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Published on 09/20/2011 at Tue Sep 20 12:04.
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Why Tim Tebow is right where he belongs

Posted Tue Sep 20th by

Tim Tebow on the bench (Getty Images)

Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the bench against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 12, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 23-20. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

What if I told you that Tim Tebow was destined to put up some pretty impressive numbers as starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos over the next two seasons?

What if I told you that, in his next 32 starts, Tim Tebow will throw for over 8,000 yards? In those 32 starts, he’ll boast at least 20 games with a passer rating above 88, and of those, at least nine will eclipse 100.  What if I told you that two different wide receivers will earn Pro Bowl berths under Tim Tebow in the next two years?

Sounds great, right? You’d be pretty happy if your quarterback performed that well, right?

I just described Kyle Orton‘s first two years in Denver.

The embattled Broncos signal caller now has 30 starts under his belt in Denver, two starts away from two full seasons. Injuries have kept him sidelined for thirteen quarters in Denver, so to reach my 32-game projection I’m including the 2009 Washington Redskins game that saw Chris Simms technically start (Orton played all but the first quarter), and I’m projecting that Orton throws for at least 46 yards next week (I have a wild imagination like that).

Kyle Orton is not the problem in Denver. Just about everything else has been.

But that and a losing record haven’t stopped people from chanting for his backup (again). Today, Florida Today columnist John A. Torres (from Florida, naturally) penned yet another “Start Tebow!” piece that has been making the rounds around the Broncos blogosphere. I can recite the all-too familiar arguments out loud before I read them on paper:

“Tim Tebow is a winner. He is a hard worker and the kind of guy everyone wants on their team. He is the big, strong bull of a quarterback who can rally teammates around him and bring an organization back to greatness. He’s the guy you want as your son-in-law.”

(Yes, that’s an actual quote from the article.)

Yet the column, alluring and well-worded as it is, is centered around arguments with glaring inherent flaws, and as always, I can’t believe I’m the only person who sees them.

Torres throws out the personal agendas of John Elway and John Fox as possible motivating factors for Tebow’s benching. Either they’re prejudiced against Tebow’s Christian faith (utterly preposterous), or they’re dead-set on distancing themselves from the mistakes of Josh McDaniels.

Naturally, Torres completely ignores the fact that Kyle Orton is only in Denver by McDaniels’ good graces in the first place, but let’s not mention that.

Then, of course, there’s the main argument to any “Start Tebow” discussion. A point I’ve heard echoed a thousand times by fans and sports radio talk show hosts and bloggers and columnists more prominent than Mr. Torres.

The main, focal-point argument starts like this: “The Broncos aren’t going to the playoffs, and they’re not going to the Super Bowl. Why not play Tebow to see what they have?”

The main, focal-point argument ends like this: “Tim Tebow is a winner who will not let his team fail. The Broncos should see what he can do. And they’ll win.”

(Look in Torres’ column. You’ll find I just paraphrased half of it).

Well, Mr. Crystal Ball, if the Broncos aren’t going to the playoffs, and if the Broncos are not going to the Super Bowl, then why not let anyone play quarterback? I’ll suit up in my Broncos blues right now and sling the ol’ pig skin to Josh Temple for four quarters in front of 70,000 fans. If we’re not going anywhere this season, who cares?

What difference would Tim Tebow being a “winner” make to a team already destined to lose?

And that’s the point. It’s not the conclusion (“Tebow is a winner”) that holds the flaw, it’s the supposition: the Broncos can’t win. Taking it a step further, that the Broncos can’t win with Kyle Orton.

Kyle Orton (Getty Images)

Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos throws a 52-yard touchdown pass to Eric Decker as Linebacker Rey Maualuga #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals gives chase during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Broncos have every intention of winning as many games as they can in 2011, rebuilding be damned.

And right now, this week, the Broncos (and I) believe Kyle Orton gives them the best chance to do just that. It’s too early in this season to throw in the towel. They want to win, week in and week out, for the fans, but more importantly, for the players on that team. The veterans in that locker room do not want to work hard and fight through practice and tough it through games and risk injury for a team that’s mailed it in. Champ Bailey did not sign a contract extension in Denver to watch the Broncos admit defeat in Week 1 of this season. Can you imagine John Fox’s explanation?:

“Well boys, I know we said Kyle Orton gives us the best chance to win. But we’re going to go with Tim Tebow. Just because. We want to see what the kid has. For next year.”

John Fox says that, or even implies it, and he has lost every single man in that Denver Broncos locker room.

Kyle Orton is not perfect. Kyle Orton had a string of bad games dating back from last year. Not that he’s the only good quarterback to have a string of bad games, but that merits discussion. If that trend were to continue, and it cost the Broncos games, I’d be inclined to make a move.

But Orton isn’t the problem. The Broncos are not losing because of Kyle Orton.

Quarterback wins are the most overrated, overstated stat in professional football. How else can you explain Orton’s 21-12 winning record in Chicago compared to his 12-19 record in Denver? Orton is performing undoubtedly better with the Broncos than he did then. His stats the last two seasons blow his first four years in the league out of the water. The wins haven’t come. It’s not his fault.

I do not know if he or Tebow is the answer for next year. I think either of them might be. I also think it’s a strong possibility the Broncos add another player into the mix.

But I’m not talking about 2012. I’m talking about now. Week 3. 2011.

Who gives the Broncos the best chance to win games right now? In my opinion, and in the opinion of John Fox, that man is Kyle Orton.

And until Tebow outperforms Orton in practice (what a novel idea), or until Orton collapses down the stretch, Tim Tebow is right where he belongs: on the bench.

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  • Anonymous

    What if I told you a new rookie would come into the league and throw for over 800 yards in two games? Stats are misleading and pointless. 

    Watching someone consistently choke in close games and the 4th isn’t a mirage. Watching a QB TRY to give Cincy the win with a fumble that put the game close and then 2 back to back 3 and out’s (not even counting the last 3 and out because of the penalty) is sad on depressing. 

    Orton is as much of the problem as any problem on this team.

  • http://twitter.com/AdamMackWright AdamMackWright

    I feel like i’ve been waiting years for someone to sum up “The Tebow Thing” this perfectly.

    The best QBs in the NFL currently had the chance to sit on the bench behind a veteran and learn (Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady) or took 3-5 years of experience to peak (Brees, Manning). I’m not a huge Tebow fan but his best chance to succeed as the Broncos QB is to sit there and learn and get better. I wish more fans/media understood that.

  • Anonymous

    DURR…NO.  START TEBOW!  HURR…DURRRRR.  HE’Z WINNAR!!!!

  • wyrob

    right on, Monty.

  • Intma21

    Well Put !!!

  • Intma21

    Good Point !!

  • wyrob

    really? Orton was trying to “give Cincy the win”?  I thought that play was more an example of Clady giving up a play to a good DE.

  • rcsodak

    Best, smartest, most accurately poignant post to date. Kudos.

  • Anonymous

    You mean with Orton holding the ball out like a bafoon in a crucial situation in Bronco’s territory?

    And what’s his excuse for not getting a single first down and forcing the punter to kick from Bronco territory?

  • rcsodak

    How about jumping on our 1st round, shanny picked LOT for getting owned on that and many other plays instead of orton. The OL is responsible for his sacks and that fumble. Pure and simple for those with their eyes not wide shut.

  • Anonymous

    This one line says it all “The Broncos are not losing because of Kyle Orton”.

    You are right and I’m sick of hearing that because they aren’t winning because of him either and they never will. 

    It’s always the same bs “Orton didn’t play well but it wasn’t his fault because…” or “Orton didn’t come through in the clutch but if XYZ would have happened then….”

    That’s right, Orton didn’t play well when it mattered. Period! It’s ALWAYS something be it a fumble, int, sack, or just flat out inability to convert a 1st down. It’s ALWAYS something.

    Has anyone ever once said “Orton really put the team on his back”. Not once in 3 freaking years. Nuff said.

  • David

    But……………Rivers sat behind Brees, and Rodgers sat behind Farve, Orton isn’t near the QB those two are/were. What they need to do is WORK with Tebow, so they have an idea of where he is and what he needs. I agree it would be best for him to sit and learn, but we really need to know where he is before we address the QB issue for next year.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    I disagree with your “ALWAYS”. See Dallas in 2009, New England in 2009, Tennessee last year.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    Appreciate it.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    Thanks.

  • Anonymous

    Dallas was ALL Marshall. Our offense was pathetic at best and Marshall made an amazing grab and turned it into the win. 

    New England, Orton didn’t make any major mistakes but it was the Mike Nolan’s defense that held New England to 17 points that won the game.

    Tennessee I’ll give to you he played a pretty good game. I wouldn’t call Tennessee’s absolute melt down of stupid penalties and completely blown coverages, Orton putting the team on his back but that was probably the best game of his career.

  • Anonymous

    It doesn’t matter.  Orton could go out there, throw for four hundred+ and five TD’s and the Tebow apostles would still be like “did you see the way he arrogantly left the field of play after the game was over?  Classless move from a guy who OBVIOUSLY is not a winnar. Nuff said.”

  • Anonymous

    Unfortunately for all the talking pundits who don’t know how to actually analyze a game and love Orton… they don’t realize that the vast majority of people that hate Orton don’t give a rats ass about Tebow.

    I don’t care if we are trying Tebow, Quinn or Adam Weber. Orton isn’t going to do anybody any good so let’s give someone else a shot.

  • King

    What if I told you when a QB can’t convert on third down and chokes under pressure, that it brings the entire team down? 

    There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.  Stats are all Orton has.  He will never lead any team to a Super Bowl. 

  • virginiabronco

    2009??  2009!??  This just in, its 2011

  • Anonymous

    What if I told you his record would be 12-18 over that span?  I have a feeling that regardless of stats people wouldn’t be real happy with Tebow just like they’re not too pleased with Orton.  Not to mention that as a longtime fan/supporter of the Broncos it pisses me off when Orton tells the press that his LAST goal is to please the fans.  Right those same fans that pay YOUR salary.  Screw Orton, the sooner he is gone the better and whether it is Tebow, Quinn, Weber or TBD we’re going to be better off.  

  • Anonymous

    So you kick the season into the garbage after week two?   

    Who “loves” Orton?  I’ve never heard anyone say they “love” Orton.  They say he’s better than Tebow, which is obvious to anyone paying attention. 

  • virginiabronco

    I respect the fact that “Monty” trys to inpire comments and discussion.  It is also worth noting that on more than one occasion you (Monty) have yourself cast doubts on KO’s abilty and leadership with such phrases as he “sacks himself” etc etc. 
    Now while stating all of those wonderful and I am sure accurate statistics regarding KO’s passing yardage, will someone look up the statisic on how many wins this has translated into over the last 3 years?  And while you are busy looking that up, I would really like to know how many yards after the catch is included in his total yards.  I have only seen KO complete three passes over 20 yards in 3 years and then the wide open receiver had to wait on the ball! I may be SLIGHTLY underestimating the number but you get the point. How many third down and 7 yards to go have you seen us convert? It is almost an automatic punt situation anymore.
    So when you make a statement that KO gives this team the “Best Chance to win”, considering how many wins he has lead us to in the last 18 games, I propose that almost anyone else as QB could have yielded similar if not better results.  I really don’t think you make much of a case at all and sighting all of those statistics and still not winning proves my point.  How many wins did it get us?  Could anyone else have matched his record on this team for the last 18 games.  I say yes.  Anyone else in the QB position could have ended up with the same record or better. Tebow, Quinn, Jake Plummer or dare I say, Cutler. 

  • Anonymous

    Yes.  Every single third down non-convert was 100% Orton’s fault. 

    That makes perfect sense, guy.  Perfect. 

  • Anonymous

    But but but Tebow had a QB rating of 2,000,001 in the preseason and Orton only plays well in the preseason and and and. . .

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    You’re right. That’s why I don’t usually include it in my Orton arguments. But you were using ALWAYS. Orton ALWAYS fails.

    He didn’t throw a pick to Marshall there that BM took 80 yards. He didn’t fumble the snap. He didn’t get himself sacked. He threw the ball, and a guy made a play.

    Orton didn’t choke in the fourth quarter.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    This just in, it’s two weeks into 2011.

  • Anonymous

    Elway, Young and Montana spent their rookie years learning from Steve DeBerg.  Is there some point you’re trying to make?

  • Anonymous

    And Tebow will lead a team to the Superbowl because he won the Heisman and had a preseason QB rating of 2,000,001 and he won in college and and and. . .

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    I don’t deny that. And this isn’t just trying to stir up debate, this post is about as representative of how I feel about Orton/Tebow as anything I’ve ever written.

    I’m not sure if Orton’s the future. He needs to play a little bit better for that, for me, before I say sign him to an 8-year deal and make him the franchise. Clearly that’s how the Broncos feel too. This is his last shot in Denver, probably.

    But clearly also the Broncos think he gives them the best chance to win now. And that’s my point. I’m not interested in Sucking for Luck, losing this locker room, and becoming a joke of a franchise.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    He also needs to stay healthy for a full damn season, something I didn’t get into in this article.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    Seriously, if you’re worried about Kyle Orton holding the ball out like a buffoon … have you even watched Tim Tebow throw?!?

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    Speaking of… what the hell is up with that guy. Clady 2010-2011 <<<<< Clady 2008-2009.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    Apologize, didn’t read your whole comment, that above was just re: Dallas.

    New England was Orton’s best game. He won it for us. He completely put the team on his back in the fourth quarter and overtime.

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    Re: your first point, all things being equal, I’d be right here posting this same article getting Tebow’s back in that hypothetical.

    Re: your other point. You’re not the only person who interpreted those comments that way. I didn’t, but you and others did, you’re upset, okay.

  • Anonymous

    I’m not sure I know how else to interpret those comments.  When a guy says “my last goal is to please the fans” there’s really not much room for interpretation.  I guess I’m surprised that there’s Broncos fans who aren’t upset about that kind of comment.  I get that he wants to please his coaches and fellow players but why on earth would you make that kind of statement?  It’s not like he just said he’s more worried about pleasing his coaches and fellow players, he said straight up that his LAST goal is pleasing the fans.  Why should anyone support him if that’s how much he cares about the fans in return?

  • Anonymous

    Yeah, he was unforgivably bad last week. 

  • Anonymous

    So you expect the guy to get booed week in and week out, have morons chant for his terrible backup and then come out and talk about how much he loves the fans and that he gives two craps about what they think?   That’s a little pollyannaish. 

    Players do not give a rats ass about the fans. They may pay them lip-service, but do they actually care about what we think?  Hell no.  Rightfully so in Orton’s case. 

  • broncofan67

    3 run plays call from the sideline? Maybe?

  • Lmd1067

    Put the Kool-aide down.

  • David

    my point is that it took Elway, Young and Montana time….and Bill Wlash spent time PERSONALLY with Young and Montana, teaching them how to be a productive QB in the NFL……so who has Tebow had, or who in the Bronco organization has been working with him. it just doesn’t seem like they have any interest in helping him get better.

  • Anonymous

    Sorry, no.  Tebow was spiritually guiding him from from Gainesville during that game.  ALL Tebow!

  • Anonymous

    No, I don’t expect him to profess his love for the fans (and quite honestly I don’t think I implied that in my response) but I also don’t expect him to take a direct shot at the fans like he did.  I expect the starting QB for the home team to act professionally regardless of the circumstance.  Plummer was dealt a much worse hand in this town than your boy Orton and he handled himself with class.  Just because you’re a professional athlete doesn’t mean you know how to handle yourself like a professional.  

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    I took it in implied context. That last thing, when it comes to the coaches, teammates, front office, himself, and fans, is the fans.

    Orton has said he loves Denver and wants to stay here, and he wouldn’t if he didn’t care about the fans.

  • anthony33

    One KEY point you are all forgetting.

    Orton DOES NOT WANT TO BE HERE.  Remember?  He ASKED FOR A TRADE, just like Brandon and just like Scheffler.

    If he dosen’t want to be here then play somebody that DOES.

    How hard is that?

  • Anonymous

    What are you talking about, Tebow would’ve taken off running at least 5 seconds earlier :)  

  • http://broncotalk.net Monty

    Really? Are you sure? I don’t remember it going down like that.

  • Pingback: Why Tim Tebow Is Not The Future Of The Broncos – Neon Tommy()

  • Anonymous

    I see your point but I think it was the way he said it that gave me the impression that it was more universal.  “My last goal playing QB is to win over the fans.  That’s my last goal.”  To me that sounds more all-encompassing.  

  • anthony33

    From everything I have read and heard, yes, Orton was the one that asked for the trade.  Not sure if it was immediately after last year or shortly thereafter, but definitely that way I heard it.

    Anyone else?  Please validate or tell me I’m hearing things.

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