Why do quarterback controversies exist? Why must we overcomplicate things? Currently the stupid Denver Broncos, fresh off a crappy season, have decided to stick with the same quarterback that helped fling them into a beautiful 3-13 record last season, and also was responsible for their awful collapse the season before. Despite whom the fans prefer, the Broncos are sticking with their man. Kyle Orton has not had much of a reputation in the NFL despite his talents, constantly proving that he can run down a team just as easily as he can lift them to the next level. Yet, Tim Tebow once again is put in the backburner as second-string quarterback. It does not make sense. This controversy can be eliminated almost immediately, before it causes problems with the team and its fans.
One of three things has to happen here for the Broncos to have any sort of shot at honestly accomplishing anything this season. Option number one, give Tebow a chance. Tim Tebow is the same quarterback that helped the Gators win two national championships during his days in college. He is a Heisman Trophy winner, and became the first quarterback to rush and pass for 20 touchdowns in the same season. He is a special kid with a lot of talent and a willingness to play. The man can throw, but he can also create plays with his running abilities. If the Broncos are going to waste his time and not try to develop him he is going to turn into the NFL version of Darko Miličić.
While we are at it, let’s mention that the Broncos were 3-10 with Orton, and this is in a very weak division in which the Raiders were 5-0 against the divisional rivals. Did you hear that? Raiders. 5-0. If this isn’t more evidence that its time for a change, I don’t know what is. Kyle Orton’s numbers have worked well, but when your team fails to make the postseason in a shady division for multiple consecutive years, why not switch things up? I say give Tim Tebow a couple of games in the beginning and if things look bleak, go back to Loser.
The second option is to trade Tebow for some defense. This is probably the option that makes the most sense, and with many NFL teams going trade-crazy, I’m shocked this has yet to happen. The man is popular, quite talented, yet the rumors persist that he was inches from getting the third slot in quarterback in the Broncos organization. So why not utilize his current value and fame and try to get some defense? While I am currently on the Kyle Orton Hate Parade (especially after recent comments about winning over the fans being last on his to-do list) he did post these numbers last season: 20 TD, 9 INT, 87.5 quarterback rating. But have you seen their defensive numbers? 2nd in giving away the most rushing yards and 9th in passing yards, and lets combine that with being 30th in tackles, 25th in INTs, and in the bottom 15 in total takeaways. Isn’t it time for defense?
Now who is the team that most desperately wants/needs a quarterback? The Miami Dolphins. What do the Dolphins have? Defense, and tons of it. What do the Dolphins need? A good quarterback. The NFL is now a league in which it’s a requirement to have a good quarterback to win it all. The last team to win the Super Bowl with a mediocre quarterback was Eli Manning’s Giants during their historic upset of the Patriots back in 2008. The last one to win with a miserable quarterback? The Ravens way back in 2001. The Dolphins need, badly, Tebow in order to compete in the devastatingly deadly division against the Jets and Patriots—two teams that got a lot better this offseason. And let’s not forget the Dolphins lost Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. For the sake of both franchises, this trade needs to happen.
The last option, why not let them both play? Give Tim Tebow the first half, and then totally mess things up by giving Orton the second half. Can you imagine being the opponent and being forced to create two different strategies when facing the Broncos? You get the run-n-gun style of Tim Tebow, which would wear down the defense, and then have the underratedly (not a word) accurate throw bombs of Kyle Orton to seal the deal. Not only does it force everyone else to switch styles of defense mid-game, but it gives less time for each quarterback, and it makes them less tired throughout the season. I am shocked that more football teams don’t follow a similar strategy—imagine the Eagles using Kobb last year to start, and then throwing a monkeywrench with the fast, feisty, and unpredictable Michael Vick in the second half. Its like a powerful relief pitcher and a closer wrapped into one for the second half of the game.
(Even the cheerleaders haven't been as good in Denver)
Bottom Line: The Denver Broncos’ quarterback controversy does not have to linger at all, as long as Denver does something, fast. They may think the current situation will not effect the season, but they are dead wrong. What if Orton struggles the first couple games? Then the fans, media, and perhaps even the players will become nervous and restless and set a bad tone for the rest of the year. Controversy needs to be stomped, and this can be achieved by whether switching the starters, trading away the popular second-string, or giving them both facetime and drive the opponents insane. They can add some annoying “oomph” by not even announcing the starter until half an hour before the game. There is a lot of talent here, and it can be utilized. But as long as Orton is a prick and Tebow is Denver’s sweetheart, its going to be tough for the team to improve upon its dismal record last year.
P.S. Dolphins, Ronnie Brown signed with the Eagles for just one million. You couldn’t up the contract ante? You bums.
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