NFL Preseason 2011: Why Broncos Must Move a QB Before Problems Mount

And the hits just keep on coming.

The Denver Broncos are in the midst of the worst QB controversy in the entire NFL and training camp is becoming comical at this point. Look no further than this tweet from ESPN’s Chris Mortenson for a good laugh:

"

Funny reading @Denver_Broncos a.m. blog. Working at own 1, Orton picked by Champ for TD; Tebow fumbles snap for safety; Quinn picked for TD

"

Let me remind you that the Broncos had the 25th-ranked passing defense a year ago.

It was an utter disaster of a sequence and very symbolic of the current mess they have on their hands. Three QBs who all have major issues and are all incapable of leading the 2011 Broncos to the playoffs.

It’s time to get rid of one of them and at least shore up some of the confusion that is crippling the entire team. 

Kyle Orton has played better than Tim Tebow in camp and was rewarded with being placed No. 1 on the first depth chart.

Tebow nation is outraged and the controversy is boiling over among the players. There is also a former No. 1 pick in Brady Quinn who has shown flashes at the NFL level, but can’t seem to be it all together.

The city isn’t big enough for all here of ‘em.

Quinn is the easy choice since nobody is really invested in him, but having him as your backup is not a bad idea. He hasn’t been the springboard for controversy that the other three have been.

It’s Orton versus Tebow and both sides have strong support systems.

Tebow had the No. 1-selling jersey in the league last year and has quickly won over Broncos Nation. Most fans expect the upcoming season to be a rebuilding year, so why not go all in and endure the hard times Tebow will inevitably face right away?

If you listen to the fans then it’s obvious—Tebow is the guy.

But if you listen to the players…it’s a different story. Check of these comments top receiver Brandon Lloyd said to the Denver Post about the situation:

"

Keeping Orton as the starter means we're trying to win now. Going with Tim Tebow is a developmental move. That's not a 'now' move. Would that (tick) me off? Yeah, it would. But at the same time I'm a competitor so I'm going to try to make it work.

"

Can’t be much more clear than that.

The Broncos owe it to aging veterans like Lloyd, Champ Bailey and Brain Dawkins to do everything in their power to win football games NOW.

It’s a no-win situation and trading one of them is the only move. Regardless of who starts, the others name will be chanted throughout Invesco Field at the first sign of trouble. Head coach John Fox has to be extremely careful with how fast he pulls the trigger on a move if both stay in the Mile High City.

I say get rid of Orton.

Sure he’s been head-and-shoulders above Tebow in formulaic drills that Orton has been doing for years. But there is no substitute for how you react in an actual game with the clock ticking and the pressure mounting.

Up to this point in his six-year NFL career Orton has never shown the sort of moxie and dramatics needed to pull off a come from behind win. If he hasn’t displayed the clutch gene this far into his career— I doubt it’s there.

Tebow may have terrible mechanics and poor accuracy on certain throws, but the charisma and confidence he infuses on his teammates was in full view during his only win as a pro, one of the comeback variety that was entirely orchestrated by the 22-year-old.

It’s not going to be a pretty season for the Broncos either way. Orton is capable of 8-8 and possibly 9-7—a fringe contender. Tebow will be good for anywhere between 5-8 wins.

The difference is at least the situation has been ironed out if Tebow is the starter. He is the guy the team will go to war with.

If Orton sticks around and fails to raise his play to a level yet to be displayed in his career—the core issue is still at the forefront and Tebow loses out on valuable learning experiences.

Vets may not be thrilled with the decision at first, but starting their 2010 first-round pick Tim Tebow is the best gamble at this point for the future of the organization.

Besides, what’s the real difference between 5-11 and 8-8?