Steelers vs. Broncos: Why Brady Quinn Is Game's Most Important Player

It may surprise you to know that when the Steelers visit the Broncos today, the game’s most important player won’t be starting on offense for either team.

He won’t be starting on defense for either team.

He won’t be starting at all.

He’ll be sitting on the Broncos bench, helmet off, baseball cap on, clipboard in hand and the uniform No. 9 on his back.

His name is Brady Quinn, and on his participation—or his lack of participation—in this one, the outcome could rest.

FoxSports’s Jay Glazer tweets that the Broncos have plans to use backup quarterback Quinn in place of Tim Tebow on third downs—or more—if they aren’t happy with the decision-making of Tebow.

This strategy can play out over several levels.

1. Quinn doesn’t play. In that case, Tebow has a big game, the Denver offense clicks and the Mile High Miracle season goes on unabated.

2. Quinn plays a little. If the Broncos use their backup QB just a handful of times, then that might work to Denver’s advantage. The Steelers have done their homework on Quinn to be sure, but the fact is the Pittsburgh defense has geared up to face Tebow, and a change could throw a wrench into the plans, enough to generate a big play or two.

3. Quinn plays a lot. If this is the outcome, things swing heavily in the Steelers’ favor. Quinn is a decent backup, but he is no savior. If he has to play a lot, it will be because the Broncos are floundering offensively, and that can only be good news for the Steelers.