Tim Tebow: Denver Broncos Must Use Tebow's Unique Talents in 2011

Tim Tebow is not going to be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos this season.

Are we all aware of that at this point?

Yes?

Okay good. Sorry I had to double-check, but you'd be surprised how many people there are out there who just can't let the idea go. Despite all evidence to the contrary, these people think Tebow gives the Broncos a better chance to win than Kyle Orton.

He doesn't, of course. That's why Tebow is below not only Orton on the team's depth chart, but Brady Quinn as well.

If Tebow was anything like all the other third-string quarterbacks in the NFL, that would mean he's pretty much doomed to spend the entire 2011 season warming the bench. In order for him to actually start, several unforeseen things would have to come to fruition.

But let's face it. Tebow is not your garden-variety third-stringer. This is typically where one might joke about certain messianic abilities of his, but it's true. He has a unique set of skills that, while not necessarily suited for starting duty, should not be flat-out wasted.

If there is one thing to be said about former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, it's that he understood this. He never actually let Tebow start, but McDaniels did find ways to use Tebow in the red zone. We tend to overlook the fact that this strategy actually worked pretty well.

The results speak for themselves. Before Tebow ever even got a start, he had three rushing touchdowns on just 12 carries and his one and only pass resulted in a touchdown. That's 13 official touches and four touchdowns. Not a bad ratio.

The Broncos are under new management now, but head coach John Fox would be wise to take note. In Tebow, he may not have a starting quarterback, but he should realize that he has a legit red zone weapon.

Shoot, Fox doesn't even have to change anything. If they still exist somewhere in Mile High Stadium, all Fox has to do is pull out some of McDaniels' old plays. Some will have Tebow making short throws, others will have him using his speed and raw athletic ability to get into the end zone. Exactly which one will be coming will be the defense's problem.

Yes, Orton will still be the one getting the Broncos to the red zone. In fact, Fox should only really think about using Tebow when his team is knocking on the door. But if he does think of using Tebow at that point, good things are going to happen.

In fact, the only real downside is that Fox would probably have to start answering questions about why Tebow's touchdowns aren't leading to a starting opportunity.

Because, you know, he hasn't answered enough of those questions already.