Starting gig reportedly Tebow’s “job to lose”

Broncos coach John Fox has a quarterback depth chart in mind, but he’s not sharing it yet.  Kyle Orton figures to be on the trading block, but there is a chance he’ll stick in Denver to compete for the starting job.

Even if that happens, Steve Wyche of NFL.com says Orton is likely the underdog to win the gig.

“I have talked to enough people . . . to comfortably say that unless Tim Tebow gets hurt in training camp or is absolutely awful, the starting job is his to lose,” Wyche said.  “They want to find out if Tebow can play.”

The Broncos reportedly want a third-round pick for Orton.  If not, they could keep him around. Wyche also said he wouldn’t be surprised if Jake Delhomme winds up as one of the three quarterbacks on Denver’s roster.

If Delhomme actually starts for the Broncos, Denver fans may start looking back on the Josh McDaniels era fondly.

56 responses to “Starting gig reportedly Tebow’s “job to lose”

  1. The Josh McDaniels? Did you leave out ‘era’ maybe?

    I hope Tebow does well, he was fun to watch in college.

  2. Tim Tebow is the future of this team. No reason to keep him on the bench even if they have to go through some growing pains with him. It isn’t like they’re Super Bowl contenders with Orton, right?

  3. I love the way the story stretched into Delhome starting in Denver. Won’t happen. Tebow will start. QUINN will be the backup.

  4. Trade Orton to Washington for Haynesworth [and we’ll buy out part of his contract]. He’s still an all-pro quality DT [even if he is a pain in the ass].

  5. Always amazes me how solid, unspectacular quarterbacks are so unappreciated in this league.

    You spend years and years searching for a QB who can play, and then you finally find one, but he doesn’t have a pretty face or cannon-like arm strength, so you ditch him for an unproven rookie?

    If I’m a team in need of a QB, a 3rd round pick for a reliable starter is incredible value. Orton’s a good QB who can move your offense and won’t turn the ball over. This is the formula that perennially successful teams use.

    The Colts, Steelers, Patriots, Packers–they all value QBs who are accurate and don’t throw interceptions above everything else. The other talents are just a bonus.

    You need to give him some talent to work with–he isn’t Peyton Manning–but even guys like him only come around once in a while.

    If I’m the Browns, Raiders, or Redskins, just to name a few, I’m taking a serious look at Orton as my starter for the next few years while I build the rest of my team up. He gives your team a chance, and that’s what you need.

  6. captainwisdom8888 says: Jul 18, 2011 11:45 AM

    I don’t see everyone in Denver running around in Orton jerseys…

    _______________________________

    so i guess it matters none whether or not the QB in Denver is actually decent, just whether jerseys are selling, huh? isn’t this supposed to be actually about football?

    enjoy watching Tebow suck and Orton be dependable elsewhere. but that Timmy jerey looks great on you, I bet

  7. So many bust QB’s these days; why not? Give Tebow a shot. He’s not your classic drop back QB and he may not work out but he’s a 1st round pick (for better or for worse) and they have to see what he’s got.

    Bottom line is this team is gonna suck unless they bring in T. Brady or P. Manning and I don’t see that happening.

  8. Delhomme himself and the rest of league are aware he’s no longer a starting QB in the NFL. If he goes anywhere its as a backup. No reason to bash the guy. He is just a high character guy who is a good mentor at this point in his career and could start 1 or 2 games if you need him.

  9. I think ideally they would like to keep Orton around, but Orton and Tebow don’t get along and Orton has flat out refused to be Tebow’s backup. So that’s that.

  10. captainwisdom8888 says: Jul 18, 2011 11:45 AM

    I don’t see everyone in Denver running around in Orton jerseys…
    _______________________________
    And? Look, plenty of musicians/groups have sold a bunch of records without being any good. Popularity and ability are not the same thing. Tebow sold more jerseys than anyone last preseason. Are you saying that means he went into last season a better QB than Brady, Manning, or Rodgers? Any coach that makes a decision on who the starting QB will be based on popularity rather than skill deserves to lose his job, which is exactly what will happen after the team loses enough games.

  11. Seeing as the broncos gave Payton Hillis and two draft picks for brady quinn, I wonder how many first round picks they’ll give up for a proven winner like delhomme. I’m sure the Browns can throw in a worn out DL to sweeten the pot.

  12. My money is Minnesota landing Orton (if Denver moves him). They seem to like players familiar with the division. He’s not the best QB but he’s a leader and won’t pull the diva crap Farve did.

    Orton reminds me of a Brad Johnson who ironically played for the Vikings. Got no respect from media or fans but lead his team(s) well including a win in SB XXXVI behind a stellar defense.

    If he goes, Orton will get a ring before anyone on the Bears or Broncos gets one.

  13. tecmobowl34 says:
    so i guess it matters none whether or not the QB in Denver is actually decent, just whether jerseys are selling, huh? isn’t this supposed to be actually about football?
    ——————————————

    If playing Tebow generates more revenue for the league in the form of merchandise sales, aren’t the Broncos OBLIGATED to play him??? The NFL is currently being sued by the players for failing to maximize TV revenue which they get a cut of, technically a case could be made that using cash-generating popular but less talented players is the right thing to do.

    Like any business, there are 2 philosophies: be the best, or be the most profitable. If you can be both that is great. But if you can only pick one, you take the latter.

  14. Broncos have three quarterbacks capable of starting in the league. Several teams have none. But I’m not at all confident that the current management team will be able to take advantage of that situation.

  15. I’ve watched John Fox coach the Panthers for the past 10 years. He’s got strengths and weaknesses, but if he’s running the show (as opposed to Elway), there is no way he starts a 2nd year QB over a veteran. The only hope Tebow has to start is if Elway is in command of that decision.

  16. Notice that there aren’t any anti-Tebow folks on here that’ll talk about football?

    The Haynesworth to Denver idea may be the worst football idea tossed out on this site in quite a while. Just sayin’.

  17. #
    #
    klunge says: Jul 18, 2011 1:05 PM

    tecmobowl34 says:
    so i guess it matters none whether or not the QB in Denver is actually decent, just whether jerseys are selling, huh? isn’t this supposed to be actually about football?
    ——————————————

    If playing Tebow generates more revenue for the league in the form of merchandise sales, aren’t the Broncos OBLIGATED to play him??? The NFL is currently being sued by the players for failing to maximize TV revenue which they get a cut of, technically a case could be made that using cash-generating popular but less talented players is the right thing to do.

    Like any business, there are 2 philosophies: be the best, or be the most profitable. If you can be both that is great. But if you can only pick one, you take the latter.

    —————————————————-

    well, you answered my question. I guess it DOES have NOTHING to do with football, then.

    what a crass, cynical way to view this game. let hype triumph over results. are you a fan of the game, or a fan of teams’ financial statements? when did fans start taking so much pride in how many jerseys get sold?

    if you want to be a fan of tebow’s, fine. that’s your right as a Broncos fan. but at least let that be based on performance at the NFL level, not how many idiot droves of fans went out and bought the stupid shirt before he ever played a single game.

  18. @ TECMO

    Who in gods name wants a decent qb on their team. Look at who wins superbowls in this league. Rodgers, Brees, Mannings, Brady, Big Ben. There are only 6 current qb’s in this league who have superbowl rings. Being decent at any position let alone QB isnt’ good enough. Not saying Tebow is as good as those guys but we know Orton will never come close.

  19. Stop all this Delhomme talk… whoever started that is just reaching for something. Delhomme is washed up and useless. And Fox should know that better than anyone else.
    Tebow is going to start in Denver and he’s going to do great. Give him some time! All the greats had to work themselves into the NFL. Including #7 himself. It will happen.
    GB2

  20. @ sc5000 – fair point.

    see, that’s a results-based argument! much better than “I don’t care if my team sucks as long as the jersey sales are thru the roof – THAT’S what really matters”

  21. I’m excited to see how good Tim Tebow is. I hope he does well even though part of me wants him to do poorly so that he doesn’t infiltrate my tv with commercials. His current one for that energy supplement is not watchable.

  22. Tebow posts have to have the highest average comment/post ratio on this website, so i guess a few of you are paying attention to him.

    Give him 5 years.

  23. I don’t know what tebow did in his three starts that make some think he’s going to be the worst qb ever. Like any qb there are going to be growing pains, but some at the first sight of trouble are going to say ” see I told you he sucked”. Look the guy has the tools to be successful give him a chance. I mean people act like colt McCoy was great last year, he wasn’t. Sam Bradford had the lowest ypa last year. Rookies need time and reps and a quality supporting cast. Best friends of a 1st year starter a good running game and defense. If the broncos try to put it all on tim he may not do too well. But if they let him develop along with the aid of a running game then he should be fine. Oh and orton is not great, and he’s not the worst, but he does not get it done in the red zone.

  24. It doesn’t much matter who starts this year. Orton is a placeholder. Quinn is not part of the conversation. Tebow makes sense only in that they’d at least get to see what they have. There are no delusions of the playoffs this year UNLESS Tebow somehow comes on as a stud. I don’t think they make the playoffs with Orton. Might as well trade him, see what you have with Tebow and then either move forward (with Tebow) or draft / sign a new guy next year.

  25. I find it weird that there’s a general consensus that Sam Bradford is going to be a good QB while people say Tebow did nothing spectacular in his first 3 starts in the NFL and will never be a good QB. If you compare stats, Tebow did just as well or better than Bradford in his first 3 starts. And no way does Jake start for the Broncos…

  26. John Fox might not be a great HC. But even he knows Timmy Rah-Rah isn’t the answer. Denver takes a step back to draft a real QB next year. Luck or Barkley……

  27. Ahh and the Andrew Luck sweepstakes begins…trade Orton for a 3rd. Trade the 3rd and Knowshon for a 2nd and soon enough you have enough first round picks to get Luck.

  28. Starting Tebow is a no lose situation for the Broncos. Either he exceeds expectations and the Broncos are decent, or they are in the running for Andrew Luck. Another 7 win season with Kyle Orton helps no one.

  29. Count me as a former Tebow hater because of his off field issues (bible thumper teabagger). However, he’s a hard worker, has kept his mouth shut, and performed decently in the few plays he was put in as a rookie.

  30. I’m in favor of him donning the “Friar Tebow” hairstyle his entire playing career. I believe it will highly increase his marketability and could possibly lead to better play on the field.

  31. Tebow should be the starter next season unless he is absolutely terrible in training camp and the preseason. Last season he did pretty well in his limited time, he was actually statistically one of the better rookie QBs of the last decade. Let him play and see what you’ve got, you’re never going to find out anything with him holding a clipboard on the sidelines.

    Orton for a 3rd round pick? I am still holding out hope they can get a 2nd for him but at the end of the day a 3rd would be fine. He has accomplished a lot more than Kolb and rumors have the Eagles expecting a 1st and maybe more for him so a 2nd shouldn’t be unreasonably. Orton is a good but not great QB who could help a lot of teams, he might not be able to carry a team but if you support him with a decent running game and defense he can win you some games, he was far from the problem in Denver the last 2 seasons.

  32. Ok people… the Andrew Luck talks can stop too. Denver has made it obvious that they are going to build their running game and defense. Tebow has to be given a fair shot. AT LEAST 3 to 5 seasons to see if he is improving. Which I am definitely on the side that he will succeed. He has done nothing to get the bad qb talks that people have given him. He is going to find a way to win, that’s just what he does. That’s the kind of guy you want on your team.
    Denver is going to be too good this season to even be close to drafting Luck. And we don’t even need him.
    Kyle Orton isn’t a good leader, and he isn’t going to take the team any further than he already has.
    Orton to AZ!!
    Win win situation for both teams.

  33. Everybody wants to hate on Tebow. Why? He’s a Christian. No other real reason. The guy started 3 games last season and accounted for 11 touchdowns. Had a 300 yard game. Looked like Peyton Hillis when he ran. Had a higher QB rating than Sam Bradford. But he totally sucks right? Lame.

  34. bronconick, as a Raider fan I really like the idea of Denver giving Tebow three to FIVE!!!? years to show what he’s got.

    At least the raiders can go a minimum of 2-14 during the Tebow flop.

    As a fan of any team, you should know much better then that, Tebow will be on a short leash. He’ll get a 50/50 fair chance on some easy plays then will need to be 100% by the end of this year or it’s time to move on. no one is going to waste 3 years on a complete project that doesn’t move forward in large steps after every few games.

  35. mikebrownistheworstownerinprosports says: Jul 18, 2011 5:38 PM

    Everybody wants to hate on Tebow. Why? He’s a Christian. No other real reason. The guy started 3 games last season and accounted for 11 touchdowns. Had a 300 yard game. Looked like Peyton Hillis when he ran. Had a higher QB rating than Sam Bradford. But he totally sucks right? Lame.

    ——————————————————————————-

    No, it’s not because he’s Christian, doofus. It’s because he is overly average. Look, Bradford played an entire season on a crummy team and still looked excellent in some games. Tebow started in only 3 games and threw for 4 TDs , 3 INTs and had 3 rushing TDs. Tebow didn’t have any great games, like Bradford did.

    All of Tebow’s games were totally average from a QB standpoint. Plus, the average games were against terrible teams (OAK and HOU), who had a combined record of 16-18.

    When he met the one good team, San Diego, he crumbled with a 58.2 QB rating.

    3 games worth of stats mean nothing. Let’s see an entire season and Denver fans will see what everyone is talking about.

  36. Timmy T is the Sarah Palin of football. He could be good fullback or runningback, but to even mention him with Bradford as a QB is insane. Bradford is going into his fourth year and Timmy is still learning the basics. He IS a very good natural jock but he needs to go get in a bar room brawl and get laid! I can’t wait to see what Bradford and McDaniels can do. Let’s get this damned season going!

  37. Tim Tebow is, and has always been, a GREAT football player. He has more talent than most NFL qbs, and he will work at least as hard as the best of the rest to improve. In the immortal words of Coach Eric Taylor of the Dillon Lions/Panthers: ‘Clear eyes, full hearts, CAN’T LOSE’!

  38. I seem to remember Mr. Elway struggled a bit at first–go back and look for yourself. And Tebow’s record to this point is better than John’s

  39. I like Kyle from his days with the Bears but, Denver is dreaming if they think they’re going to get a second round pick in trade for him. 3rd, tops. 4th is more likely. Which, is the round he was originally drafted in, if I recall correctly.

    Kyle is a serviceable, hard-working QB, but the problem with Kyle is no upside. What you see with Kyle is what you’re going to get. No one thinks Kyle is going to turn into an elite QB this September or any other September.

    With Tebow, there’s this palpable, marketable HOPE that he can be the second coming of Christ/Elway on the playing field. The hope and potential of Tebow sells season tickets.

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