There has been much speculation as to what is going to happen with the University of Florida standout as he has only rushed 12 times and attempted (and completed) one pass all season.
Before McDaniels was fired on Monday, Denver Post sports columnist Mark Kiszla wrote that putting Tebow, a fan favorite, in the game would at least give the Broncos faithful some hope for the future.
“Well, now might be a good time to start thinking about putting Tebow in, coach,” he wrote.
Starting quarterback Kyle Orton was on fire early on in the season but has since tapered off. During last week’s game against division rival Kansas City Chiefs, he threw for only 117 yards on 9 passes in 28 attempts.
So why not try starting Tebow? The Broncos are 3-9, last in the AFC West, and have no possible shot at the playoffs.
But the problem is Orton has clearly proved his worth: despite the Broncos' miseries, he has thrown 20 touchdowns to only six interceptions, has 3487 passing yards, and a passer rating of 93. Not too bad, which presumably means Tebow will probably be kept on the sidelines for the time being.
Yahoo! Sports columnist Jason Cole wrote in a column on Monday that Tebow shouldn't start over Orton, and that he needs seasoning and support before he can be considered for prolonged playing time.
“The bottom line is that Tebow is an acquired taste who needs a coach who believes in him and is willing to work on his throwing motion until it has completely changed,” Cole wrote. “Even then, there are significant questions about Tebow’s accuracy.”
Cole also quoted an anonymous NFL general manager regarding Tebow’s situation after McDaniels leaves.
“The thing that’s tricky [about firing McDaniels] is what happens with Tebow,” the manager said, according to Yahoo. “This is a league where at least 75 percent of the coaches and personnel people are not Tebow-ites.”
As of right now, Orton will remain the starter, Broncos interim head coach Eric Studesville said, according to the Broncos' official website.
