Teebow time in Denver folks!!

[Lone Sailor]

Better than Orton. LOL

And he just threw a TD to Lloyd.

[yellowstang]

30 yard TD pass to Lloyd! Tebow is kicken some serious ass compared to Orton.

[papapepper]

Whooohooo Denver might actually have something with tebow.... Still wasn't worth the 1st round pick though

[Sean88gt]

He's playing for the BCS title!

[Lone Sailor]

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I figured I'd take the chance on him in my fantasy league since Orton was sitting this week. He's looking much better than I thought he would be able to on short notice.

[Sean88gt]

Fucking awful play calling.

[yellowstang]

Fucking awful play calling.

I think the rain ruined the ink on the offensive playbook and only 1 page was legible, so we were very limited what could be called. Yeah, that's what it was...

[Sean88gt]

I think the rain ruined the ink on the offensive playbook and only 1 page was legible, so we were very limited what could be called. Yeah, that's what it was...

Studesville isn't coaching himself into a job.

[papapepper]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos don't care if everyone knows it, including the Houston Texans: Tim Tebow will start again Sunday.

Rather than keep everybody guessing, interim coach Eric Studesville made the unusual move Monday of announcing that Tebow would be under center when the Broncos (3-11) play host to the Texans (5-9).

Studesville said Kyle Orton is still bothered by bruised ribs and that Tebow did a good job managing the game plan, the team and the crowd in his first NFL start Sunday despite Denver's 39-23 loss at Oakland.

"Well, the reason right now was that we felt that Tim played well yesterday, ran our offense effectively," Studesville said. "Compounding that was the fact that Kyle still was rehabbing ... and we just felt like prolonging this later into the week wasn't the best thing for our preparation and practice."

So, now the Texans don't have to worry about preparing for two quarterbacks, one a right-handed prolific passer and the other a rookie southpaw.

Studesville thought the benefit to the Broncos outweighed any concerns about the Texans knowing it.

"I think they'll certainly have tape on him now to have a game plan," Studesville said. "What they'll do differently ... we're going to do some things differently because we'll have more information on him too, now. So, how that all plays out I'm not exactly sure."

Tebow, who was stunningly selected with the 25th overall pick in the April draft by former coach Josh McDaniels, had thrown just one NFL pass before Sunday and most of his two dozen snaps had come in specialty situations such as short-yardage and goal line packages.


His repertoire was limited Sunday because of bad weather and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy's conservative game calling but he showed enough to merit more playing time and perhaps more of a chance to throw the ball.

"We know more now about Tim and what he can do in a game, we can give him things," Studesville said. "But the entire game plan is still based on what we think gives us the best chance against the Houston Texans, and that's what's going to determine the volume of the playbook more than anything else."

Asked if team owner Pat Bowlen might have suggested the move to ensure there isn't a sea of empty seats at Invesco Field on Sunday, Studesville said he indeed met with the owner and chief operating officer Joe Ellis in the morning but that it was his decision alone. He said Bowlen and Ellis agreed with his call.

Although Studesville gave his team the day off Monday, both quarterbacks reported to Dove Valley, Orton for treatment on the ribs he bruised in a loss at Arizona on Dec. 12, and got the news.

Studesville said Orton didn't object.

"No, he's a professional," Studesville said.

Tebow had moments of greatness and moments of grief in his first career start.

By the time the first quarter ended, he had joined Kordell Stewart and Michael Vick as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to run for a 40-yard touchdown and throw for a 30-yard touchdown in the same game.

He was a bit lucky: his 40-yard scamper was supposed to be a hand-off and his 33-yard touchdown strike went through the hands of cornerback Stanford Routt before Brandon Lloyd caught it as he rolled out of bounds.

Tebow admitted after the game that on his touchdown run, he was supposed to hand off to tailback Correll Buckhalter on third-and-24.

"My reaction was it was seven points no matter how it happened," Studesville said Monday.

So, it's forgivable when a rookie goofs up?

"Forgivable? No," Studesville said. "But I'm happy it worked out in a good way."

The Raiders were impressed by the NFL's most intriguing pro prospect since Vick joined the Atlanta Falcons out of Virginia Tech in 2001.

Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha got a good hit on Tebow late in the game but Tebow, who weighs nearly 250 pounds, doled out a lot of punishment himself.

"A lot of guys will either slide or they'll try to take the path of least resistance. But he's going to go head-up with a guy, every time. He's a big guy, tough to bring down," Asomugha said.

That's the concern about Tebow: can he last in this league with that same style that helped him win two national titles and a Heisman Trophy at Florida?

"He's a tough runner. He runs like a back," Raiders safety Michael Huff said. "Once he gets more experience throwing the ball, he'll be a good quarterback."

He's definitely a work-in-progress quarterback who needs more polish in his footwork and throwing mechanics to go with his high energy and enthusiasm.

Tebow completed eight passes for 138 yards and ran eight times for 78 and wasn't picked off Sunday.

"People said he couldn't be an NFL quarterback but he made some good throws, he had some good runs," Oakland linebacker Quentin Groves said. "He does what suits him best and that's what it is."

And what best suits him right now is throwing occasionally and running -- he averaged 9.8 yards a carry.

"He earned a lot of respect from me today," defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said. "He's a lot better athlete than you think he is. You heard so much about him and then you play him. He made a couple moves out there today that surprised me. I think he's got a bright future."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

[Lone Sailor]

I don't think it really matters since no one has seen him play except for last week. You can't predict what a guy is going to do from week to week based on his first ever game. Seems like a good move in the fact that it will keep Houston guessing on what the Bronco's actual game plan will be with Tebow since he is much more versatile than Orton is. As much as I hate to say it, I don't see Denver winning this game anyway, not with the way their defense has been playing, or shall we say not been playing.

[papapepper]

I don't think it really matters since no one has seen him play except for last week. You can't predict what a guy is going to do from week to week based on his first ever game. Seems like a good move in the fact that it will keep Houston guessing on what the Bronco's actual game plan will be with Tebow since he is much more versatile than Orton is. As much as I hate to say it, I don't see Denver winning this game anyway, not with the way their defense has been playing, or shall we say not been playing.

Tebow impressed me a bunch against Oakland I'm happy with the decision to start him this week against Houston. I think you're right though you can't judge a game plan of a quarterback based off his first ever game. Denver is trying to keep Houston on their toes!

Pat Bowlen is just trying to fill up the stadium starting Tebow. Otherwise I think Orton would be playing.... Even with the bruised ribs.

Denver D has been terrible all year long. Elvis got injured and out for the season we really needed his presence on the field. Champ Bailey is one of the only solid players week in and week out.

[Lone Sailor]

Tebow impressed me a bunch against Oakland I'm happy with the decision to start him this week against Houston. I think you're right though you can't judge a game plan of a quarterback based off his first ever game. Denver is trying to keep Houston on their toes!

Pat Bowlen is just trying to fill up the stadium starting Tebow. Otherwise I think Orton would be playing.... Even with the bruised ribs.

Denver D has been terrible all year long. Elvis got injured and out for the season we really needed his presence on the field. Champ Bailey is one of the only solid players week in and week out.

As much as I think Orton is a good QB he just doesn't need to risk the ribs by playing in a game that doesn't really have much meaning at this point in the season. The o-line hasn't given the greatest protection this year and Tebow is much younger and hasn't played nearly all season, so he is much more capable of taking the possible punishment these next 2 weeks. Besides, there is no better way to see how well your #1 draft pick is going to play on game day than to put him on the field to start the game and let him show you what he's capable of. That said, I like the decision as well. Obviously Orton is the more seasoned QB, but Tebow has the flash and flair to possible pull off wins in the last 2 games of the season.

[papapepper]

As much as I think Orton is a good QB he just doesn't need to risk the ribs by playing in a game that doesn't really have much meaning at this point in the season. The o-line hasn't given the greatest protection this year and Tebow is much younger and hasn't played nearly all season, so he is much more capable of taking the possible punishment these next 2 weeks. Besides, there is no better way to see how well your #1 draft pick is going to play on game day than to put him on the field to start the game and let him show you what he's capable of. That said, I like the decision as well. Obviously Orton is the more seasoned QB, but Tebow has the flash and flair to possible pull off wins in the last 2 games of the season.

I'm kind of hoping Denver losses out so we can move up in the draft.... But then again I'd like to see them win out as well.

2-12-0 Carolina Panthers
3-11-0 Denver Broncos
3-11-0 Cincinnati Bengals

Wonder what kind of moves Denver will make in the offseason hope they build up that defense!

Carolina is going to end up with the number 1 over all pick in the draft... I don't see them beating Pittsburgh or Atlanta.

[papapepper]

Kyle Orton isn't too happy!

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It's Tim Tebow time for the remainder of the season, whether Kyle Orton likes the situation or not.

Orton said he was informed by the Denver Broncos that the rookie will start not only Sunday against the Houston Texans, but in the season finale the following week when the San Diego Chargers visit Invesco Field.

Even with his bruised ribs almost healed, Orton, who was in the midst of his most prolific passing season, will watch Tebow just like everyone else.

The EA fantasy projections for Tim Tebow are off the charts. But do you want to trust the computer, or would you rather go with one of your fantasy studs?
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Orton wasn't happy about the decision that leaves his future with the organization quite hazy, especially with a new front office likely coming in after a dismal season that cost Josh McDaniels his job.

"I said I'd like to finish the season. That wasn't the option that was presented," said Orton, who signed an extension through 2011 last summer. "I don't know if I'll be here next year. We'll just have to wait and see what shakes out with the organization."

For now, the Broncos (3-11) are casting their fortunes with Tebow.

The first-round draft pick out of Florida was solid in his first start last Sunday in Oakland, even if the playbook was scaled back for him. Tebow passed for a pedestrian 138 yards, most of his throws of the nice and safe variety to the outside.

But Tebow did make plays happen with his legs, including a 40-yard touchdown scamper on a missed assignment that was intended to be a draw to Correll Buckhalter. Tebow finished with 78 rushing yards, the second-highest single game total ever by a Broncos quarterback.

Tebow's performance did come with some friendly advice from interim coach Eric Studesville -- slide more.

At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Tebow might be built more like a fullback, but all those hits from linebackers and defensive linemen tend to take a toll.

"You can talk to him about things like that, but those instincts are just in him," Studesville said. "Hopefully we can keep him healthy as long as possible doing those things because we know the violence of this game. But he plays this game how it's supposed to be played, and some of that is him getting bounced around out there."

Tebow insists that's simply the way he's wired, has been since his college days with the Gators.

"I try to be smart in every situation. But sometimes my competitive nature can get the better part of me," said Tebow, who hurt his ribs during a preseason game at Cincinnati when he barreled into the end zone through defenders. "I'll try to be even smarter to make good decisions with my body."

As of now, Tebow might just be the Broncos' best rushing option.

Knowshon Moreno has sore ribs, missing practice Wednesday, and Lance Ball gained just 20 yards on 15 carries against the Raiders. Buckhalter chipped in 3 yards on six carries.

"It's just a lack of execution. Plain and simple, we should be doing pretty good," Buckhalter said. "We had a letdown against the Raiders. There are no excuses. We just didn't execute."

The presence of Tebow provided an offensive spark, the team rallying around their enthusiastic quarterback in the huddle.

It was certainly visible to Texans coach Gary Kubiak.

"You saw the energy of the football team pick up," Kubiak said. "I've been very impressed."

To prepare for Tebow, Kubiak and his staff have been calling up footage from the preseason. Not that Tebow even remotely resembles that person.

Sure, Tebow is still quick to take off when a play breaks down. But his reads have progressed, and his feet aren't quite as antsy.

"How (Tebow) played last week tells you that he was taking care of his business every week. He was staying ready to play, getting himself ready for his opportunity," Kubiak said. "What you're facing is another back back there, that's very capable of beating you with his legs as well as his arm."

Tebow also is trying to make a solid impression. After all, the next coach or general manager coming in -- or perhaps already in the building -- might be watching.

"In the NFL, everything you do is an interview and it is an audition," Tebow said. "You always have to put your best foot forward and try to go out there and perform every day in practice and in the game. I will try to do nothing less personally.

"As far as the rest of that goes, I'm not going to worry about it because I can't control it."

The situation is out of Orton's hands as well. He was far from pleased over the fact that, barring an injury, he might not see the field again this season.

Orton was well on his way to career-best numbers, throwing for 3,653 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.

He injured his ribs during the second half against the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 28. After that, he wasn't the same. He was ineffective at Kansas City and Arizona, then inactive against Oakland.

"You never want to give up your job, you know?" Orton said. "We've worked hard as a unit for a number of months, and you'd certainly like to be able to finish that out with your guys. It's disappointing not to be able to do that."

Notes: The Broncos placed FB Spencer Larsen (ankle) on injured reserve and promoted OL Stanley Daniels to the active roster from the practice squad. ... S Brian Dawkins (knee) was back at practice Wednesday, but participated on a limited basis. Same with WR Demaryius Thomas (ankle). ... K Matt Prater (groin) didn't practice.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

I don't think Orton will ever play another game for the Denver Broncos..... He's done. He will be starting for another team next year I'm 99% positive of that.

Oh and Kubiak is coming to Denver.....