Why Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow Will Render Kyle Orton Obsolete

Many Denver Broncos fans have been calling for it since the season's first game, but the day has finally come where head coach John Fox has named Tim Tebow as the Broncos' starting quarterback. 

Former starter Kyle Orton has fallen out of favor after a strong 2010 campaign as the Broncos have gotten off to a 1-4 start this season. Orton put up solid numbers in Josh McDaniels' pass-heavy offense last year, but he has struggled to replicate that success under Fox.

Through five games Orton is responsible for nine turnovers and is averaging over 200 passing yards per game. When you couple that with Denver's 1-4 record, starting Tebow almost seems like a no-brainer. 

Tebow is far from perfect as his throwing motion, accuracy and ability to play under center are all question marks at this point, but there is no question that he provided Denver with a spark when he played in relief of the ineffective Orton on Sunday.

While Tebow was just 4-of-10 through the air, he picked up a touchdown on a screen pass to Knowshon Moreno and totaled 79 yards. He also accounted for a touchdown on the ground, which is a dimension he brings to the position that Orton can't.

Tebow was able to get Denver back in the game against the San Diego Chargers, and he very nearly connected on a Hail Mary that would have won them the game. It likely would have been blowout city had Orton remained under center, so it stands to reason that Tebow simply gives them a better chance to win at this point.

It is obvious that Tebow is far from orthodox and because of that many so-called experts are sour on him, but he possesses a rare blend of skills that allowed him to be successful in college at Florida and have allowed him to excel in limited playing time in the NFL.

His quick feet will certainly come in handy as Orton has been adversely affected by pressure this season. He hasn't been sacked a great deal, but it has been very apparent that opposing pass rushes have forced him into quick decisions and ultimately mistakes.

Tebow started three games at the end of last season, which many people seem to forget, and he played quite well. Not only did he have a rushing score in each game, but he also had at least one passing touchdown in all three contests.

His best game was undoubtedly a 308-yard performance in a win over the Houston Texans. I wouldn't expect him to eclipse 300 yards too often, but Tebow should be able to move the ball adequately with his arm and his legs, and I expect him to make everyone forget the name Kyle Orton.

I don't know if Tebow will ever be a Pro Bowl-caliber player or if he'll even be a long-term starter, but at 1-4, the Broncos honestly have nothing to lose. They owe it to themselves to see if they have something special in Tebow, and from what I've seen to this point, he's a much better option than Orton.