brings that.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    Schadenfreude is enjoying another's misery, not being bothered by another's success.

  • herc_rock

    Wow, what a bunch of garbage.  Selective enforcement, eh?

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    Of course not. Deleted any insults to other readers. Wasn't just you by any means. If I missed one flag it.

  • Virgo

    Coaches see these players everyday …day in day out…..they know who can play and fits in scheme……pick a team …..same goes for those teams also………unless you are in coaching profession most do not know what talking about.

  • George

    If Tebow was so good then why hasn't any team came to Denver and said that they would trade for him ? The reason is not one of the 31 other teams  want him either he just not that good now if he wants to be a FB or TE maybe he could play but just not QB!!!!

  • King

    I agree.  Even the NFL knows Orton is just a transitional QB.  That's why we couldn't get what we wanted for him.  And now we're stuck with him for another season, it appears.

  • Bearfnatic

    I'll give you Cutler back and Lovie Smith for Tebow.

  • Catwoman770

    Tebow will be a NUMBER ONE rated Quarterback within the next five years. This character, Merrill Hog, has serious mental issues the way he keeps attacking Tebow. I can understand if Mr. Hog felt Tebow is not as talented as Tebow's paycheck suggests, however, his obsession and constant negative attack on the most classy, outstanding, not to mention gorgeous and hot, delicious quarterback is rather twisted.
    And Mr. Sugacock I am sure you wish you were as good as Tebow looks.

  • Catwoman770

    Okay, that is a realistic scenario. But….don't underestimate Tebow. Remember they said he'd never be a great High School Quarterback or College Quarterback. Well he showed them….LOL.
    And I believe he will rise up to the challenge in Pro Football as well.

  • 12508

    Ok the guy can't throw,can't beat out Orton or Quinn, and everyone who has played the position thinks he needs ALOT of work. Yet nothing gets this site going like some Tebow talk. What is it? Man crush? Let's get a grip people. Give me some ugly,three time felon,dog fighting,ten childrens momas,pot smoking,DUI driving QB who can play the position. Put that 15 jersey on craigslist while it's still worth something. This many football people can't be wrong. I guess if Walsh,Parcells,and Lombardi said Tebow can't play in the league you would trash them too. BRADY QUINN BEAT HIM OUT!!!BRADY QUIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

  • Silly

    Spoken like someone who has never lived in the corporate world. You honestly have no idea how ridiculous that sounds to anybody that understands business.

  • MrEast

    Oh boy, that was just epic.

  • Nrg33

    Merril Hoge led the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers in rushing three different seasons (1988, 1990 & 1991) from the FULLBACK position after being a 10th round draft pick. He suffered a severe neck injury which derailed his football career. For you to bash Merril Hoge makes you a hypocrite.

    You, and everyone else, can state your displeasure for his comments, but to bash Hoge like you did points to your lack of knowledge. Like Tim Tebow for what he is, dislike Hoge all you want, but get your facts straight.

    As for Hoge, he's a talking-head now on a sports channel. The more critical his comments are the more hype those shows get. For him to bash Tebow makes good ratings. If Hoge is right he becomes Mel Kiper Jr. (see Trev Alberts/Colt bashing during the draft) – proven to know his stuff.

  • Billls07

    Orton couldnt score a TD to save his wmmpy ass last year all he could do is get his team in to FG range. Yes the D sucked  but so did he, As well any QB that threw the ball as much as he did last year will have the same sats only most would have won a few more games!!