Tim Tebow: Will John Fox Need to Keep Denver Broncos QB on Short Leash?

According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, the Denver Broncos have named Tim Tebow the starting QB in place of Kyle Orton on Tuesday.

This obviously comes as no surprise with the Broncos currently 1-4 and Orton having a 6-22 record his last 28 games.

Questions linger as to whether Denver actually can turn things around, as well as how well Tebow will perform. However, even if the Broncos stay at the bottom of the food chain, the change was inevitable and provides fans with a fresh start.

In an article by ESPN News Services, it may be "Tebow Time," but he still has a lot of areas to improve:

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"Tebow's footwork and throwing mechanics remain a work in progress as he tries to morph from a combination college quarterback to a pocket passer in the pros."

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The article also added:

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"In 12 career games, Tebow has completed 45 of 92 passes (48.9 percent) for 733 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has rushed for 264 yards and seven touchdowns."

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So with all this in mind, and Tim Tebow being under center, how much freedom will he get from coach John Fox?

Even though this is the NFL and Tebow should be more focused on becoming a pocket passer, the Broncos are in dire straits, and the fans need something to get fired up about.

Tebow's versatility surely provides the Broncos' offense with an advantage as opposing defenses will be forced to adjust their game plan.

Coach Fox should keep Tebow on a leash, but the leash better have a lot of slack.

The best way to learn is by doing, and with Tebow, giving him the freedom to improvise and use his instincts is where Fox can help the most.

The only problem with that is if he doesn't play well, then can he adapt into becoming more of a pocket passer?

In college he did everything and anything virtually whenever he wanted, because frankly, he was that much better than anyone else on the field.

Now in the NFL, Coach Fox should let Tebow loose and allow him to feel the game on his own, because limiting his strengths is what's going to hurt in the beginning.

Once defenses learn to adjust, Tebow can then adjust, as previously noted—learn by doing.

Tim is not your prototypical NFL QB, nor is he really a typical QB, but he's a proven winner and giving him the opportunity to make plays in The Mile High City is all Denver fans ask.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.