Tim Tebow: 6 Reasons He Doesn't Deserve a Shot

Tim Tebow has been at the center of the Denver Broncos’ controversial quarterback decision.

Many Bronco fans want Tebow to be the new starting quarterback for the 2011-12 NFL season. However, Denver has to choose between starting Tebow and their veteran quarterback Kyle Orton.

Orton’s contract ends after this season. The Broncos should take advantage of his experience until Tebow proves he’s ready to be a starter. Until then, Tim Tebow currently does not deserve a shot at starting quarterback.

That may change later in the season, but Tebow has not yet earned the starting role.

Lack of Experience

Tim Tebow has three career starts in the NFL. They resulted in four touchdowns and three interceptions.

He could become a talented NFL quarterback but right now he needs work. Kyle Orton is outplaying him in camp so far.

Tebow is struggling. If that is an indicator of how he’ll play this year, the Broncos should not put all their faith in him.

They should not trade Orton, at least until Tebow has proven he is capable of leading a professional team.

College Doesn’t Matter in the NFL

The Tim Tebow fanbase was formed during Tebow's time with the Florida Gators.

In college he led his team to multiple championships and received several awards.

That doesn’t matter in the NFL. Tebow has a legacy in college but he needs to start a new story in professional football. The players are tougher with more skill at this level.

Clubhouse Dynamics

Brandon Lloyd said he would be “pissed” if Kyle Orton left as a result of a trade.

Lloyd was tied for fourth in the NFL with 11 touchdown receptions. He also had 1448 on 77 catches, which led the league for 2010. His numbers were representative of the bond he and Orton formed last season.

This is one example of how respect is formed on a team. When the players have respect for a veteran quarterback, things might not go over well in the clubhouse if said QB was traded.

The Fanbase Shouldn’t Decide the Player

Coaches will always have to deal with fans thinking they know how to run a team. Radio stations will always take callers who will share their opinion until the show ends.

That shouldn’t have any effect on actual decisions.

Football is not a popularity contest. While the NFL is a business, the coaches also have to be able to ask themselves what the best way to help their team win is. If Tim Tebow isn’t the answer, he should sit.

Play Your Best Guy

If Kyle Orton stays with the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow needs to be on the bench.

Orton’s contract ends next year, but that is next year. Take advantage of an experienced veteran quarterback while he’s still there. In the last two seasons, he had the second-lowest interception percentage of regular starters.

Tebow hasn’t earned respect yet and Orton is the better player at this point.

Don’t Sacrifice This Season for the Future

Tim Tebow was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. When a team picks up a quarterback like Tebow, they’re planning to use him as the face of their future.

However the future should not result in this season being a practice run for him. The Denver Broncos are coming off a 4-12 season. If they want to rebound from that, playing their second-best quarterback would not be a good idea.

The Tebow Era will come. The Broncos need to focus on this season. Kyle Orton may not leave the season as the starting quarterback, but he needs to begin it as one.