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Published on 11/02/2011 at Wed Nov 02 09:39.
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The Denver Broncos are giving up on 2011 by starting Tim Tebow

Posted Wed Nov 2nd by

Kyle Orton

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (8) runs off the field after losing the ball on downs to the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

The arguments for starting Tim Tebow have always come from the same angle:

“The Denver Broncos aren’t going to do anything in 2011. Why not start Tebow so the Broncos can see what they have?”

Forgive me for preserving an iota of hope for this season, but I’ve seen enough. The Tim Tebow Experiment is over. Let Kyle Orton, a competent, experienced, albeit inconsistent quarterback, take over again. There is still a nine-game season to salvage.

Not worth it, you say? You’d rather tank the season for Andrew Luck, you say?

The Broncos are seven games in, sitting at 2-5. Team-for-team, the rest of the division is all at 4-3. That’s a two-game deficit with nine games to play.

Are Broncos fans really giving up already? Have we really succumbed to that much malaise?

We’ve given up hope without a quarterback, but we’re going to let Matt Cassel win this division again?!

The Kansas City Chiefs started the season at 0-3. They lost by 37 points to the Buffalo Bills, 45 points to the Detroit Lions (10 more than the deficit by which the Broncos lost last week), and three points to the San Diego Chargers. All hope seemed lost in Missouri, even after winning two close games against winless teams to move to 2-3. Those were hardly impressive victories, considering the opponents.

But the team started believing. They traveled to Oakland and blew out the Raiders 28-0. They followed that up with an impressive, albeit lucky victory against the San Diego Chargers in overtime Monday night. They now have four straight wins, a 4-3 record, and are first place in the AFC West. Don’t tell me a turnaround isn’t possible.

And don’t tell me the Kansas City Chiefs would rather be 2-5 and putting up a fight in the Andrew Luck contest than sitting at 4-3 right now. There isn’t a player or fan who would trade places with a Denver Broncos counterpart right now.

There’s reason to believe, Broncos country. The Broncos actually boast the most impressive win in the division: their Week 2 victory against the 5-2 Cincinnati Bengals is actually the most statistically impressive win of the AFC West this season. Only the Raiders can claim a similar victory, their Week 2 win against the 5-3 Houston Texans, and Denver’s is still better.

Three of the Broncos’ five losses came by a mere three points. Take out blowouts from the Green Bay Packers and Lions — two of the best teams in the NFL so far this year — and the season doesn’t look so lost.

But they won’t go far this season with Tebow.

Starting Tim Tebow is like raising a white flag on the season. Broncos’ opponents admit that they are daring our quarterback to “be a quarterback.”

Did you read comments from Broncos’ opponents last Sunday? John Fox and John Elway are going to lose this locker room quickly, for 2011 and beyond, if they keep this up.

Kyle Orton at least gives them a knowledgeable leader who can read defenses and throw accurately. He can get rid of the football before he is sacked. He’s inconsistent, but he’s not consistently awful. Can he lead a comeback victory in the fourth quarter? Not often, no. But he has.

The Broncos are going to give Tebow, and themselves, another week to see if the Experiment can work. They’re going to keep tweaking the playbook and gameplan to try and use Tebow to his fullest potential. They want to see if Tebow can make his magic happen outside of the final minutes of the game.

Why bother? Tim Tebow just isn’t ready. Maybe he will be someday, but it behooves the Broncos to do right by the other 52 men on this roster. Give them something to fight for. We’ve seen what there is to see in Tebow.

It wouldn’t take something extraordinary to win this division, and I’ll take Kyle Ortonary over Tim Terrible every Sunday.

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  • Anonymous

    If you don’t know anything about sabotaging Tebow’s career why do you keep saying Fox is not helping Tebow, not supporting Tebow, wants Tebow to fail, etc?
    Don’t insinuate that I’m stupid because you can’t keep your excuses straight.

    “I think you have “seen” the same I have which is no front office
    support, no coaching support, no talent support  and a game plan that
    appears to have been put together about 20 minutes before kick off void
    of any adjustments during the game.”

    “Since No one in the front office is offering any support of Tebow, it is TEbow that is going to go.”

    Your words chief.  Your point has consistently and continuously that EFX hate Tebow and want Tebow to fail.  Don’t blame me if you cannot grasp the words coming out of your mouth.

  • Lunarcur

    Hey, remember when The Great God Elway lined up over guard to take the snap? He had his moments, too. Remember when Johnnie-Boy couldn’t slow his short passing game down below the speed of light so receivers could see his passes, much less catch them? Even after the Kahunas brought in a threesome of good-hands specialists, it took several years for Big John to get in sync with professional football. Give the Teboy a break. REAL Bronco fans remember when the team was just everybodys whipping boy & we went to games to see FOOTBALL (& drink beer).

  • Anonymous

    I didn’t say he hasn’t earned that spot. On the Broncos he is the clear cut #1 imo. I’m saying he would not be a #2 on a lot of other teams in the league at this point.

  • Anonymous

    He can also throw a lot of spirals that miss. Anything outside of 7 yards and his accuracy sucks. His ability to read defenses and not fall down are horrible as well. Orton is a crap QB. Just as crappy as Tebow.

  • Anonymous

    I do not judge QB’s off of record either. 4 – 22 is a little to much to overlook though imo. I guess if you feel Orton played better than the 4 wins indicate yes we will have to agree to disagree.

    I feel like Orton’s play is very indicative of his record though so it backs up what I see on the field. 

  • Hansen

    jd – it was sarcasm, an extension of herc’s comment from above.  In other words, addressing Michael Curry’s comment, no these ex-players are NOT jealous of Tebow. 

  • Dom’s Dad

     Agree.  As tempting as it is to try to compare professional football from almost 30 years ago, it’s not a fair comparison.  No Brady Rule, QB’s were wide open targets for hits below the knee and head, and (as Troglodyte stated) the physicality of DB’s with WRers.  Modern rules are totally, and admittedly by the NFL, designed to increase pass plays and protect star QB’s like Manning and Brady.  The fan base wants to see more scoring and not watch scores of 6 to 10, which were more common in decades past.  Imagine the passing yards Elway, Marino, and Montana would thrown for with the current rules.

  • Dom’s Dad

    Paradisimo, let us have our dreams.

  • Dom’s Dad

    Greenecoservice, we hope, but none us know for sure yet.  We can have faith, but we don’t know if Tebow will be able to adjust, or even if the Broncos will give him enough time to satisfy those of us who would give Tebow next year too.  The Broncos will not wait that long with the projected strength of the 2012 QB class.  The Broncos don’t have the luxury that we fans have.  Otherwise, why would’nt Fox just name Tebow the starter for the rest of 2011?  One thing I know, playing musical QB would be ridiculous (in my humble opinion).

  • Dom’s Dad

    Monty, with all due respect, going back to Orton would be a waste of time.  The players know that there’s a 99.999% chance that Orton will not be back next year, even as a backup to mentor a rookie QB. Tebow would not be playing if Orton played as well as Orton supporters think he did.  Orton had over 2 years to prove himself, and he failed, (not all his fault, granted), but he was pulled because of his own performance; just like what could happen to Tebow.  Orton has been in the league for how long?  7 years?  The Broncos are looking for answers that will greatly influence the 2012 draft.  I don’t think our overall record would be all that differnt regardless of who is QB, do you?  Orton went 1-4 this year.  His play directly affected the possible outcome of multiple games this year; that is undisputed by reasonable people.  The Broncos believe that they must answer the Tebow question this year because they have decided that Orton is not the guy.  Let’s don’t rehash this all year.  The team has some major decisions to make over the next few years and Tebow playing 2 games is insufficient by any reasoning.  How many games will it take?  Tebows play will determine that.  If he plays well against Oakland, which is possible, do the Broncos go back to Orton?  Absolutely not.  If TT plays awful again, maybe.  If the Broncos deem it beneficial for any reason.  It’s obvious the Broncos don’t think Orton can lead them into the playoffs.  Why would they?  There is absolutely no reason to believe he could. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    Before the lockout Elway stated that Tebow would suffer from lack of coaching.  TT could improve on some, if not all, of his deficiencies; he’s very young and U. Meyer had no necessity to help develop TT as an NFL QB.  Though it may not be enough improvement and the Broncos probably would not invest a few years because of the projected strength of the upcoming 2012 Qb’s.  TT has done things on the field that the rest of us could only dream of.  I say give it a few more games and see if he shows any improvement.  He’s not getting this chance because of his religious beliefs, which I will be respectful of.  He’s playing because 1. Orton failed 2. TT was a phenomenal collegiate player.  3. The Broncos need to attempt to get a return on the investment they made in TT or cut bait.  Does it look good for Tebow at this point?  Nope.  Is 2 games enough to evaluate a 1st round pick (deserved or not, that’s what the Broncos spent)?  Nope.  Tebow may not play QB in the NFL after this year, but I would like to see for myself and make up my own mind.  None of us should be swayed by Tebow non-supporters or supporters.  Let’s give him a fair shot and see what happens.  I don’t think Tebow himself condones this division among us.  Let’s put aside personal biases and see what happens.  If Tebow is the starter next year, he earned it.  If not, he didn’t earn it.  Simple. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    Other SB winners disagree with you Hansen.  Bill Romanowski, John Lynch, Terrell Davis.  They believe he needs more time; time the Broncos are probably not willing to invest in. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    Stop with the religion bashing.  He’s not foisting anything on anyone.  He’s being himself.  Many players express their faith in the NFL and other sports.  It’s called Freedom of Religious Expression.  just because the camera man points the lens in his direction.  Most games, players meet in the middle of the field and bow in prayer with each other.  Tebow didn’t ask or orchestrate the national media.  LET’S KEEP THIS CONVERSATION WITHIN THE REALM OF FOOTBALL, unless we want to get on a religious debate.  This is about a game played by grown men that we all enjoy.  Let’s debate it based upon those merits. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    Defense did that.

  • Dom’s Dad

    Well said

  • Dom’s Dad

    He had his chance in Cleveland.  Fox and Elway didn’t choose Quinn. They owe him nothing because there is tape on him and they haven’t invested much in him.  He’s gone next year unless he’s a backup again.  Orton and Quinn are old news and Tebow might be after this year for all we know. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    Now that is the truth about the media.  It’s all about money.  Tebow haters and supporters alike want to hear the latest so the media finds anything they can to talk about.  Can’t wait til Tebow farts or horks a loogie.  We are all being manipulated.

  • Dom’s Dad

    Because Orton believes he is a starting QB and won’t settle either.  Too bad.  I thought the same thing.  He would have to be paid at least 2 million a year though.

  • Dom’s Dad

    Thank you Big Pete!

  • Dom’s Dad

    Bravo! Bravo!

  • Dom’s Dad

    Let him have it Big Pete.  We know the answer already.  This week, it’s popular to get off of the Tebow Train.  If TT plays well this Sunday, the media will have us all jumping back on. 

  • virginiabronco

    I think everyone understands the difference in not supporting some one VS “sabotage”. (Well, almost everyone).  Take a moment and refer to dictionary.  My comments have been consistant throughout. Fox is not going to change his system to suit Tebow.  Tebow can’t change.  Fox wants his style of QB.  Thats all I am saying.  (Thats all I have said). And by the way, I think the overwhelming majority of comments posted or striking similar to my comments.  Do you think Fox and Elway are supporting Tebow?

    Enjoy the rest of the season. 

  • Nisse

    i like your new avatar image, a reflection of the season so far.

  • virginiabronco

    I do remember.  But I liked it better when we were winning super bowls! :)

  • Anonymous

    The there is Trent Dilfer.

  • Anonymous

    Would you judge Archie Manning or even Jake Plummer by their records?

  • Anonymous

    Sorry about that.  With the rampant delusion it is difficult to tell if you’re serious or not.

  • Anonymous

    How much time do you invest in a #1 pick that was not your pick, is in his 2nd year and is the only QB under contract next season?  The Broncos need to sign or draft a QB regardless of what Tebow does. 

  • Anonymous

    But Orton is the reason the Broncos suck.

  • Anonymous

    They did not choose Tebow either and therefore owe him nothing.

  • Anonymous

    Is Tebow still starting?  Would you finally believe Elway was supporting Tebow if he came down from the press box and held his hand int the huddle? 
    If Fox or Elway did not support Tebow he would not be on the roster let alone starting.  If Fox and Tebow did not support Tebow then they would be sabotaging his career by sitting him on the bench.
    According to you Fox is not providing a game plan that Tebow can execute making Tebow look bad. How does that not sabotaging any players career?
    Apparently that concept is beyond your grasp.

  • Anonymous

    You’re really going to invoke the 3 amigos?  Sorry but Big John was 13-3 as a starter his 2nd year.  2 years later Elway carried the team to the Super Bowl.  What took several years was building a team that Elway did not have to carry not several years for Big John to get in sync with the rest of the NFL.  Lining up behind the guard is a far cry from from your throws going to Jefferson County.

  • Dom’s Dad

    More than 2 games.  How many games did Orton win for the team?  yes, the Broncos may very well need to draft a QB, but until then, millions of people want to give Tebow more than 2-3 games this year and get a good look.  they may come to the same conclusion as you, but in their own time frame.  Orton, nor Quinn, are going to win games for us either. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    I did not say that nor imply that.  We know what Orton provides as QB and it’s insufficient.  The team is weak at many positions, not just QB, but orton has had his chance to prove himself and he failed, that’s why he’s benched.  Have you not watched the games?  He will not start for the Broncos next year regardless of what Tebow does or doesn’t do.  Orton is OLD news and you Orton people need to move on, it’s a dead subject.  The Tebow thing will play itself out without any of our debating.

  • Dom’s Dad

    You just don’t get it, do you jd?  There are multiple reasons why Tebow needs to be seen in play and why Quinn doesn’t.  If the Broncos thought they had something in Quinn he would have played already.  Quinn was a 1st rounder also and he was given his shot twice in Cleveland, preseason in Denver 2 years and training camp here in Denver.  Tebow hasn’t had that.  Quinn makes what…$700,000 a year or so?  Not a big financial investment, thus risk.  In case you haven’t noticed, Quinn doesn’t make a dime for the Broncos nor does he attract the public interest.  Tebow has a national following, has a high salary, was a 1st rounder and hasn’t had much of a chance to develop as a QB as Quinn has had…and don’t start in about that.  Do you not understand the importance of coaching, repetition, and experience?  Quinn had all of these in Cleveland.  Denver needs to know this year what they have in Tebow, and they aren’t asking you or I our opinion on the matter. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    ….and Elway was pulled out of 2 games at halftime his first year and then sat out several more.  Yes he threw the ball better, but it takes more than just throwing the ball.  Did you know that Elway is the most sacked QB in NFL history?  Who bears all the responsibility for that, the O-line?  Obviously Tebow is not Elway, but Elway wasn’t ELWAY until the Broncos won back-to-back SB (do you get it?)  Even Terry Bradshaw, a 4-time SB winner with the Steelers, thought Elway was a horrible QB for years.  Were you even old enough to watch those games when Elway came into the league?  He had his flaws too. 

  • Dom’s Dad

    Why did Orton sit out the entire 2006 year?  He wasn’t hurt.  Did the Bears fail to see that he was a great QB?  Is he a great QB now? 

  • Hansen

    No worries! 

  • virginiabronco

    he won’t be on the roster after January.

  • Anonymous

    I don’t judge any QB by record or stats first. I judge them by what I see. When records back up what you see though, it’s telling.

    i.e. Vince Young when everyone was praising him his rookie year because he kept winning games. It was obvious the kid was getting both lucky and carried by the  defense and it wouldn’t last.

    When Orton was 6-0 he still looked awful and it was obvious he had some major incompetence and it wouldn’t last.

    Last year he was putting up incredible stats but anyone watching knew that he was a constant failure on 3rd down, in the red zone, and fell down any time pressure was near him. His stats were a fluke.

    I gave Orton a chance. I supported him for more than a year even though I thought he was awful. If Tebow can’t get it together (and it looks like he can’t) it’s time for Quinn.

    If Quinn looks like crap through 3 or 4 games, it’s time for Weber. If we are going down, let’s see what we got before the draft comes up. After the loss this week, the team is playing solely for pride not the playoffs so there is no reason to pretend they aren’t all playing for a job either with the Broncos or elsewhere next year.

  • New Castle Bronco fan

    Two things, please. Why did the Broncos’ ‘Brain Trust’ of EFX (Elway, Fox & Xanders)try to trade Orton as soon as the lock-out was lifted? (Based upon last year they surely were not expecting to start Quinn). And to be fair, shouldn’t TT be given at least as many starts as Orton got this year? (So far he has won as many games as Orton!)

    Continuing to start Orton this year is a complete waste of time as you know he will be gone next year. Quinn is no answer as he has performed miserably in every game he has been in. For better or worse, they need to stick with TT the rest of the year so they can determine whether it is possible he can become a true NFL caliber QB. This team has so many shortcomings that they should only draft a QB early round if they absolutely have to. If TT fails as his detractors say he will, then the Broncos will be in a better position to draft ‘The next greatest thing’. If he succeeds, then the Broncos can use their top pick on a different area of concern. (By the way, going back to Orton is certainly no guarentee they will have better record! What, 4-12 vs. 3-13!?) C’mon, man!

  • areferee

    I’m glad you picked up on the imagery.  For now, I have gone back to the original avatar until the next plane crash.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1306004351 Jordan Maynard

    The difference is He cannot throw
    , they could all throw

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