At 2-4, the Denver Broncos are quickly falling out of the playoff race. In fact, the only reason no one has entirely ruled them out is because of an overall weak AFC West that includes the Oakland Raiders, a surprisingly-bad San Diego Chargers, and a much-improved but young Kansas City Chiefs.
The Broncos have a lot of problems, as most knew they would. But one of the problems they have not had is Kyle Orton and the passing offense. Right now, after six games, Orton currently has 1,942 yards which puts him on pace for 5,179 yards — a number that would break Dan Marino’s single-season passing record.
But yet and still, there is talk that college sensation turned first-round pick Tim Tebow should, and could, get the starting nod before the end of the season.
The case to be made for Tebow is simple enough: as a first-round pick, the Broncos have made Tebow the future of the franchise. They knew he would be a project, but once the season gets away from them why continue to play Orton?
Instead, let Tebow sling the ball around to a group of receivers that have put up big numbers. Even if he isn’t ready quite yet, there’s nothing that can replace live action experience. Then they can regroup next season with a healthy Knowshon Moreno and a more-experienced Tebow.
It makes sense on the surface, but since the Broncos are not dead in the water just yet putting Tebow into the starting lineup would mean prematurely admitting defeat.
Orton in the lineup clearly gives the team the best chance to win, and once they can get Moreno and Correll Buckhalter healthy and kickstart their running game they could make a run in the AFC West. The Raiders aren’t going to compete, the Chargers are too busy getting in their own way, and the Chiefs will likely be unable to continue winning without a legitimate starting quarterback.
If Josh McDaniels’ track record tells us anything, Tebow will likely start at some point this year. McDaniels has made a habit of ditching talent in favor of a guy he likes, and since he traded back into the first round to grab Tebow it makes it all the more likely he’ll force him into the lineup sooner rather than later.