What are the Denver Broncos (5-5) going to do with Tim Tebow? The conventional wisdom seems to be that John Fox and his staff are going to do their best to win with Tebow this year. This means running the option, the spread option, the veer, the winged T, or any other run-based offense imaginable which they believe plays to the strengths of their young quarterback. Clearly Fox believes that this maximizes Tebow’s potential and it also represents Denver’s best chance to win this season. However, what are the organization’s plans going forward?
The Broncos are in a battle royale with Oakland, San Diego and Kansas City for the AFC West division title. It is likely that Kansas City has lost Matt Cassel for the remainder of this season. That, combined with a difficult remaining schedule, should preclude the Chiefs from winning the division. Oakland and San Diego have talent, but are wildly inconsistent. Given this, it is difficult to see either of these teams winning more than nine games this year, and it may be a challenge just getting to eight wins. The Denver organization has most likely thought about this. Making the playoffs is a big deal. Clearly viewing an opportunity, the Broncos are desperately trying to get to eight wins and then see what happens with the tiebreakers. Denver now only needs to win three of their last six games to get to eight wins. Anyone that has watched the last few Denver games knows that anything is possible.
If the Broncos were to make the playoffs what would they do with Tebow in 2012? Again, the majority opinion seems to be that Denver would release Tebow and draft a quarterback. However, John Elway spoke very positively of Tebow during an interview on NFL Network before Thursday night’s game with the Jets. If released what would Tebow do next? I think there are two possible scenarios. First, if Tebow is a free agent he can choose where he makes his second NFL stop. Someone that has an innovative offensive mind might try to envision (as Josh McDaniels did) a way that Tim Tebow could be used as a starting quarterback in the NFL. The outcome of this effort could be uncertain at best, although Tebow has had flashes of brilliance in the last few weeks. However, there is a second, and I think a more imaginative option.
If Tim Tebow were on my team I would utilize him in the following ways. First, Tebow would be a part of my multiple tight end and H-back package. Any set making use of two or more of these players would automatically involve Tebow. Second, Tebow would be my wildcat quarterback. Additionally Tebow would be my quarterback (or even tailback) in the majority of any third down and short or fourth down and short plays as well as figure prominently in my goal line package. Third, I would tell my special teams coordinator that Tim Tebow was available for him to use in any way imaginable. I could foresee Tebow as the punter’s personal protector with the green light to exploit any weakness on the opposition’s punt return team especially on the plus side of the 50 yard line. Tebow could also be the holder for field goals and extra points. In addition to making field goals more than an afterthought, Tebow could turn the mundane try for point after touchdown into an adventure much like Chip Kelly and the Oregon Ducks. Taken together these special situations would give defensive coordinators and special teams coordinators much to think about and prepare for which would take valuable time away from preparation for my regular offense.
No one knows how events will play out over the next year. What Tebow does will remain a topic for columnists, radio talk show hosts and television analysts. What is certain is that it will be must see television and that is good for the NFL and for Tebow’s ultimate team.