2011 NFL Predictions: 5 Reasons Denver Broncos Will Start Tim Tebow by Week 4

The Denver Broncos are set to kick off their 2011 regular season Monday night against the Oakland Raiders. Kyle Orton will be the starting quarterback, having been chosen by head coach John Fox. 

If the Broncos struggle throughout the month of September with Orton, might they turn to Tim Tebow?

The fans certainly wouldn't be opposed to that option.

Here are five reasons why Tebow will be starting come Week 4. 

Reason No. 1: Rough Start to the Season

The Denver Broncos start the season at Sports Authority Field at Mile High against Oakland, followed by a game against Cincinnati.

Then, the Broncos travel to Tennessee, followed by a game against the defending Super Bowl champions, Green Bay Packers.

A relatively easy schedule in which they could be 3-0 heading into Green Bay.

Knowing these Broncos, however, they could be 1-3 or even 0-3.  

The whole Broncos schedule isn't that tough to be honest. The defense is improved, and the offense is adequate. 

Kyle Orton had a solid preseason. In his last preseason game, he went 16-for-23, throwing for 236 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

He did not play in the final preseason game, having locked up the starting role. Orton was 10-for-13, for 135 yards and a touchdown a week earlier.

Orton is good in the red zone and completes passes for big yards. Just ask Brandon Lloyd how he liked Orton last year. 

He's had a solid preseason in limited action.

However, let's just say that Orton struggles through the first four games after having a short offseason, and the Broncos are 1-3, or even 0-3 heading into Green Bay? 

Will the fans want to see what they can get out of Tim Tebow? Quite possibly. I am not convinced that John Fox would pull the trigger for Tebow after only three games, but if he didn't, would there be an outcry for Tebow? 

One might say if the Broncos have a rough season and don't play Tebow, then draft a quarterback, Tebow wasn't given a fair chance. The fans will think that Tebow was a wasted draft pick.    

No. 2: Feel Forced to Play Tebow

Yes, Orton is the starter, and only if the team struggles, or if Orton gets hurt, will it be the reason John Fox goes to Tebow at quarterback.

Tim Tebow is a great college football player, but can he be a great NFL quarterback?

Tebow only played in three games last year, which is nowhere near enough games to get an adequate idea of his potential as an NFL contributor.

In those three games, he went 1-2, threw four touchdowns to three interceptions. Tebow was also 40 for 81 and averaged a meager 49.8 completion percentage.

You cannot gauge a player by those three games. Plus, Tebow is young and adjusting to a new offensive package after years of running the spread at Florida.

He will get better.  

Also, putting Tebow in at quarterback early in the season, and if he struggles, the Broncos have their reason to dump Tebow.

Otherwise, if Tebow only plays limited snaps and they draft a quarterback, they'll never really know what they can get out of him.  

No. 3: Tebow Will Bring Fans

I know you are going to say Kyle Orton will bring just as many fans, but do you think really that if the Broncos are struggling and losing, the fans will be interested? 

Tebow would give them the reason to watch. If he does solid, there is hope and if he does poorly, Tebow wasn't the right man for the job.

This is the exact reason you start Tebow. From April to August, Tebow had the most jersey sales in the NFL. Fans like to watch him.

Tebow brings a fire and energy that a team needs to stay upright. 

Tebow may only be that backup quarterback, and leader that every team needs, but until we see more of Tebow on the field, how are we going to know?

No. 4: Tebow Is Too Talented to See His Talent Go to Waste

When it is all said and done, if the Broncos go 4-12 with Tebow, might it be better? Tebow has the ability to even win more games for the Broncos. 

Tebow and Orton are both pretty healthy usually, and it is just a matter of if the Broncos struggle, where do they go? 

Tebow is younger, only by four years, and we have yet to see his potential. We've seen Orton's potential. Orton is average at best, but has the potential to lead this team the playoffs, especially in a weaker AFC West. It all just rides on if the team can stay healthy. 

However, if the Broncos struggle, Tebow's intangibles, leadership qualities and potential may be too much to pass up if the Broncos get off to a slow start. 

No. 5: Tebow Has Showed He Can Lead Broncos

Tim Tebow showed in 2010 when Kyle Orton was injured, that he can be a mainstay in the NFL. 

Tebow's best play was a 40-yard run for a touchdown against Oakland. He threw for a few touchdowns as well.

Tebow works his tail off. On and off the field. He's lifting and working out with his teammates when not playing, and when he is, Tebow is trying do everything to win.

Tebow is a proven winner. Don't get me wrong Orton can win too, but if they are not, give Tebow a try, and then if Tebow struggles, give it back to Orton or Brady Quinn.  

Remember, that Tebow may have his odd mechanics and throwing motion, but don't you think by playing him, it will help him improve. 

As far as I am concerned the Broncos may be scared to take off the training wheels and unleash Tebow. 

If Tebow doesn't work out, put him in as a fullback or tight end. Then, at least Bronco fans won't view the kid as a wasted first-round draft pick. Plus, then hold onto Kyle Orton or draft a quarterback in 2012.