The Broncos had one of the most bizarre seasons in their long history. The day the lockout ended, there was controversy surrounding the team and it only grew worse and worse every week until eventually Tim Tebow was named the starter for the sixth game and onward
After several games where all the seats in our homes and at Mile High were empty because we were all standing, the Broncos ended up being on the wrong side of a blowout against the Super Bowl bound New England Patriots.
Every week with every win, people were waiting for John Elway to announce Tim Tebow was the starter in week 1 of 2012. Once the season ended, the VP of Football Operations had to following to say about number fifteen.
"I think Tim has earned the right to be the starting quarterback going into training camp next year," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said. "I think that he made some good strides this year. He obviously played very well against Pittsburgh and played very well in a lot of football games.
A lot of fans took this the wrong way. When I see Tebow fans write things like this, it makes me shake my head:
I hate it that John Fox and John Elway are still disrespecting Tim Tebow saying he's the starter for the begining of training camp. That's terrible to say because Tebow earned it by leading the Broncos to the postseason and winning a game in the postseason. All the sports analysts wrote the Broncos off after their first five games saying that they would be dead in the water before the end of the regular season. If that's not enough to earn the starting job to begin the regular season, then nothing is.
The question I put out to you guys, especially the Tebow supporters (and believe me, I am a huge one) is why shoud EFX have appointed him any further than that?
Elway has said what Tebow fans should have wanted to hear; That Tim Tebow is the starer for next season. What else do you want to hear? Position battles are won in camp. If Tebow is truly the best guy for the job, than he will play as good as we say he is in the pre-season games and win the job and we will get our wish for Tebow to start week 1.
To me, if you are upset about him not being named week 1 starter, it sounds to me like people are afraid of him failing in training camp and not being the guy week 1. Even the largest of Tebow fans have to understand that Tebow has a lot of work to do. His completion percentage has to get better. I promise that even the man himself would agree with that. For his first year, I will let it slide.
Third down has to get better too. Once we start converting third downs, it will open up our run game again making teams have to be honest when playing us. Tebow should never have to throw the ball 30-40 times. That is not his game and he should not have to do that.
Tebow has to improve and I feel he can. He will work hard this off-season. He will not be sitting on the couch taking naps. Heck, John Elway has vowed to work with Tim Tebow too. How much of a difference will that make? I have no idea. Could be a lot and it could be basically nothing but that's for us to watch and figure out. If anyone can make a huge improvement in one year and work hard enough to do it, it is definitely Tim Tebow.
My point is let it play out. He is the teams current starter and if he is the best quarterback on the team than he will start week 1 and people will be happy. It is just pointless to name him now when we do not know what is going to happen.
OTHER THOUGHTS
5 recs | 173 comments
Tebow will win it
Doubt not, he will win the starter job.
And we need help in secondary. Veteran safety preferably, because we’ve invested enough draft picks in safeties, now must give them some time to grow, not give up too soon.
si_ice - January 26, 2012
I agree that he will win it
Colby - January 26, 2012
to bad we couldnt get
RG3 or luck ;(
bird2jasun - January 28, 2012
it'll be hard for tebow to lose the job.
even if tebow sucks in training camp, fox & co will be haunted by the ‘bad practice player/good game player’ thing. oddly, i think that tebow’s poor training camp performance last season plays to his favor a bit now for that reason.
oxmouth - January 26, 2012
Makes sense to me.
postpunk27 - January 26, 2012
I don't know.
I don’t think Tebow will good compared to whoever they bring in at quarterback………the same way he looked when in competition with Kyle Orton last training. Sure competition is healthy and it may bring the best out of the players, but it will also bring the worse. In this case, Tebow. Tebow’s competition involves not only the QB that the Broncos will sign, but his own limitations and lack of skill. I think he’s earned the starting gig. I find it hard to not give a guy the starting gig after helping the team win a playoff game with a dearth of skill. I think Broncos fans want something definitive in either direction instead of just throwing Tebow a bone. He either is or is not your starting quarterback in Week 1 of next year.
E-ROC - January 26, 2012 via Android app
Too soon to say
If he doesn’t hold onto the job, then he’s not the guy we know he is. It’s his job to hold onto and he has the edge going into the season.
CH74 - January 26, 2012 via mobile
1st team reps in camp?
People seem to for get that Orton got amost all the first team reps in camp last year. Not to mention last summer the two WR Tebow worked out with Gaffney and Lloyd were sent packing. Give the Hardest working man in pro sports a summer with a QB coach and Mr Elway, He will do just fine in camp my friends. :)
Randy Reid - January 27, 2012
Exactly
Those reps are going to give him the edge. It’s his job to maintain that edge and improve. I have faith that he will do just that. I am anxious to see what gains he achieves with an actual off season and those first team reps.
CH74 - January 27, 2012
will be interesting to see what happens
but it will be what it will be. If the coach fails to see the intangibles that Tebow brings to practice then we could very possibly see another qb starting game one as we saw with the ort…
But I am betting that tebow will win out the starting job come day one but he also has a lot of improvement to do with his passing and reading the D. But our wr’s also have a lot of improving to do also.
I believe we are all going to be in for a very good surprise at how this team will once again improve and I can’t wait to see it again…….Go Bronco’s..
pwsbronco - January 26, 2012
I just have one question
Name one other QB in recent years who led their team to a playoff victory in their first year of starting and wasn’t the clear starter heading into the next year.
I understand why Elway is non-committal. I understand Tebow has a lot to work on.
But the fact is that any other QB who leads their team to the playoffs in his first year of starting is automatically the starter going into next year no questions asked.
But because Tebow is unique, he doesn’t get that luxury. I do believe he has earned the right to be the clear starter in 2012, but because he’s Tim Tebow and because Elway wants his quarterback to have a totally different skill set then what Tebow has, I didn’t expect Tim to get any assurances anyway.
Nick Cast - January 26, 2012
Earned the right?
That’s the phrase of Elway’s that I have a real problem with. Not only has NO NFL player “earned rights” to start in the NFL. Worse, the second Elway uses a phrase like that, then he himself feeds the speculation re some arbitrary future time (up until training camp — but not on say the third day of training camp, or the fourth day? how about the fifteenth day?).
yibberat - January 26, 2012
So your saying
Newton, Romo, Dalton et al….none of them are the presumed starters for thier team next year?
JOEGATOR15 - January 30, 2012
I agree with you Nick
After rescuing the team from a 1-4 start and then beating a Steelers team in the playoffs that was in the Super Bowl last year he has to be the starter next season.
ElwayFanJ - January 26, 2012
agreed!
citrite - January 26, 2012
Name one coach, gm, etc who in recent years has named a starting qb for week 1 this early
Mike Shanahan made this a big point. He would say that no roster spot was guaranteed, yet alone starting roles. I don’t think anyone should be promised a starting job in week 1. I think that is a very good attitude for a team to have. Telling him that the he will be the starter week 1 will create a culture where players won’t think they have to be accountable. I imagine it will take a pretty bad training camp for Tebow to be demoted, but there is no reason to create that community and give him the number one job.
broncoboy326 - January 27, 2012
The Chargers don’t need to name their starting QB for week 1 of the 2012 season. But I can promise you it won’t be anyone but Phil Rivers (save for an injury).
I can say that about at least 15 teams.
McGeorge - January 27, 2012
The fact is that the teams who did make the playoffs don’t have to declare who will be the starting QB because there is no question. They are sticking with the guy who got them to the playoffs and more.
Nick Cast - January 27, 2012
Exactly. Even though there was no question that Jake Plummer was going to beat out Bradlee Van Pelt for the starting QB job, I’m sure if you asked Mike Shannahan at the time, he would have told you that everyone was accountable, and that no one was guaranteed a starting job. The job was Plummer’s to lose, just like the job is currently Tebow’s to lose.
From listening to Elway and Fox speak, they have every intention of building a team around Tebow, and working with him this offseason to make sure he succeeds. But that doesn’t mean he wont be held accountable.
broncoboy326 - January 28, 2012
How many have HAD to?
How many have said wekk to week that thier QB is week to week? The VAST majority of the time, once a QB has been made a starter is that they ARE the starter till they LOSE it. Not till they earn it again in the offseason.
JOEGATOR15 - January 30, 2012
Wrong!
The QB’s who have been the unquestioned starter the next year did it with a polished set of skills IN EVERY AREA that is expected of them. EVERY AREA! Tim is NOT there yet. Will he get there? NO DOUBT in my mind.
Tim STILL has a lot to prove. Not in the area of leadership. That’s a done deal! But in several other areas he needs to prefect his skills. It has more to do, in my mind, with time spent than his ability to learn. Give him the time and he will be all that we have been hoping to get at the position.
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
So you are telling me that unless a QB is polished in EVERY AREA of their game, they don’t deserve to be named the starter heading into a new league year?
Nick Cast - January 27, 2012
No QB is perfect but that isn't what we are talking about here.
Tebow doesn’t need the reassurance, It’s just some fans that do. He gets more out of proving peeps wrong then he ever will from anyone telling him “He’s THE MAN!”
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
Tebow is motivated by the will to win. The haters are just more fuel to the fire.
Tebow was the unquestioned man at Florida and he seemed to find the motivation win a Heisman and win 2 National Championships.
Nick Cast - January 27, 2012
True indeed!
He’s like Brady, as described by Martinez (Bragy’s QB Coach) in an article I read today. Tebow’s personal standards are so high that he doesn’t need any additional motivation. He also said in that interview that he could “fix Tim’s mechanics in two weeks.”
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
"Name one other QB in recent years who led their team to a playoff victory in their first year of starting and wasn’t the clear starter heading into the next year."
That right there is the problem. A lot of people have set their expectations of Tim Tebow too high just because the Broncos made the playoffs. But there are probably as many people (me included) who think the Broncos made it to the playoffs despite Tim Tebow, not so much because of him. It all goes back to the defense keeping most games close, and to that four game streak where an opponent’s freak-of-nature type mishap in the last few minutes of regulation or in overtime gave Denver the opportunity to win the game. Without those, the Broncos end the season at 4-12 and don’t even see the playoffs on the horrizon.
That said, I’m hoping Tim Tebow can make the adjustments the Broncos want him to make and is able to keep his job as starting quarterback going into the season as well as going into training camp. I’m also looking forward to seeing a bit more of Adam Weber in training camp and preseason next year.
CompUser - January 27, 2012
What changed from our 1-4 start to the season to our 1st playoff win since 2006?
If you say anything other than Tim Tebow you weren’t paying attention. Give the kid some credit.
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
I’m getting really sick of these “Denver got really lucky” in 2011 posts. They’re BS.
We had no more luck this season than any other. Winning close games isn’t about luck. None of our wins this season were lucky. None of them.
McGeorge - January 27, 2012
Agreed
New coaching staff, no off season, a 1-4 start to the season, the youngest offense in the NFL, and overwhelming media attention. We didn’t “get lucky”; we outplayed the Chargers, Raiders, and Chiefs to win the division and then we outplayed the Steelers in the playoffs.
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
No lucky wins
I concur, we were also robbed in at least one instance. What about the game against the Dolts at home, you can’t push wideouts with the ball in the air no matter where you are on the field as a DB, it’s called pass interference. Since it occurred in the end zone, the ball should have been placed at the 1-yard line with one untimed down, there’s no way the Chargers would have stopped Tebow on the goal line had that occurred
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
Was just about to post something similar
With all the “luck” Denver had, the horrible officiating we had to endure makes that luck a wash
Calikula - January 27, 2012
Really???
Lets see: If Miami can recover an onside kick we lose
If Sanchize doesnt throw a pick six we lose
If Marion Barber is smart enough to land inbounds or not fumble in overtime we lose
If San diego can kick a FG in regulation… we lose again
Sometimes the ball bounces your way. THe 27th Rated QB, with a 46% completion pct shouldn’t have any guarantees outside a chance to compete and be the front runner
Damon322 - January 27, 2012
This sentiment is absurd
And all of you are dead wrong. Tim Tebow led this team to comeback victory after comeback victory. Does that mean the defense wasn’t a big part of us winning? Hell no. This is a team sport. The defense played great and Tebow was able to lead the offense and get victories. If the defense doesn’t play the way it did, then the Broncos lose. If Tebow didn’t play how he played, then the Broncos lose.
Where was the defense when Orton was QB? They sure as hell were part of the reason why we lost 4 of the first 5.
This is another B.S. statement.
Miami game, we won with the help of an onside kick. That’s hardly a “freak of nature” mishap.
Oakland game, we won fair and square with both sides playing great.
Kansas City game, we won because Tebow through a TD pass at the end of the game. Hardly a freak of nature mishap.
Jets game, we won because Tebow led the team on a game winning drive. Hardly a freak of nature mishap.
San Diego, we won because the SD kicker missed a field goal and our kicker made ours. Hardly a freak of nature mishap
Minnesota, we won because the Vikings QB threw a interception and we made a FG. Hardly a freak of nature mishap.
Chicago is the only game you might be able to argue a freak of nature mishap and even then I can argue it wasn’t.
Nick Cast - January 27, 2012
Of course
Because we were well on our way before he started right?
JOEGATOR15 - January 30, 2012
I think Elway should have completely squashed the question like a bug
The worst thing for the Broncos going forward is the media’s obsession with Tebow. They should stop feeding that monster. Let this stuff be speculation.
yibberat - January 26, 2012
Elway and front office have leverage here, though:
If Tebow “earns it,” then he’s the Week 1 starter. Let the media spin away. I certainly hope EFX won’t cave to pressure and later name him the Week 1 starter before camp even begins. Dude has plenty of room to improve; even the media widely acknowledges that.
neumdaddy - January 26, 2012
I agree that EFX shouldn't be caving to pressure
Nor should they care one whit how the media spins anything since they can’t control that.
What they can control is how they feed the media’s questions re Tebow. I seriously don’t understand why they are even trying to answer media questions here. It serves no purpose.
Sports teams have been feeding the media meaningless cliches and happy talk forever. That’s exactly what the Broncos should be doing here. Feeding the media anything else is precisely what feeds the media’s obsession.
Feed them cliches and the media will wander off and start hounding Irsay about whether Peyton Manning has “earned the right” to be the starting QB in training camp. Right now, getting out of the spotlight is the best thing for Tebow and the Broncos. We have an offseason and a young team to work on.
yibberat - January 26, 2012
I like Jim Rome
but he has disappointed me with his OCD propensities on this matter, saying Elway has only named him the starter through training camp. Thus, questions abound, I guess #sarcasm
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
Even the media?
I must be taking crazy pills if the media has been ignoring Tebow’s shortcomings all this time.
TheMascotArmy - January 27, 2012
I don't think they can stop feeding the monster
The monster sets its own agenda. Tebow draws. The media gets paid to draw the eyes their way. It really doesn’t matter what they say. I believe Elway is being honest and reasonable — now it can be argued that’s a fool’s errand in and of itself…but that’s a different question.
broncomack - January 26, 2012
^^^^^^^^^^^THIS************
We WANT the media circus! It sell’s! It’s about the money, and the more that this team is on the front page the better, for whatever reason! I have no problem with Pat making a buck.
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
I agree with Colby's post AND with everything Elway has said.
Folks are reading too much into this debate. If anyone needs or wants a clearer picture to this, don’t listen to anyone BUT Tebow! And guess what Tim says everytime he’s asked about the position the FO has on him……“They’re right! I need to get better…..”,etc, etc….
I can’t figure out what more Elway needs to say. It’s just MSM that will continue to push.
It may surprise many folks come draft day and, guess what, they DON’T draft a QB?!?
I would think that scenario would suggest major support by EFX for Tebow!
thanks for this post, Colby! Go Broncos!
Tim4Tebow - January 26, 2012
Tebow has NEVER said "they're right".
He says he’s thankful for playing for such a good organzation. In a different answer he’ll say “we” need to get better. When asked about Elway’s dubious comments earlier in the season, one could see his usual smile drift off.
The kid isn’t stupid; he knows he needs to work on various aspects of his game.
But if you don’t think support from your coach and FO makes a difference ( even with a self motivated guy) with Tim, it’s . dreaming.
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
He will be the starter Week 1
ElwayFanJ - January 26, 2012
I don't think this is a big deal
If Tebow outplays his competition, he’ll be the starter. End of story. No matter what Elway said. It’s up to him to improve and outplay the backup. Whether Elway commits to him shouldn’t matter. Tebow’s play will dictate their decision.
jbbroncosfan27 - January 26, 2012 via mobile
All these front page articles in one day.
I’m having a hard time keeping up. You guys should be saving some of these for later.
Digger24 - January 26, 2012
Agree Digger
firstfan - January 26, 2012
You are asking this question at the wrong time. Wait unti
McGeorge - January 26, 2012
Wait until we sign or draft competition. That player will tell us if efx thinks tebow is the sure starter or not. If we sign josh Johnson, then yes tebow starts. If we sign flynn, cassel or draft tannehill, then no. Tim is probably done here.
McGeorge - January 26, 2012
Again, makes sense to me.
postpunk27 - January 26, 2012
yup Yup and YUP!!
CenCalBronco - January 26, 2012 via mobile
For goodness' sake
Unlike what the OP said, Elway has NOT said that Tebow is the starter for the season. That’s the whole point. Elway has deliberately chosen to keep the media and fan controversy boiling by making it glaringly clear that Tebow’s success hasn’t led to ANYTHING changing in Denver. Tim’s no better off going into this offseason than last year, and given what he’s accomplished this year, that’s ridiculous.
I’m also so SICK of people saying, “Oh, Tebow needs to improve” and “Tebow’s got so much work to do.” Like we Tebow fans don’t know that, chapter and verse? Are you kidding me? Like Tim doesn’t know that and bow and scrape constantly acknowledging that? Look, I know every Tebow stat out there. I know exactly where he needs to improve and where he’s already stellar.
It’s practically meaningless to ceaselessly repeat that he’s got so much work to do at this point. Say something we DON"T already know, ad nauseam. Every other QB at Tebow’s experience level needs to improve, in ways just as “meaningful” as his, but without any of the incredible positives that he brings, which starts with leadership and ends with wins. Those of you who want to believe that everything that EFX does regarding Tebow is right are free to do so. I call things as I see them. Tebow deserves better and he HAS earned it. No one’s asking the organization to promise him that he’s got the job locked up for the next five years. All we’re asking for is a clear statement that he has the QB job starting Week 1. Period.
I can’t think of any QB who’s accomplished what Tim has with a team as completely discounted as the Broncos were over the past 2 years who was not clearly acknowledged as the starter for the next season. If most of you are hunky-dory with that, fine. I’m not, and not just because I like the guy. No, it’s because all Elway is doing is creating a gigantic distraction for Tebow and the rest of the team, who won’t be coalescing around Tebow come training camp as “their guy,” but instead peeking over his shoulder wondering why they should go all in with Tebow when the front office has this other QB in here competing with him AGAIN.
One last thing: I’m not going to speak for other Tebow fans about whether they are worried that he won’t “win” training camp and be rated #1. What I will tell you is that I am not. If the Broncos are stupid enough to not play him in the event that he’s #2 or even lower after the disastrous decison to favor a “perfect” practice player like Orton over Tebow last season, then they’re the ones who’ll suffer most for it. In losses.
I just don’t want to see Tim’s time wasted, since sitting on the bench will do absolutely nothing to advance his skills. That’s what burns me most. The man is a self-motivated machine. He’s not a head case like Mark Sanchez.. What he is, however, is a kinesthetic learner, something he’s said more than once. He learns best by doing. That’s mean by PLAYING. It’ll take a courageous organization to accept that and stop trying to hedge their bets when they’ve got lightning in a bottle and this guy has rewarded every team who’s ever gone in deep with him. If he can’t find that in Denver, then I can only hope he is able to land elsewhere after next season. Rant over.
dallasdayone - January 26, 2012
Dallas john knows exactly what he is doing so deal with it. Period. Rant over
always broncs - January 26, 2012 via mobile
The one and only time that Tebow’s starting job was ever truly called into question this season, he came out and played his best game of the season and beat the Steelers in the playoffs. Tebow plays better when he’s fighting for his job. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having competition at the QB position. I don’t care if it’s Brady, Tebow, or Sanchez. Tebow should be treated no differently than any other player on the team. If he’s good enough to win the starting job, he’ll do it. I’m pretty sure Elway knows a little more about judging a QB than any of us do.
jbbroncosfan27 - January 26, 2012 via mobile
That's a big boy response
and I dig it. These are men being paid a lot of money. Rec’d. And I sincerely hope Tebow does exactly what I think he will: crush it and continue to improve.
broncomack - January 26, 2012
Exactly. I have no doubt that Tebow will be good enough to win the job. But I don’t agree that it should be handed to him. Competition will just motivate him further to improve and continue to be the starter. I don’t think it will bother him at all.
jbbroncosfan27 - January 26, 2012 via mobile
If Tim Tebow plays best when fighting for his job,
then what’s all this I keep hearing about him not being good at training camp/practice? Isn’t he fighting for his job then?
CompUser - January 27, 2012
Some people are better in games than practice
Allen Iverson said it best
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
C'mon man,
we’re talking about PRACTICE.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
PRACTICE???
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
Practice.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
how in the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing?
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
huevos
Calikula - January 27, 2012
skol.
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
mickeys
Calikula - January 27, 2012
friday—and it’s almost beer-thirty!
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
Not me
I gotta put on my eye black and scare off drifters and bums at 4. Boo
Calikula - January 27, 2012
so what you're saying is that Tebow wasn't fighting for his job last year in practice?
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
Who cares!
Tim Tebow doesn’t. He is getting ready to continue to prove everyone wrong just like he always does! Who gives a rip which person, or persons “Endorses”, or “Crowns” him as starter. If he is the best option at the beginning of the season then he will be the guy.
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
So the approval from your boss doesn't matter to you?
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
Nope...I have always approved of myself!
I have always been in business for myself, generated my own income on my own terms. That is the kind of guy I see that Tim is.He has the drive to make his own way in his craft and doesn’t need another’s endorsement!
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
I sincerely thinks Tim Tebow already seeks and receives the approval of his highest "boss" on a daily basis.
I have never seen a man more at peace with himself in doing the best he can do.
Having a full pre season with NFL coaching as the starter is something that will improve him greatly.
Kosty - January 27, 2012
Very well put
And last time I checked, Elway is human and can make mistakes. Making this an issue with the “Starting QB in training camp statement” is a testiment to that fact. In this same situation, name me ONE head coach who has ever made a statement about ANY QB? One QB that took a loaing team to a 1st round win in the playoffs that wasnt secure in that position going into the next year….
JOEGATOR15 - January 30, 2012
You don’t know if he knows what he’s doing or not. He’s as new as his job as Tebow is in case you forget. Believe what you want. I’m not going to say things I don’t believe to suit other people. I’m not going to call Elway names over any of this, because that’s idiotic, but I’m also not going to agree with the rest of you just because he’s John Elway. Deal with that.
dallasdayone - January 26, 2012
I do know john won’t make decisions based on emotions like you are that’s why he is in charge so deal with that.
always broncs - January 26, 2012 via mobile
He's in charge because of his celebrity.
And how do you know he won’t make emotional decisions? You don’t think Stanford had any emotional pull toward luck for elway? Please.
TheMascotArmy - January 27, 2012
But
i repeat myself.
TheMascotArmy - January 27, 2012
I can dig it.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Elway is in charge because of his celebrity..
Exactly, People refuse to acknowledge that,
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
We are all hoping tim gets the job done but he has to get alot better period.
always broncs - January 26, 2012 via mobile
Of course TT "needs to get better."
After about Teobw;s second game, Tom Brady came to his defense saying that every game, even now after 10 years, is a learning experience, That the learning curve never ends.
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
I said no
simply because there is plenty of time between now and the start of the season. I do agree that he should be the starter going into camp though. I do however think he will be the starter week 1. There is no way Elway is going to say this that far in advance.
weazel - January 26, 2012
Like many have said
he will be the starter in week 1 barring injury. No one gets their position promised to them 6 months in advance. All the starters this year will go into training camp, but go ask Champ if he deserves the right to be named the starter for week one, I bet he’d say he has stuff to work on and everyone needs to go out there and compete.
Bloynoys - January 26, 2012
you don't really need to worry about
having it go to Tebow’s head and him not working, but if you name anyone a starter 6 months in advance you are sending the wrong message to your team.
Bloynoys - January 26, 2012
actually no.
The team wants to rally around their QB from day one. Not knowing who that is sends the wrong message.
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
Exactly!
JOEGATOR15 - January 30, 2012
Tebow has to win the job. He is set up for success and its now its up to him!
boydy2669 - January 26, 2012
Exactly
This is what preseason and camp is for. Unlike the regular season, we will get a chance to see all of our QBs play. In order to ensure the best product on the field, the Broncos need to have the best collection of QBs they can get their hands on and the competition between them will decide who is the starter. Tebow will be the starter when camp starts and that is the best you can give any QB, with few exceptions. And quit using ‘Playoff QB’ as reasoning. We were an 8-8 team that lucked into the playoffs and beat an arrogant Steelers defense. Of the 8-8 teams (Jets, Eagles, Bears, Cardinals, Raiders) only Cutler’s job is secure and it can be argues strongly that if he wasnt injured they would have had a better record. Maybe you could say Carson Palmer’s job is secure because of the money they spent on him, but if he sucks in camp, Allan might go a different direction. So the point here is, Tim is in the best situation he could be in and now its up to him to make the most of it. I am sick of everyone trying to anoint him before he has earned it. If you believe Tim will be great, then there is no reason to complain because you should feel comfortable that he will prove it over the next eight months.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
I agree with everything you said
except Sanchez really impacting the Jets’ success one way or the other, he is the ultimate coattail rider, talk about an overhyped loser
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
Sanchez is a perfect example of a coach going all in with his QB when he clearly shouldnt.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
Not sure which one is worse,
Sanchez or Rex. I’ve been waiting for Rex to fall flat on his face. Looks like that wait is almost up.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
that is a good point
let Tebow continue to develop, I know he will with how hard he works, and don’t anoint him presumptuously. Sanchez played a role in playoff wins before but look at the Jets now, they’ll give up their draft for 10 years if they can get Peyton Manning, that’s how badly Sanchez has turned out to be
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
But...but..but
He’s the SANCHISE, man! He’s a pocket passer! He’s a first rounder! He’s the prototypical quarterback! Have you seen his mechanics? They are AMAZING!
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Ha Ha!
thanks for the laugh :), I’m sure any Jets fan who is at least 26 or so would tell you: Kenny O’Brienj>>>>the Sanchize
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
LOLOLOLOL
good one bunk
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
You mean he is FINALLY set up for success.
It’s been a long road my friend, yet here we are. Is it September yet?
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Starting 3 games in your rookie season and 13 games of your second season is not that long of a road. I dont get the ‘Finally’. Its not like he sat as a backup for three years like Aaron Rogers or two years like Philip Rivers.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
Who said you had to get it?
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
But I'll bite.
He certainly was not set up for success at the beginning of this past season. No reps with the #1’s. He comes in basically having to wing it to (help) save us from squandering away yet another season (thanks, Kyle!) and we went from 1-4 to the playoffs. Now he gets those reps. Surely you must agree that is a better way to set up your quarterback for success?
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
All I am saying is that the starter gets the reps with the #1s. Tim didnt win that position in camp and so he didnt get the reps. Kyle choked his way out of a job and Tebow got the nod and he had to step in without the same level of work. The same can be said for every #2 QB who has stepped in mid season.
So yes, Tebow getting first team reps in camp should help a lot, but the fact that he didnt have that until now is not like the coaches were against him or that he was being screwed over in some way. Lots of QBs have to wait their turn. Some guys have their turn in their rookie year, and some guys have to wait many years (Steve Young for example). The only thing that matters is that when your chance comes, you make it happen because it is very unlikely you will get another one. I am looking forward to watching what happens because I know Tim is going to compete hard. The only way he wont be the starter week one is if he chokes completely or gets hurt so I just dont know what all of the fuss is about.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
I can get behind that, my man.
And I agree, when Elway said he was the starter going into training camp he did the right thing. What else was he supposed to say? And you are correct. He will be the guy going forward. Pat must know that he has the biggest cash cow in sports right now on his roster. I doubt he wants Tebow anywhere else other than in a Broncos uniform and down on the field.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Elway's endorsement is fair
For those that still want him to be week 1 starter because “any other QB that led his team to the playoffs would be”….well, most other QB’s also don’t have as much to improve on as he does.
Bronco Mike - January 26, 2012
The fact that he is proclaimed the starter going into training camp is still important
It means he gets stater attention during the off season and OTAs and mini camp as well as personal attention and guidance from the staff as far as the player agreement allows.
Kosty - January 27, 2012
None of that matters. Bottom line is Tebow is a huge draw and the fans and the networks are going to be fighting for coverage of him. EFX isn’t going to let that get away. He will start because the fans will revolt if he doesn’t. “Period.” This is a business, after all. BTW, he will also win a lot of games and make Mile High rumble! I can’t wait.
loganberry - January 27, 2012
Dawkins for DC><According to an NFL Source!
That’s right ME! I’m the “NFL Source” who wants Dawkins for DC. Sign him and get it over with. He is perfect for the job. What doesn’t he have that he needs? DC’s need intensity, drive and passion! Then they need intensity, drive and passion! That’s it!
The DC doesn’t need to know everything there is to know about the Defense in order to be the best there is. He has positional guys to teach how to best shed a blocker, etc. He needs to be able to infuse a nasty desire and passion for knocking peoples heads off. Game plan? There are no exotic Defensive game plans. You stop the freaking run and eliminate receptions. Do your job! Cover your man. Do your job! Get to the QB! Do your job! Tackle the ball carrier! Do your JOB!
Dawkins For DC! That’s what we need! Passion, and some one who can infuse that into other players.
As for Tim Tebow! He has no more RIGHT than any other player on this team, INCLUDING Dawkins, to have a job handed to, or guaranteed him! He should have to earn his job every year just like the rest of his team mates do! He is not Tom Brady, Payton, Breez or any other starting QB with 4 great years of Pro Ball under his belt! Get real!
I love the guy and sure do hope that he gets to that place where he will be the UNQUESTIONED leader at that position, because he has the passion that we need there. All that he needs to do now is to perfect his craft. They all have to do it. Why should Tim be different. If Luck screws up he will not keep his job. Right now it is Tim’s job to lose. He isn’t asking for anything more so who are we to get our panties in a pinch about verbiage?
Passion is what we need, and Tim and Dawkins both bring a lot of that. They Both need to continue to be in leadership roles on this team!
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
I would like to see Dawkins learn the ropes a bit first
maybe position coach first. Work your way up
Calikula - January 27, 2012
This just in from a reliable source: Me.
metalman5050 is awesome :)
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
LOL
Thanks for the endorsement!…I guess at least one other person around here loves to see peeps passionate about the game. ;o)
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
That and the ability to think for themselves.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
True That!
Coordinating is about finding great positional coaches and then letting them do their jobs. If they prove that they can’t then get someone else right? Just like players they have to do their job.
metalman5050 - January 27, 2012
Elway
When Elway was playing they tried to replace him. Quarterback has to play good or you are finished
Baghdad - January 27, 2012
Dan Reeves tried to replace him. Dan Reeves had no idea how talented Elway was
and made no effort to adjust his game plan to help Elway succeed . Reeves made no attempt to surround Elway with top notch offensive players so Elway and the team suffered. Reeves was the wrong HC for Elway. Reeves was a stubborn old man that nearly ruined Elways career and body.
KoloradoKaos - January 27, 2012
many things you said are true
I still appreciate the success Dan Reeves had, to an extent
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
Elway carried the team on his back to those first 3 Super Bowls
Dan Reeves had very little to with the teams success and neither did Mike Shanahan for that matter.
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
I love Elway, but to reduce his head coaches to figurheads is pretty silly. Of course they wouldnt have had as much success without #7, but its not like they did nothing either.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
I disagree
John was the best to ever play the position. How many people other than die hard Bronco fans could even name 1 of the 3 Amigos?
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
Dont get me wrong. I will never say anything against Elway. I just think its a team game and the Head Coach is always a big part of the team.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
Nattiel, Johnson, Jackson
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
not necessarily in that order though….
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
I dunno,
Nattiel might have been better than those guys had he not got hurt.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
pshh. no dice, gc. he was a fast little man who couldn’t get open unless it was straight up foot race. The Vance was really a great receiver—except that he decided too often to be The Vance instead of a great receiver. Jackson was a perfect #2 guy. this current team could sure use a burner like nattiel though. i’d take that.
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
Shoot yeah.
I think I’ll refer to myself that way from now on.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
The GC?
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
Hahahaha hell yes
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
I think almost every football fan from that era could name "The Vance"
Digger24 - January 27, 2012
Reeves did one great thing..
While the talent he often brought in on offense was subpar, they were all gamers. How important is this? Just ask Flacco what it is like to mount a drive that should be an exclamation point in your career and an “in your face moment” to your critics only to have a teammate let you down. In this case, to not hold onto a perfect pass that would have won the game.
Elway’s great last second heroics only succeeded because everyone one of the guys Reeves surrounding him with, while mostly subpar talents, came up big in those moments. It did not matter if it was the offensive lineman who suddenly were blocking better than they had the whole game, running backs and receivers making sure handed and in some cases great catches they would not ordinarily make or even a kicker seizing the moment.; they all stepped up and did not not let Elway down. How many great Elway moments could have easily turned into Flacco moments, if his guys did not step up?
In general I agree, Reeves handling of Elway was horrible and him almost trading Elway to the Redskins, it not only got Bowlen’s attention, it ultimately got Reeves fired when Revees decided it was him or Elway. How horrible would that have been if Revees had made that trade, how many more super bowls would the skins have?
Keyworthpunch - January 27, 2012
You're kidding right?
Shanny was a brilliant coach his 1st 4 years in the league. He set up an offense to suit Elway, unlike Reeves.
Calikula - January 27, 2012
I'm more of an Elway fan than a Shanny fan
What has Shanahan accomplished since John retired? Cue the crickets
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
Only a coach that brought us the most wins in Denver history
Those crickets can stay home. Revise history all you want but we had a damn good team under Shanahan until 2006. Oh, and he knew how to beat the Raiders, a feat most coaches have failed at since
Calikula - January 27, 2012
John Fox
has earned the right to be head coach going into training camp? Although technically true, it sounds ridiculous doesn’t it?
How about something like “barring something (completely) unexpected, Tebow will be our starter next year”?
That still has the hedge, but won’t lead to the awkward moments next year when elway tries to celebrate with Tebow after a big win, with Tebow merely being polite and then celebrating with the guys who really have his back?
Great post above highlighting that EVERY qb at Tebow’s experience level has significant meaningful things they need to work on, sans the (in)tangibles Tebow brings, but somehow this goes over people’s heads.
TheMascotArmy - January 27, 2012
You just nailed it bro
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
And frankly some of those celebrations WERE awkward moments
To anyone watching videos of the locker room after wins it was obvious.
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
Hypothetically,
Tebow has a great year next year. Does Elway still say Tebow is the starter going in to TC?
Digger24 - January 27, 2012
i doubt he would even be seriously asked if that becomes the case
boanst - January 27, 2012
I vote we get P.Manning . . .
Imagine ripping off Irsey a 2nd time? Would be soueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
Schwerepunkt - January 27, 2012
You have to remember where he's got the nerve damage
The nerve in his lower neck supplying the tricep in his throwing arm is dying and may not regenerate. Even if he plays again, and that’s a big if, he may never be as effective. Let a team like the Cardinals take that gamble. We’re a playoff team without him.
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
Would you vote for getting Manning if he cost us 3 1st round picks?
Would that be sweet?
McGeorge - January 27, 2012
It would be uh, not sweet? ;)
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
If we did that we'd be no better than the Raiders
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
it won't come to that
Mr. Irsay doesn’t want to trade Peyton, it’s releasing him or nothing
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
Exactly, the only cost is salary cap hit
Keyworthpunch - January 27, 2012
and the amount of cap space he would cost us
good bye Elvis/Champ
Calikula - January 27, 2012
I would be ok with the decision IF they understand that training camp is not everything.
McD and Fox both waited on Tebow because he wouldn’t perform as well in practice. But it’s on the field that he makes it count. I want Tebow to get a couple of years to prove himself. I think patience with this guy will payoff very much. Many will agree if Tebow can complete 60% of his passes, this offence will be as dangerous as a team with an elite QB that has a 70% completion.
Yes, we need competition and expect a QB to be drafted, but not giving Tebow his chance would only shows that we have not learned our lessons about the importance of those “intangibles”
macklure - January 27, 2012
that's why I trust the front office
they aren’t stupid
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
Are you kiddin me?
Is this really a topic that’s worth debating any longer?
I’ve read some posts about this, mostly from the staunch Tebow supporters… apparently there are plenty of disillusioned people when it comes to building a football team.
Lets examine the facts:
1. The Broncos won several games after Tebow took over as starter,
2. He needs to get better for the Broncos to contend for a championship.
3. The whole team needs to improve if the Broncos are going to become championship contenders.
4. Tebow did improve as the season played out and, as Elway said, he earned the right to be the starter going into training camp.
BUT think about this… if Peyton Manning were to find his way to the Broncos, then Tebow will no longer be the starter. That comment was not meant to spark any debate, other than it is foolish to overlook the fact that there are literally endless possibilities that could happen in the coming off season that could affect Tebow’s position with the Broncos.
So my plea is to all of you staunch Tebow or bust supporters… let it go… if he continues to show he is the man for the job, then he will be the starter. Deep down inside I believe he will earn the job, but let’s all relax and let this offseason play out.
Go Broncos!
tjpmontana - January 27, 2012
this is true
if Peyton comes to us, who is the G.O.A.T. QUARTERBACK IMO, we will have had the G.O.A.T. FOOTBALL PLAYER playing quarterback (Elway) and the G.O.A.T. QB, that’s quite a haul, I love you Tebow, but a healthy Peyton is better than you
the new Bradfather - January 27, 2012
"Healthy" is the key word there
Obviously the Colts don’t think he’s ever going to be the same
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
Yeah, it's like
“Hey, are you interested in this late 90’s model Porsche? It’s got 200k miles on it already, the engine needs rebuilding and it’s been in a number of wrecks over the years. New it goes for 60k, but we’ll sell it to you for 57k.”
“Hey, come back! Why are you running away laughing?”
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
That ship has sailed bro,
and by ship I mean Peyton’s career.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
At some point we'll have to start building the team around what we have
Tebow is our guy
ElwayFanJ - January 27, 2012
I don't understand why John Elway made the announcement at all.
Shouldn’t it be John Fox who decides who his starting quarterback will be? This just seems like front office meddling to me.
CompUser - January 27, 2012
He was asked a direct question in a presser. He didnt come out with it ‘just cause’. What was he supposed to do? Lie or say ‘no comment’.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
He answered in a way that reflects what he knows so far. That’s good enough for me, I guess some people can’t help but look for things that could be implied for whatever reason.
boanst - January 27, 2012
i’m with compuser on this. it’s just not elway’s job to say who’s starting or not, whether it’s on a week-to-week basis or in reference to the next season. fox seemed jovial enough at the press conference, so apparently he’s fine with it. i just think it’s weird to have the front office make depth chart declarations. and no, elway wouldn’t need to lie or say no comment—he could’ve just deferred to fox or even prefaced it by saying,“coach and i agree that blah blah blah.”
in and of itself it’s not a big deal, but elway mucked around in coaching details way too much this year imo and i hope he backs off from the useless “off the top of my head” opining that came into play so often and did nothing but stir the pot of controversy. just learn the phrase,“that’s a coaching decision” and move on.
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
Elway should be seen and not heard,
unless it is something worth mentioning. I almost wonder though, if Fox doesn’t like having Elway be the mouth, so to speak. That way he doesn’t really have to do it.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
yep. like i said, fox seems happy enough. i think you’re right and that there’s some sort of agreement that elway act as media boy so that fox can just coach. i guess if it works for them…?
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
All in all,
it worked pretty well for them this season. But I am with you, it is awfully strange to hear depth chart decisions coming from anyone other than the HC. That is what worries me most. I wonder exactly how much power Fox actually has? I wonder if they aren’t over-correcting for screwing up with McDaniels so royally.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
it's not Elway's style to be seen and not heard.
They will forever be “Elway’s Broncos”. I wondered last year how many possible coaches would go along with someone else doing most of the talking if not outright decision making.
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
You're right.
At the end of the day though, I truly believe they know what they are doing. From Pat all the way down. I think Elway knows his comments are going to be dissected, but he makes them anyways. How could one not realize this? I’m guessing they all just love the attention. After all, bad press is better than no press, right?
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Elway is still learning that his comments are going to be dissected,
Has passed PR 101 but not PR 202. Therein is the point. With his rep of loving the media this will always be the case. JE earned his PhD in aerodynamics in the 80’s and 90’s. Now is beginning all over in a Human Relations major.
Absolutely all press is good……..why do we think the Bronco-Steelers game and the Bonco-Pats games got the highest TV palyoff ratings? (hint: it wasn’t because of a FO media session.) LOL
Boiler etc - January 27, 2012
Haha love it
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
All this talk about Manning to the Broncos is ridiculous.
That is all.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Agree.
I have no interest in watching him suffer a life altering injury in a Broncos uni. He needs to hang it up.
AttwaterForHOF - January 27, 2012
And you know that is what is coming.
Manning needs to ride off into the sunset.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
I can certainly understand why some people are upset/worried about this
Tebow has the perceived rep of being a better in-game player than a practice player, and some are thinking a lesser QB could come in and “win” the job in the eyes of EFX, depending on how the competition is structured. But I am reassured by the fact that Tebow will get the #1 reps from day 1, and it will take a beast-like effort from whoever else they bring in while playing with #2’s for even the entertainment of the thought to split the top-string reps in the first place. The rules of the competition were laid out in training camp last year, and I expect that to be the same for this camp.
It’s going to take the combination of Tim having a disastrous camp along with somebody else having a miraculous camp for Tim to lose the spot.
And besides, Orton was named #1going into TC last year at this point, and that did not change, so I don’t see why it will change this year.
boanst - January 27, 2012
lol Who else is Elway going to name?
The only considerations at the moment are Tebow and Weber. So Tebow is considered the starter. Damn, that was hard to figure out!
I’m hoping the Broncos bring in someone who can beat Tebow out for the job. Why, because I don’t like Tebow? No, to the contrary, I do like him. But why wouldn’t I hope that any position on the team could be upgraded? I know that probably flies in the face of certain Teboners, but I’m a Broncos fan first . . .
AZDynamics - January 27, 2012
I'm all for upgrading the team.
At positions that are of greater need other than QB. My guess is we continue building the defense through the draft, possibly draft a RB early (2nd round on), and we bring in a vet to back up Tebow and he gets 2012 to show his wares, from training camp all the way to the end of the season, wherever it may lead. Then, and only then, would I be comfortable bringing in another quarterback that might usurp Tebow. I think by then we will all safely be able to agree on whether or not he is the guy long term. Just my .02.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Elway said if a new QB didn't think he could compete for the starting job, then Elway didn't want him . . .
I tend to agree with Elway. Football is competition. All about winning. If all EFX is interested in is a backup with a backup mentality, then I will be extremely disappointed in them. But, from what Elway said, I don’t believe that is so.
AZDynamics - January 27, 2012
I don't disagree with the logic,
but I tend to believe that is politics at work.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
Boy I’m thankful a lot of the people on this site aren’t in the Broncos front office
always broncs - January 27, 2012 via mobile
lol
AZDynamics - January 27, 2012
And I'm thankful
that you took the time out of your schedule to drop that Nobel Prize worthy statement.
postpunk27 - January 27, 2012
names.
i want names.
oxmouth - January 27, 2012
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