Why Miami Dolphins Fans Should Cheer Tim Tebow over Kyle Orton

Ever since the rumors emerged that Tim Tebow would be the starter in Denver, Miami fans have been in love with the idea of a semi-proven pocket passer like Kyle Orton joining the Dolphins.

The much-discussed trade rumor involving the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins and the 28-year-old Orton ultimately slipped through the cracks as first-year Broncos' coach John Fox seems set to begin his legacy with 2010's 10th-best passer by yardage.

Orton's production under center last season went largely unnoticed, thanks to the lack of talent and direction by the coaching staff and front office in Denver.

Orton's gaudy numbers weren't enough to cover up his 3-10 record as a starter in 2010, in which he threw for over 3,600 yards and 20 touchdowns on nearly 300 completions.

However Orton was pulled in Week 15, giving way to former Florida Gator and fan favorite, Tim Tebow, who went 1-2 down the stretch, including a two-touchdown performance in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans, leading the Broncos to a 24-23 week 16 win.

The bottom line, Tebow's 11 touchdowns (five passing, six rushing), 82.1 quarterback rating (Orton's was 87.5), and one win weren't enough to convince the Broncos' new coaching staff that he should be the guy.

For Miami, the Chad Henne era has produced little success, or excitement for that matter.

Henne has been the starter for two full seasons now, and Miami has gone 7-9 two years in a row.

It's hard to say that even with Kyle Orton calling the shots in South Beach the Dolphins would win more than seven games in 2011, but at least with Tebow, it would be exciting.

How many other NFL quarterbacks outside of Michael Vick, can run for six touchdowns in six games, let alone three in their first three NFL starts?

That's what Tim Tebow did last season. He showed more heart, charisma and intensity in two plays against Houston, than Kyle Orton has in his entire career.

The biggest concern with Tebow is without a doubt his accuracy, he only hit 50 percent of his targets last season, completing 41-of-82 pass attempts and did throw three interceptions.

But Chad Henne threw 19 interceptions in 2010, to just 15 touchdowns passes.

The call for Tebow in Miami is a quiet one and for very little reason. There are far too many arguments one can make that support this move.

Tebow played his best football in Florida, high school and college.

The Dolphins can build on the excitement surrounding the Reggie Bush addition.

The Broncos can rid themselves of untimely drama and go forth with a clear-cut favorite.

The Dolphins can sell Tebow jerseys.

Regardless of whether Dolphins fans want change at quarterback, Orton is set to become the Broncos starting quarterback next season barring an unforeseen injury.

Why not start the new call for change with the next best thing to Orton, Tim Tebow?

Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke