Tim Tebow Is Not the Second Coming in Denver: May His Exit Be Forthcoming?

After the NFL lockout concluded, most rational observers thought the 2011 version of the parting of the Red Sea would occur in Denver.  

You see, incumbent starting quarterback Kyle Orton was going to get traded to Seattle, Miami, Minnesota, or any of the other teams in search of a new signal-caller. 

Broncos fans were finally going to get their wish in seeing their messiah take the field and lead them to new heights in the Mile High City.  

It seemed destined for Tim Tebow to lead the Denver Broncos back to glory as the face of the franchise. 

One month later, that dream scenario has turned into a nightmare for one of the most polarizing figures of the league. 

If this scenario were a metaphorical play on the field, it would be a false start penalty on a beautifully thrown touchdown pass.

Former head coach Josh McDaniels’ downfall may have been trading up into the first round to take one of the greatest college football players of all time. 

McDaniels gambled that he could capitalize on Tebow’s charisma, leadership and larger-than-life persona and turn him into a legit pocket passer in the NFL. 

After a disastrous 2010 season that ended with McDaniels' release, Tebow’s biggest supporter left town and new coach John Fox was left with little time and less patience with a quarterback who clearly needs more time to develop.

People who are surprised by Tebow’s rapid fall from grace have forgotten that no matter how fierce of a competitor he is, that singular trait in and of itself will not ensure success at the highest level of football. 

The legions of analysts who harped on his throwing motion, sloppy mechanics and inexperience in a pro-style offense were right about his skills not translating to the NFL. 

As Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan of Sirius/XM NFL Radio pointed out on “Movin the Chains” last week, Tebow not only couldn’t beat out Orton, but he may be in a fight to beat out Brady Quinn for the second-string job, or maybe even worse.

Tebow’s situation has gotten so bad it appears that his only true shot at redemption will come if, and when, he is traded to another team.

It is certainly clear that the decision-makers—guys like Fox and executive vice president of football operations, and former Broncos great, John Elway—feel like Tebow isn’t going to be the man behind center anytime soon. 

Unless a miracle occurs—maybe even one of divine order—it will take a fresh start in order to begin the rebirth of Tim Tebow’s career.