Tebowmania isn’t going to end anytime soon. Broncos executive John Elway confirmed the obvious on Monday, saying that Tim Tebow has “earned” the right to be the starting quarterback heading into training camp next year.
Then again, Elway made it clear that Tebow has a lot of work to do.
“The passing game wasn’t where we wanted it to be,” Elway said at the season-ending press conference. “Those are the strides we have to make . . . we know Timmy will work his tail off.”
Elway stressed the team will have to “be in the market” to bring in more quarterbacks. That’s no surprise considering there are only two quarterbacks on the roster: Tebow and Adam Weber. Brady Quinn seems likely to leave via free agency and the Broncos could bring in a veteran backup or a rookie to compete with Tebow.
“We’re so hopeful that Tim’s that guy,” Elway said. “He has work to do . . . he made strides this year and got a lot of experience this year.”
It would be stunning if Tebow wasn’t the Week One starter next year. The Broncos want to see Tebow’s improvement after a full offseason of work with his new coaching staff. The Broncos also want options if Tebow struggles. Elway doesn’t want to bring in another quarterback that’s content just holding the clipboard.
“If he’s afraid to come in and compete for that job, maybe he’s not the right guy,” Elway said.
Elway cited Tom Brady as a model of the type of quarterback he wants. Elway stressed needing an offense that can consistently throw down the field.
Tebow has earned the right to keep playing. But Elway’s words made it clear that Tebow will continue to be evaluated closely and will need to develop as a pocket passer to be “that guy” Elway is looking for.