Kyle Orton Can Reignite QB Controversy by Beating Tim Tebow in Week 17

When Kyle Orton left town and Tim Tebow went on to guide the Denver Broncos to six straight victories, that was supposed to be the end of the quarterback controversy in Denver.

But after losing two consecutive games, Tebow and the Broncos are in danger of getting bumped out of the playoffs, and it just so happens Orton could be the man to squash their dreams.

Orton, of course, was the starter in Denver before Week 7, when Tebow took over. In the preseason, you figured their was no way he would relinquish his starting spot to the heavily-criticized Tebow.

But Orton struggled and the Broncos started off the season 1-4.

Now, the cast-off veteran returns to Denver as the starter of the Kansas City Chiefs. Beating the Broncos could knock them out of the playoffs altogether.

In his first two starts for the Chiefs, Orton has given them mixed results. He had a great game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15, going 23-of-41 for 299 yards and handing the Packers their first loss of the season.

In Week 16, Orton struggled against the Oakland Raiders, going 21-of-36 for 300 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions as the Chiefs lost, 16-13.

You can bet Orton will be determined in Denver. As a veteran, Orton certainly couldn't have been happy with the Broncos shoving him aside for a second-year quarterback with accuracy issues.

The Broncos will be trying to downplay Tim Tebow vs. Kyle Orton on Sunday, but if Orton and the Chiefs win this game, you can bet it's a story that will get a lot of attention throughout the nation.

As magical as Tebow has been this season, the fact remains that he still has accuracy problems and trouble delivering the ball quickly. Don't think the Broncos don't realize this. It took nothing short of a miracle for Hall of Famer and vice president of football operations John Elway to stand by Tebow's side this season.

If the Chiefs win in Week 17 and, more importantly, Tebow flounders, don't think the Broncos are just going to hand Tebow the starting job in 2012.