Denver Broncos: Possible Insurance Plans for Peyton Manning
Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Tim Tebow
(11) throws during warm ups before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
If the Broncos wanted to create one of the biggest controversies and media fire-storms in recent memory, they could do so by bringing back Tim Tebow. Tebow may have received more media attention than any player in history who has only started 16 games in his career, but Broncos fans have to remember the wonderful run he lead their team on back in 2011.
As the team’s starter, Tebow turned a 1-5 team around, finishing with an 8-8 record, but won their division and hosted a playoff game, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card game before finally getting bounced by the New England Patriots in the Divisional round. That offseason the Broncos signed Peyton Manning and traded Tebow to the New York Jets where he threw only 8 passes in one season. After his release from the Jets, Tebow bounced around to several camps, but failed to ever again make a regular-season NFL roster.
A former Heisman trophy winner and two-time BCS National Champion, Tebow knows what it takes to win football games, and can play under the pressure of media scrutiny. He has never had elite passing ability or accuracy, but his arm strength has never been questioned. If Denver is looking for someone to get the ball downfield to their talented receivers, Tebow can certainly do that.
The greatest aspect of Tebow’s game has always been his running ability, as he was second on the team in rushing yards and first on the team in rushing touchdowns in his 2011 season with Denver. The Broncos want to be able to run the football, and not only would Tebow be a great rushing weapon, he could open up the offense for the team’s running backs. Tebow’s presence in the 2011 Broncos offense helped 30-year old Willis McGahee to over 1,000 yards rushing, a number he had not hit for four years.
Tebow may be worth a call even if the Broncos are not looking to make him a starter. He’s an energetic leader who can help the team build offensive momentum, and he would add an exciting wrinkle to Denver’s offense. Making defenses prepare for Tim Tebow would not only open up the field for the team’s running backs, but could help Peyton Manning find some more room to throw the ball.
It seems unlikely that Denver will give Tebow a call, as doing so would immediately be a huge media story, and having him on the roster would turn the locker room into a carnival. If they do look his way though, they may find a nice spark for a struggling offense.
Next: Wild Card