Tim Tebow: Why Denver Broncos' Decision to Play Tebow Was Well Overdue

Kyle Orton and Denver Broncos fans forced John Fox’s hand into playing former University of Florida Star Tim Tebow in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers in Week 5.

Halftime of the biggest game of the season was too late, though. This should have happened before the game against the Chargers, if not sooner.

This was the game that was going to make or break the Broncos' season. At 4-1, the Chargers would run away from the Broncos' grasps in the AFC West. A record of 1-4 would destroy the Broncos' hopes for postseason glory. But Fox and company allowed Orton one more start to turn the season around.

Wrong move.

Orton has done nothing under the pressure of Broncos fans this season. He has been absolutely horrid at times through the five games. Overall, Orton has collected 945 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions in 2011.

Maybe Tebow can’t get it done under center in the NFL, but you have to give him the opportunity. He can't do much worse than Orton. Expecting him to bring your team back down double digits out of halftime in the most important game of the season would be tough for any quarterback in the NFL.

He should have been named the starter during the week.

Imagine the buildup to the game from the media and fans pregame. It would have been crazy in Denver this week.

Not only would Tebow be under pressure to perform, but the Chargers would feel pressure in Denver, in front of one of the most underrated fanbases in the NFL.

Tebow needs the first-string reps in order to be fully prepared to play the game, though. Denver didn’t provide him with that opportunity. If they did, then maybe the outcome would have been different.

Who knows?

This move was just another porous decision by Fox and his coaching staff.