Denver Broncos Have a New Coach and Football Guy, But Who Will Be The QBs?

WILL THE BALL BE IN HIS HANDS IN GAME 1 NEXT SEASON?
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

With No.15 as a lock for one QB spot next season, who will Broncos' new Head Coach John Fox add to the roster come August that will provide the guidance, leadership and support to show Tim Tebow what being an NFL QB is like?

"While Fox is 100 percent sold on Tim Tebow the man, the new coach indicated the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner might need the same lengthy apprenticeship required by Steve Young before he blossomed late into a Hall of Fame quarterback," Mike Kizla wrote in Saturday's Denver Post.

"Sometimes, it comes down to playing the quarterback who gives your team the best chance to win," Fox said.

Knowing that Tebow has ardent supporters and intense detractors, Fox said "I'm somewhere in the middle," 

So where are Fox and newly minted EVP of Football Operations John Elway looking to fill that QB void?

Last year there really wasn't that person, other than Kyle Orton, and he was too busy trying to hold the crippled Broncos together.

And as it looks like he has all but been ushered out of town for a 2nd round draft choice, what are the options  for the Broncos?

Who else will be on the opening day roster in the Denver program with "QB" beside their name?

Seneca Wallace

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Wallace has had a shoddy history, both with the teams he has been on and the coaching he has received in his NFL career.

But he has experience, scrambling ability—notice I didn't say "running"—and can manage games and protect the football.

He has a decent arm and can read defenses.

But at 6-foot-1, he is a bit short to see over the line. I know Drew Brees is also at the 6-foot level but, hey, Seneca ain't no Brees.

Maybe a target for coach Fox?

ODDS: 5 percent or less.

Michael Vick

Al Bello/Getty Images

Wow! What a sexy option this would be!

Here is a guy who has overcome a bit of adversity, just like Mr. Tebow.

He also has been converted from a "run first" QB to an all-around threat.

He has actually played in a playoff game. 

Oh, and is also left-handed, so it would make the line blocking scheme easier since both top QBs would be Lefties (or Mollydookers in Aussie slang).

Downsides: Denver canine owners would bark their heads off. He would cost a fairly large contract. He won't be leaving the Eagles unless he is run off.

And he might be too big a threat to Mr. Tebow.

ODDS: 10 percent or less

Bret Favre

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Yea, right.

Just threw this in for a little (VERY little) levity.

Plus he will be too busy with his own legal issues as well as that of his meth-marketing sister back down in Mississippi.

ODDS: Zero.

Shaun Hill

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Hill has looked better than most expected filling in for injured Matt Stafford.

He has good size—6-feet-3-inches and 220 lbs. He has solid game managing ability. He can make plays with his feet and throw on the run. 

He also is a very good option on teams where the running game is a focus, a place where the Fox regime is taking us.

Plus he is quite religious, which will allow him to bond well with Tebow.

There are some questions about his arm strength and his lack of starting QB time.

 

ODDS: 25 percent or less.

Chad Pennington

Marc Serota/Getty Images

Pennington is an accurate passer and has proven his leadership on less than stellar teams. He doesn't turn the ball over much, a trait needed in a rebuilding defensive organization.

He has a lot of experience with several different systems, which means he can learn any offense quickly.

He isn't a great scrambler, so he will teach Tebow what it takes to stay in the pocket.

He doesn't possess the greatest arm, but he can get the ball where it is needed.

Plus he has some funky mechanics to which he and Tebow can both relate.

ODDS: 35 percent or less.

Matt Leinart

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Leinart came into the NFL with all the hype and expectation that Tebow has.

He can help Tim deal with that as well as adversity, which hasn't happened yet, but almost always does in any NFL QB's career.

He had a 78 percent completion average in the preseason at Arizona and, when focused, is very accurate and makes good decisions.

He sometimes doesn't look far enough down the field, but that can be coached out of him as he matures.

And did I mention he is left handed? (See Michael Vick.)

And, if they keep Brady Quinn on the roster as the third QB, the Broncos will have three heart-throbs for the ladies (and some of the men) to swoon over.

Can't hurt the sale of Fathead wall posters!

ODDS: 40 percent or less.

Matt Moore

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Moore has the ability to fit balls into tight spaces and throws a very "catchable" ball.

He sometimes can throw interceptions, but has proven in the past that he does understand how not to do that.

Unfortunately he has a shoulder injury that will not allow him to work in the off season until March or April. But that might be good news as it will allow him to be signed on the cheap.

And with Mr. Bowlen paying three head coaches and the need to sign a lot of top talent this year, that may be a blessing in disguise.

Add to that the fact that Fox coached him and knows what he can and can't do, might be a real upside as well.

ODDS: 50 percent or less.

And So ......

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

And so, with all the options out there, what do I think will be the decision for the Broncos next year?

I think it will come down to either Matt Moore or Matt Leinart.

I am not exactly sure why, except that they both can bring some things to this team and to the QB position that the others may not.

Or maybe that they don't bring some things that may be a distraction or a disruption.

But who do I think would be the best fit for the Denver Broncos?

Kyle Orton. He is a very accurate passer. He can throw the ball down the field. He is respected by his teammates.

And he has played with Tebow for the past year and knows how to work with him going forward.

Plus, he would be a great starting QB for John Fox's team. He does what the coach wants and won't lose games for you. He has great rapport with all the current Denver WRs.

And he has given his blood, sweat and tears for this team and deserves a shot at helping rebuild it.

Just one Bronco fan(atic)'s opinion.