Vocal in passion, fans of the Denver Broncos have sounded with upheaval against the decision to bench quarterback Tim Tebow. Echoing throughout Denver on Monday night, chants of “TEBOW” resounded those of a franchise in conflict with its fans.
The position battle is no longer healthy.
Unwilling to trade starting quarterback Kyle Orton during the off season, Orton has played the entire preseason and week one repeatedly booed by fans.
Entrusted with the starting duties by new head coach John Fox, Orton has proven himself a more reliable option than Tebow who looked shaky and inconsistent throughout training camp.
Scintillating throughout his college career, Heisman trophy winner Tebow has quickly built up an enormous following as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league. With the best college statistics in history, it is not surprising that Denver fans believe he is the man to take the franchise forward.
Here we have a situation where a franchise is at war with its fans. Rarely are coaches influenced by the reactions of fans but in this case, the team will struggle if Orton’s confidence is affected by the vocal outpour for Tebow.
Shaking off any suggestions that fans contributed to his poor performance on Monday night, Orton stated, “I just look at it like I don’t care. (Coach Fox’s) opinion and my teammates’ opinions will always be the ones that matter.”
Sticking by his starting quarterback, Fox who has been coaching in the NFL since 1989, has no intention of benching Orton who he repeatedly reminds fans and the media is the better quarterback.
Patience is wanning amongst fans who were convinced Tebow would be starting after three impressive performances in the final games last year, of which he was named starter.
With the NFL trade window open up to week six, these two quarterbacks cannot function on the same team if Orton continues to take ego hits from the alleged Denver fans. These same fans have recently looked to purchase two billboards in downtown Denver urging Fox to promote Tebow.
A free agent at the end of the year, Orton holds currency on the market but Fox has continued to deflect any speculation of trading him. Multiple teams inquired throughout the offseason.
Completing 41 of 82 passes for five touchdowns and three interceptions, Tebow performed well in his rookie year but Fox’s refusal to trade Orton illustrates the lack of confidence he has in Tebow. The second quarterback on the official Denver depth chart remains “Braidy Quinn or Tim Tebow” leading many to assume Quinn has overtaken Tebow.
Selected in the first round under previous coach Josh McDaniels with the 25th overall selection, Tebow does not hold the same currency as his drafted position suggests.
Fans booing their players is never a nice site in sport nor are cheers for their failure but the antics of Denver fans is contributing to a volatile environment and subsequently team failure.
Five weeks remain for a trade to be done but Fox’s stance on Orton suggests Tebow is more likely to be traded.
Alfred Chan
Expert
I'm very excited for the mid-season when Miller and Dumervil can get some chemistry going. If they can both stay healthy, I have no doubt they will average 3-4 sacks per game between them. The D is so much better than last year with them 2!
dee
Guest
I agree with SpearTackle...Just play Tebow a game or two & watch him lose,that will shut his fans up.Orton only said he doesn't care because people are being rude and booing him.What would you say.
bitchhunter
Guest
They should definitely stick with Orton. He's a solid quarterback, I mean come on, his team is sooooo terrible. The defense couldnt stop a nosebleed, the O-line couldnt protect the QB if their lives depended on it. They're never able to get a running game going (except for this last match which surprisingly didn't feature Moreno), they lack any decent wide receivers, and when some of theirs get injured, theyre left to putting a QB at wide receiver. The team is in shambles and Orton manages to almost beat the raiders and beats the Bengals. If they put tebow in, he's just going to struggle and put up dismal numbers and probably end up being traded off or abandoned. Denver's team related problem seems to be with everything but the quarterback.
Cameron
Guest
Hey give Fox a chance...the rebuilding starts now since McNut messed everything up. I for one am all for running the ball and I guess I need to remind you that Fox took a team to the superbowl...they may not have won but he got them there with Delhomme at QB no less. yes we need some work...The D is headed in the right direction especially picking up Von Miller. We need our wideouts to step up as well. Decker is looking good but what happend to Royal? D.Thomas cant seem to stay healthy so not sure how he is going to do either; nothing to gauge yet. Im not sold on Moreno either that boy is accident prone; Mcgahee was a good pick up tho.
Cameron
Guest
No not for this fan. Thats what i think should happen. Too many QB's get ruined when rushed out on the field. Dont get me wrong Tebow is an athlete and one of the best there ever was but he still needs work to be the QB we all want. Im no expert so when there are all these pro's evaluating him and saying he needs work I tend to side with them. Not even sure why we have Quinn he is kind of in the same boat...didnt pan out and look at him a backup. Just relax Denver and go with the flow and quit being obnoxious...we have one of the greatest franchises and fan base's there is so lets start acting like it and show some support. I have never booed my team and i never will as i dont think thats the way it should be...sure voice your opinion but dont boo your own...leave the booing for the other team.
Cameron
Guest
I agree with Dave here. Its hard to appreciate fans when they boo you...especially when he was booed in a 3 point game that had the D made a stop Orton might have just won the game for them in week 1 no less. Tebow is not the answer right now as much as I would like to see him play. Let the coach make the decision and go with it thats what we have him for. he is ten times smarter than McDaniels so lets see what pans out. Orton is not as bad as everyone thinks he is. He has put up good numbers except for the losses but he shouldnt get credit for all of them; are D is not the greatest at getting the opposing O off the field and we lack a potent running game or backs that can stay healthy cough cough Moreno...oh and whats happended to Royal? Denver fans if you havent noticed we are still rebuilding so let there be a finished product before you complain about the workmanship. I bleed Orange and Blue and support who ever is on my team you should do the same. Now lets get out there and beat Tennessee, I'll be there supporting them...will you?
mickster
Guest
Playing Orton gets us 5 or 6(maybe) wins who cares where does that take us. Let's play Tebow and see where it gets us. Also get rid of NoShow Moreno. John Fox seems like a nice person but he is going to try and run the ball he is very old school. No imagination on the offensive side of the ball. Defense is bad as usual. And we have the over the hill gang in corners and safeties.
Alfred Chan
Expert
Ian, I think that's a bit too rational for Denver fans :P
Dave
Guest
He said that because people like you are booing him. Some of you so called "fans" should be ashamed of yourselves.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
What evidence exists that Tebow can maintain proper throwing mechanics when under pressure ? I havent watched any film of him, so I just dont know - and if he does turn out to be a poor man's Vince Young, then he may not be the best option for Denver in the short term. Personally, I think keeping him on the bench for 2 years while he rebuilds his mechanics is the best plan - with the new CBA, he isnt earning 'quarterback money', so Denver can afford to develop him while Orton starts.
Kollin
Guest
I have an issue with this article. The Broncos did try to pawn off Ortin's sorry butt, but he wanted top notch starter mobley like Kolb. He is not worth it at all. He is a professional practicer. The dip does well in pracitce, when it comes to game time and the Broncos needing a play from a playmaker ya better call in some backup because Ortin is gonna drop the ball. Tebow needs to get better in practice so he can make the job. it is impossible to simulate what he does in a game. Totally agree Dustin Ortin is a punk!
Joe
Guest
I am with you Dustin, I am so tired of Orton. I love the Broncos, but if Denver trades Tebow, I think that would be a huge mistake. I have been so upset these past few years, that might do it for me. many of these other non-fans do not understand, and the ones that do, I am not sure what hope they see of winning with Orton? I may need a break as a Broncos fan as well. Boom!
Dustin
Guest
Orton is a punk... Quote - The fans are the last thing I care about... Yea, we are the ones that pay for the NFL so maybe players like you should at least care about the fans who put up with horible games! I wanted to give Orton a chance but after that no way. I know what people will say, oh he's a gamer, he is focused on winning... Yea right, he is scared of a young QB that is raw and unproven taking his job. I am taking a break from being a Broncos fan, BOOM!
Hammock
Guest
I think the least Fox could would be use Tebow in the redzone because that seemed to work well and actually put points on the board which helps you win games eventhough it didn't make much of a difference last year but I think thats because they waited to long to get smart and use Tebow.
Alfred Chan
Expert
This would leave Seattle with three very average QB's if Tebow doesn't work. San Francisco is the other team he might get a start at with Alex Smith and Kaepernick going nowhere fast. He's exciting to watch so I would love to see him start somewhere. If McDaniels was at any team other than the Rams, Tebow would have followed and backed up happily. Being 'unofficially told' he would be the 2011 starter is what has outraged the fans.
SpearTackle
Roar Rookie
Fox is too old school for Tebow. Fox won't play Tebow because he's too much of a traditionalist and would have no idea how to coach Tebow so he simply doesn't play him. Tebow needs to go to a team with a younger coach or a long-time college coach. I rekon he would start immediatly if Pete Carol can get him for a third round pick to Seattle. The alternative is for Fox to just play Tebow and watch him lose a game or two. That should shut fans up.
Think Tank
Guest
Let's not forget that it is these same fans that chanted, and I quote, "no way with Elway, bring'em back with Kubiak!" This was when Elway was a rookie, but nevertheless, fans in Denver are very fickle. I'm not convinced that their best option at QB is currently on the team right now. I'll give Fox a pass this season even if he starts Orton the entire season and has average results.