AFC West: Tom Brandstater
San Diego tight end Antonio Gates didn’t practice Wednesday because of a foot injury. He has been dealing with it for weeks. He still has a chance to play against Oakland on Sunday. He played against the Colts this past Sunday.
Linebacker Stephen Cooper (knee), receiver Malcolm Floyd (hamstring), receiver Vincent Jackson (calf) and running back Mike Tolbert were among the players not in practice Wednesday. Tolbert finished Sunday’s game despite his injury and Jackson will likely be out for a couple of weeks. Running back Ryan Mathews practiced fully and after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. Still, I’d expect Tolbert to start with Mathews backing him up if he can play. Tolbert has had back-to-back 100-yard plus games while starting for the injured Mathews.
Linebacker Stephen Cooper (knee), receiver Malcolm Floyd (hamstring), receiver Vincent Jackson (calf) and running back Mike Tolbert were among the players not in practice Wednesday. Tolbert finished Sunday’s game despite his injury and Jackson will likely be out for a couple of weeks. Running back Ryan Mathews practiced fully and after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. Still, I’d expect Tolbert to start with Mathews backing him up if he can play. Tolbert has had back-to-back 100-yard plus games while starting for the injured Mathews.
- For Oakland, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle) and safety Tyvon Branch (shoulder) didn’t practice Wednesday. But the team is hopeful both can play at San Diego. Receiver Chaz Schilens, who has been dealing with foot and knee issues all season, practiced on a limited basis. He may be able to play some this season. Oakland quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has not given up on playing this season yet despite having a shoulder separation. Still, he said the injury is similar to the injury that kept him out for five weeks earlier this season. There are five games remaining, and it appears Jason Campbell will get the chance to remain the starter for the rest of the season.
- Oakland receiver Jacoby Ford is No. 6 on ESPN.com’s Rookie Watch. There’s no denying the impact the dynamic Ford has had as a receiver and as a returner. The fourth-round pick from Clemson is becoming Oakland’s most reliable receiver. Ford was named the AFC special teams player of the month. Good choice. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in November.
- Law enforcement officials released an investigative report on the suicide of Denver receiver Kenny McKinley. The report concluded that McKinley shot himself with a gun he legally bought from Denver receiver Jabar Gaffney months earlier. Gaffney reportedly told officials McKinley wanted the gun for his personal protection. McKinley was reportedly in major debt and borrowed a large amount of money from former Denver quarterback Tom Brandstater. This is a sad tale.
- Kansas City cornerback Brandon Flowers was limited in practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Chiefs’ win at Seattle on Sunday. Rookie receiver/returner/running back Dexter McCluster is not on the injury report after missing five games with an ankle injury.
- Denver coach Josh McDaniels said the team will work with noise elements in practice this week to prepare for playing at the New Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.
- The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs gave long snapper Thomas Gafford an extension. He would have been a free agent after the season. Kansas City has done a nice job of giving key players new deals during the season.
When Tim Tebow is next seen at the Denver Broncos training camp practice Tuesday, he will be sporting a cleanly shaven head. Gone is the Friar Tuck look he rocked during a public team scrimmage Saturday.
Tebow’s hideous bowl cut (complete with a bald top of his dome) was courtesy of some good-natured rookie hazing in Denver. Shredding the rook’s locks has become a recent tradition in Denver. Last year, rookie quarterback Tom Brandstater sported a haircut similar to Tebow’s disaster during a preseason game.
Still, Tebow is different story. Whatever he does makes news. So the sight of him with the new look rocked the sports world this weekend. It dominated the ESPN airwaves Monday.
On ESPN’s NFL Live, analyst Mark Schlereth and Herm Edwards said the haircut took Tebow to the next level. Look, he had little choice. He was going to get the haircut whether he liked it or not. But Tebow looked like he was proudly wearing the haircut during the scrimmage.
Schlereth and Edwards said that it shows that Tebow is all in for his team. That’s the way he has been his whole career. His teammates in Denver have lauded Tebow for his work ethic and attitude since he was a surprise first-round pick. Tebow’s teammates have embraced him and don’t appear to be upset by the attention he has garnered.
It’s because of how he handles situations like this. While Dez Bryant refused to carry a pair of shoulder pads, Tebow embraced getting his locks ripped off. He’s a team player . Why else would he smile while looking like that?
Tebow’s hideous bowl cut (complete with a bald top of his dome) was courtesy of some good-natured rookie hazing in Denver. Shredding the rook’s locks has become a recent tradition in Denver. Last year, rookie quarterback Tom Brandstater sported a haircut similar to Tebow’s disaster during a preseason game.
Still, Tebow is different story. Whatever he does makes news. So the sight of him with the new look rocked the sports world this weekend. It dominated the ESPN airwaves Monday.
On ESPN’s NFL Live, analyst Mark Schlereth and Herm Edwards said the haircut took Tebow to the next level. Look, he had little choice. He was going to get the haircut whether he liked it or not. But Tebow looked like he was proudly wearing the haircut during the scrimmage.
Schlereth and Edwards said that it shows that Tebow is all in for his team. That’s the way he has been his whole career. His teammates in Denver have lauded Tebow for his work ethic and attitude since he was a surprise first-round pick. Tebow’s teammates have embraced him and don’t appear to be upset by the attention he has garnered.
It’s because of how he handles situations like this. While Dez Bryant refused to carry a pair of shoulder pads, Tebow embraced getting his locks ripped off. He’s a team player . Why else would he smile while looking like that?
Denver’s six-year extension with mauling guard Chris Kuper is this week’s AFC West story of the week.
The other candidates were Denver cutting quarterback Tom Brandstater and San Diego signing tight end Randy McMichael.
I agree with the Kuper angle. He is a legitimate, good player and he would have been a hot free agent next year. It’s a big deal for Denver to extend him.
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated:
Tom from Oakland: It’s Chris Kuper signing. Any time a team can get a quality player extended in this uncertain time is important.
Mike from Denver: I like the Kuper deal. He’s a beast.
Joe from Colorado Springs: The big story is Kuper extending. It actually means something.
Gabriel M. from Kansas City: I think it’s the Chargers signing a new tight end. They can sign new players but they cant take care of there own core players! Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill are still at home. If two of there best weapons dont play its going to be very hard for the Chargers to win. Raiders might win the division.
Zach from Wash.,: The biggest story is the Kuper extension. This shows that McDaniels is confident that Kuper will be a key component in a dominant young o-line. It is also a positive sign that he plans to keep Kuper and Dumervil for a long time, something that he did not show with the rest of the 2006 Shanahan draft class.
Alan D. from Camp Humphreys, South Korea: While it wasnt much of a surprise I think the biggest storyline has got to be Brandstater. He had no hope once Tebow was drafted, and Quinn was brought in, but he has a bigger arm than all three, a complete understanding of the offense rivaled only by Orton, and he is a big bodied QB (6-5 223). I believe he would have been a lot better then the current three, and I like Tebow and Quinn.
Ian John from Pueblo, Co.: Would probably go with Kuper's as story of the week signing since he is the most notable of the 3 players. The Brandstater cut is interesting, but only notable if he actually does develop like that other QB named Tom Bra...something...who was drafted in the 6th round. McMichael gives a good backup in San Diego. The Kuper deal is notable because it locks up one of the best right guards in football for a long time (6 years with his tender offer), and he signed for what is being considered well below market value. He clearly wanted to stay in Denver and play here for a long time. A guy doesn't do that if he doesn't see a reason to stay, so apparently he sees a bright future in Denver.
The other candidates were Denver cutting quarterback Tom Brandstater and San Diego signing tight end Randy McMichael.
I agree with the Kuper angle. He is a legitimate, good player and he would have been a hot free agent next year. It’s a big deal for Denver to extend him.
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated:
Tom from Oakland: It’s Chris Kuper signing. Any time a team can get a quality player extended in this uncertain time is important.
Mike from Denver: I like the Kuper deal. He’s a beast.
Joe from Colorado Springs: The big story is Kuper extending. It actually means something.
Gabriel M. from Kansas City: I think it’s the Chargers signing a new tight end. They can sign new players but they cant take care of there own core players! Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill are still at home. If two of there best weapons dont play its going to be very hard for the Chargers to win. Raiders might win the division.
Zach from Wash.,: The biggest story is the Kuper extension. This shows that McDaniels is confident that Kuper will be a key component in a dominant young o-line. It is also a positive sign that he plans to keep Kuper and Dumervil for a long time, something that he did not show with the rest of the 2006 Shanahan draft class.
Alan D. from Camp Humphreys, South Korea: While it wasnt much of a surprise I think the biggest storyline has got to be Brandstater. He had no hope once Tebow was drafted, and Quinn was brought in, but he has a bigger arm than all three, a complete understanding of the offense rivaled only by Orton, and he is a big bodied QB (6-5 223). I believe he would have been a lot better then the current three, and I like Tebow and Quinn.
Ian John from Pueblo, Co.: Would probably go with Kuper's as story of the week signing since he is the most notable of the 3 players. The Brandstater cut is interesting, but only notable if he actually does develop like that other QB named Tom Bra...something...who was drafted in the 6th round. McMichael gives a good backup in San Diego. The Kuper deal is notable because it locks up one of the best right guards in football for a long time (6 years with his tender offer), and he signed for what is being considered well below market value. He clearly wanted to stay in Denver and play here for a long time. A guy doesn't do that if he doesn't see a reason to stay, so apparently he sees a bright future in Denver.
The candidates are:
Chargers sign veteran tight end: San Diego inked tight end Randy McMichael to provide experience behind star Antonio Gates.
Denver cuts QB: The Broncos cut second-year quarterback Tom Brandstater. He became expendable when Denver drafted Tim Tebow.
Kuper gets new deal: Denver guard Chris Kuper signed a six-year, $29 million deal with $13 million in guaranteed money.
Pick your choice for the story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.
Chargers sign veteran tight end: San Diego inked tight end Randy McMichael to provide experience behind star Antonio Gates.
Denver cuts QB: The Broncos cut second-year quarterback Tom Brandstater. He became expendable when Denver drafted Tim Tebow.
Kuper gets new deal: Denver guard Chris Kuper signed a six-year, $29 million deal with $13 million in guaranteed money.
Pick your choice for the story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.
Tom Brandstater has a new job.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Indianapolis has claimed the second-year quarterback. He was cut by Denver on Friday because there is no room on the team now that the Broncos drafted Tim Tebow.
Brandstater will have a chance to compete to be Peyton Manning’s backup in Indianapolis.
It’s no surprise that he was claimed. He is inexpensive and worth a look this time of year.
Still, it’s interesting that a player like Brandstater received immediate interest and JaMarcus Russell still has not received a sniff a month after getting cut by Oakland, despite being a former No. 1 overall pick and being just 24. It just shows how far Russell has fallen.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Indianapolis has claimed the second-year quarterback. He was cut by Denver on Friday because there is no room on the team now that the Broncos drafted Tim Tebow.
Brandstater will have a chance to compete to be Peyton Manning’s backup in Indianapolis.
It’s no surprise that he was claimed. He is inexpensive and worth a look this time of year.
Still, it’s interesting that a player like Brandstater received immediate interest and JaMarcus Russell still has not received a sniff a month after getting cut by Oakland, despite being a former No. 1 overall pick and being just 24. It just shows how far Russell has fallen.
The Colorado Springs Gazette reported that Denver rookie quarterback Tim Tebow struggled and was somewhat wild at times during organized team activities Friday.
The team has its mandatory, team-wide minicamp next week, so it will be interesting to see how Tebow does in his first full-fledged practices.
Despite his Friday struggles, Denver coach Josh McDaniels, the man who hitched his career to Tebow, believes the rookie is making strong progress.
"He's ahead,” McDaniels said. “I think that's very fair to say that. I also think he's working on some things in his game. A lot of our veteran players that weren't out there in practice, there's things that they have to clean up and work on also, but like I said I think we've got a competitive situation, which I think is great for that group of players. I think we have a lot of competitive situations on our roster right now, and I think that's really making players better. They're making one another better because you can tell that they notice the competition, and they know that there's some people right behind them that are capable players. We've got a long way to go, a lot of practices left between now and the end of August, and we'll see what happens. Certainly that's where it's at right now.
"Tim is progressing, I would say well, in terms of understanding what the offense is asking him to do. There's no issues in terms of what he can do calling the plays in the huddle or communicating with his teammates in terms of what he wants from them. Today was a day where he and Brady (Quinn) obviously got a little bit more action in the huddle and got to do some things that they needed to do over from days prior. Right now, until you understand exactly what's going on on every play, until you have your head and eyes in the right place on every snap as a quarterback, playing in our system or any other system at this level, it's hard to consistently look the right way. I think that's fair to say for every player at any position. He's no different. There's certainly a bunch of good plays and then there's some other ones where we've got to work hard to get him right. That's what we're doing and that's what he's doing."
Asked if he is worried about Tebow’s arm strength and his mechanics (which were major pre-draft dings on Tebow), McDaniels quickly answered with this: "Fine. No issues. None at all in terms of his arm strength, velocity, anything like that. Nothing."
Tebow, who caused waves Friday with a new look, is getting more repetitions now that second-year quarterback Tom Brandstater has been released. Tebow is the No. 3 quarterback behind starter Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn.
Yes, the former Florida Gators star is the most talked about third-string player in sports. The fascination is stunning.
ESPN.com’s Page 2 has a colorful look at Tebow’s foray into the trading card world.
The Tebow-memorabilia craze is getting out of control. Thanks to 18to88.com for pointing out this website, hawking products combining Tebow’s college and NFL worlds.
You couldn't make it up.
The team has its mandatory, team-wide minicamp next week, so it will be interesting to see how Tebow does in his first full-fledged practices.
Despite his Friday struggles, Denver coach Josh McDaniels, the man who hitched his career to Tebow, believes the rookie is making strong progress.
"He's ahead,” McDaniels said. “I think that's very fair to say that. I also think he's working on some things in his game. A lot of our veteran players that weren't out there in practice, there's things that they have to clean up and work on also, but like I said I think we've got a competitive situation, which I think is great for that group of players. I think we have a lot of competitive situations on our roster right now, and I think that's really making players better. They're making one another better because you can tell that they notice the competition, and they know that there's some people right behind them that are capable players. We've got a long way to go, a lot of practices left between now and the end of August, and we'll see what happens. Certainly that's where it's at right now.
"Tim is progressing, I would say well, in terms of understanding what the offense is asking him to do. There's no issues in terms of what he can do calling the plays in the huddle or communicating with his teammates in terms of what he wants from them. Today was a day where he and Brady (Quinn) obviously got a little bit more action in the huddle and got to do some things that they needed to do over from days prior. Right now, until you understand exactly what's going on on every play, until you have your head and eyes in the right place on every snap as a quarterback, playing in our system or any other system at this level, it's hard to consistently look the right way. I think that's fair to say for every player at any position. He's no different. There's certainly a bunch of good plays and then there's some other ones where we've got to work hard to get him right. That's what we're doing and that's what he's doing."
Asked if he is worried about Tebow’s arm strength and his mechanics (which were major pre-draft dings on Tebow), McDaniels quickly answered with this: "Fine. No issues. None at all in terms of his arm strength, velocity, anything like that. Nothing."
Tebow, who caused waves Friday with a new look, is getting more repetitions now that second-year quarterback Tom Brandstater has been released. Tebow is the No. 3 quarterback behind starter Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn.
Yes, the former Florida Gators star is the most talked about third-string player in sports. The fascination is stunning.
ESPN.com’s Page 2 has a colorful look at Tebow’s foray into the trading card world.
The Tebow-memorabilia craze is getting out of control. Thanks to 18to88.com for pointing out this website, hawking products combining Tebow’s college and NFL worlds.
You couldn't make it up.
Tebow has one less competitor in Denver
June, 4, 2010
6/04/10
1:40
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Tom Brandstater's future in Denver was seriously altered when the Broncos drafted Tim Tebow with the No. 25 overall pick in April.
Friday, Brandstater’s short time in Denver ended. He was released by the team.
Brandstater was a sixth-round draft pick last year. He was considered an intriguing long-term project under coach Josh McDaniels. However, it became clear this offseason that Denver was not high on Brandstater when it added Brady Quinn through a trade in addition to drafting Tebow. Tebow leapfrogged Brandstater as the No. 3 quarterback last week.
The timing of Brandstater’s departure is a tad surprising. He was considered a potential practice-squad player. For Denver to cut Brandstater before its minicamp next weekend shows the team has no interest in him at all.
Brandstater will likely get some interest around the league as an inexpensive project.
Friday, Brandstater’s short time in Denver ended. He was released by the team.
Brandstater was a sixth-round draft pick last year. He was considered an intriguing long-term project under coach Josh McDaniels. However, it became clear this offseason that Denver was not high on Brandstater when it added Brady Quinn through a trade in addition to drafting Tebow. Tebow leapfrogged Brandstater as the No. 3 quarterback last week.
The timing of Brandstater’s departure is a tad surprising. He was considered a potential practice-squad player. For Denver to cut Brandstater before its minicamp next weekend shows the team has no interest in him at all.
Brandstater will likely get some interest around the league as an inexpensive project.
The candidates are:
Adams visits Denver: The Broncos brought in former Dallas standout left tackle Flozell Adams for a visit. The Broncos need depth at the position because of injury issues.
Raiders pursue money from Russell: The Raiders have filed a grievance against former quarterback JaMarcus Russell to retrieve more than $9 million from him.
Tebow moves up the ladder: Training camp has not even started and Denver has already promoted Tim Tebow to No. 3 quarterback ahead of Tom Brandstater.
Pick your choice for the story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.
Adams visits Denver: The Broncos brought in former Dallas standout left tackle Flozell Adams for a visit. The Broncos need depth at the position because of injury issues.
Raiders pursue money from Russell: The Raiders have filed a grievance against former quarterback JaMarcus Russell to retrieve more than $9 million from him.
Tebow moves up the ladder: Training camp has not even started and Denver has already promoted Tim Tebow to No. 3 quarterback ahead of Tom Brandstater.
Pick your choice for the story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.
Let’s catch up on some of the top headlines in the AFC West while I was away for the week:
- The Raiders have filed a grievance against former quarterback JaMarcus Russell for more than $9 million.
- Rookie Tim Tebow has been promoted to third-string quarterback in Denver. He bypassed second-year quarterback Tom Brandstater.
- San Diego kept second-year safety Kevin Ellison out of its minicamp after he was arrested while in possession of 100 Vicodin pills.
- Denver has visited with former Dallas left tackle Flozell Adams.
AFC West notes: Thomas' tweets cause stir
May, 28, 2010
5/28/10
10:23
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Tim Tebow has passed second-year QB Tom Brandstater on the Broncos' depth chart.
Rookie wideout Demaryius Thomas removed some tweets from his Twitter account after remarks he made about X-rays caused some waves.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are considering moving Glenn Dorsey, who played end in the Chiefs' 3-4 scheme last season, to nose tackle.
Considering all the team has invested in the front seven, it should consider using the zone blitz more.
Oakland Raiders
Jerry McDonald points out that the grievance the Raiders filed against quarterback JaMarcus Russell sheds light on why Russell was invited to mandatory minicamp: The team was hoping he'd be a no-show, because the Raiders have been considering a move to recover money for some time.
San Diego Chargers
Linebacker Jyles Tucker has stood out at this week's minicamp.
With the wide receiver depth chart thinned out due to contract disputes and injuries, Gary Banks and Jeremy Williams got the reps with the first unit.
Tim Tebow has passed second-year QB Tom Brandstater on the Broncos' depth chart.
Rookie wideout Demaryius Thomas removed some tweets from his Twitter account after remarks he made about X-rays caused some waves.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are considering moving Glenn Dorsey, who played end in the Chiefs' 3-4 scheme last season, to nose tackle.
Considering all the team has invested in the front seven, it should consider using the zone blitz more.
Oakland Raiders
Jerry McDonald points out that the grievance the Raiders filed against quarterback JaMarcus Russell sheds light on why Russell was invited to mandatory minicamp: The team was hoping he'd be a no-show, because the Raiders have been considering a move to recover money for some time.
San Diego Chargers
Linebacker Jyles Tucker has stood out at this week's minicamp.
With the wide receiver depth chart thinned out due to contract disputes and injuries, Gary Banks and Jeremy Williams got the reps with the first unit.
Links: Raiders seek money from Russell
May, 27, 2010
5/27/10
10:10
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Oakland Raiders
Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports reports the Raiders are seeking $9.55 million from recently released quarterback JaMarcus Russell. "We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell and that's all we're going to say at this time," Raiders attorney Jeff Birren said.
Denver Broncos
Kyle Orton took all of the first-team snaps on the final day of a four-day camp. Brady Quinn followed Orton on the depth chart, where rookie Tim Tebow passed Tom Brandstater. Coach Josh McDaniels downplayed the change, however.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star has a transcript of Dwayne Bowe's comments following Thursday's practice. He apologized for comments made to ESPN the Magazine, but said he was misquoted.
San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates was back watching the Chargers' afternoon practice after seeing a foot specialist in North Carolina. According to the San Diego Union Tribune he will take a few weeks off, but the injury is minor and he should be ready for training camp.
Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports reports the Raiders are seeking $9.55 million from recently released quarterback JaMarcus Russell. "We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell and that's all we're going to say at this time," Raiders attorney Jeff Birren said.
Denver Broncos
Kyle Orton took all of the first-team snaps on the final day of a four-day camp. Brady Quinn followed Orton on the depth chart, where rookie Tim Tebow passed Tom Brandstater. Coach Josh McDaniels downplayed the change, however.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star has a transcript of Dwayne Bowe's comments following Thursday's practice. He apologized for comments made to ESPN the Magazine, but said he was misquoted.
San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates was back watching the Chargers' afternoon practice after seeing a foot specialist in North Carolina. According to the San Diego Union Tribune he will take a few weeks off, but the injury is minor and he should be ready for training camp.
Denver Broncos' weakness: Quarterback
May, 24, 2010
5/24/10
12:00
PM ET
By Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson | ESPN.com
» Weaknesses: Broncos (5/24) | Chiefs (5/25) | Raiders (5/26) | Chargers (5/27)
After trading up to use a first-round pick on Tim Tebow, the Broncos now have four interesting players at quarterback. But at least for the short term, they really don’t have one guy who can take this team to where it wants to go in 2010. They apparently felt the same way and decided to select Tebow, but without getting into all of his strengths and weaknesses -- which have been beaten to death -- let’s just agree that it is safe to say Tebow is not NFL-ready right now. Personally, I have strong doubts that he ever will be, but that is a post for another day.
Over the offseason, Denver acquired another former first-round pick, Brady Quinn, via trade. I commended the move at the time and still have no problem with it, as the price they paid to acquire Quinn was minimal. If brought along slowly, Quinn could develop into an upper-tier second-string quarterback. If this ends up being the case, this deal will be well worth it for the Broncos. But Quinn has done nothing at the NFL level to make you assume that he is a quality starter -- especially in the near future.
The name that is often overlooked when discussing the Broncos’ quarterback situation is Tom Brandstater. The second-year QB doesn’t have nearly the college pedigree of Tebow or Quinn, but he has tools to work with and with Josh McDaniels’ history for developing quarterbacks, Brandstater looks like a fine developmental guy. Who knows what you might have down the road? But for now, he probably is the guy on the outside looking in and once again, lends nothing to the belief that he is ready for action immediately.
Kyle Orton, the incumbent starter, put up fine numbers in his first year in a Broncos uniform. His 62.1 percent completion percentage and the 3,800-plus yards passing were respectable, but I contend that is Orton’s ceiling, especially with Brandon Marshall now in Miami. The veteran just does not have top NFL tools. His arm is very average and his physical makeup and athleticism are below par. He is conservative almost to a fault and everything in the offense was short and low-risk throws. As the season wore on, defenses quickly caught on that Orton was not going to -- or maybe was unable to -- threaten them deep downfield or deep outside the numbers. He cannot stick the tight throw, which is imperative at this level for quarterback success. Orton also offers little once the play breaks down. In short, defending Orton is too easy for his opponent, as more defenders can creep closer to the line of scrimmage and defenders also will be more apt to bite on the receiver’s first move.
After trading up to use a first-round pick on Tim Tebow, the Broncos now have four interesting players at quarterback. But at least for the short term, they really don’t have one guy who can take this team to where it wants to go in 2010. They apparently felt the same way and decided to select Tebow, but without getting into all of his strengths and weaknesses -- which have been beaten to death -- let’s just agree that it is safe to say Tebow is not NFL-ready right now. Personally, I have strong doubts that he ever will be, but that is a post for another day.
Jeff Fishbein/Icon SMIKyle Orton put up respectable numbers as Denver's quarterback last season, but lost his top offensive weapon in the offseason.
The name that is often overlooked when discussing the Broncos’ quarterback situation is Tom Brandstater. The second-year QB doesn’t have nearly the college pedigree of Tebow or Quinn, but he has tools to work with and with Josh McDaniels’ history for developing quarterbacks, Brandstater looks like a fine developmental guy. Who knows what you might have down the road? But for now, he probably is the guy on the outside looking in and once again, lends nothing to the belief that he is ready for action immediately.
Kyle Orton, the incumbent starter, put up fine numbers in his first year in a Broncos uniform. His 62.1 percent completion percentage and the 3,800-plus yards passing were respectable, but I contend that is Orton’s ceiling, especially with Brandon Marshall now in Miami. The veteran just does not have top NFL tools. His arm is very average and his physical makeup and athleticism are below par. He is conservative almost to a fault and everything in the offense was short and low-risk throws. As the season wore on, defenses quickly caught on that Orton was not going to -- or maybe was unable to -- threaten them deep downfield or deep outside the numbers. He cannot stick the tight throw, which is imperative at this level for quarterback success. Orton also offers little once the play breaks down. In short, defending Orton is too easy for his opponent, as more defenders can creep closer to the line of scrimmage and defenders also will be more apt to bite on the receiver’s first move.
Tim Tebow is a quick study.
He knows, as a high-profile rookie, he is basically the personal caddy to his fellow quarterbacks --- Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tom Brandstater –- in Denver this season.
Orton, who is the starter who will try to hold off Tebow all of this season, said Monday that Tebow was prepared for his new butler-like duties Monday as the first day of OTA’s started in Denver.
“Tim goes about it the right way,” Orton told reporters Monday. ”He offered to grab books for everybody and grab helmets for everybody and all that stuff so he goes about it the right way, he knows the deal.”
Tebow should expect a long season of carrying books and helmets and buying food. As a rookie in 2006, Jay Cutler was seen at local eateries during the lunch-hour rush buying for his fellow Denver quarterbacks.
Orton indicated that Tebow, who was the No. 25 pick last month, will be busy this season.
“Oh, (hazing) hasn’t started yet but it most certainly will,” Orton said. “The higher you get picked, the more hazing there is.”
He knows, as a high-profile rookie, he is basically the personal caddy to his fellow quarterbacks --- Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tom Brandstater –- in Denver this season.
Orton, who is the starter who will try to hold off Tebow all of this season, said Monday that Tebow was prepared for his new butler-like duties Monday as the first day of OTA’s started in Denver.
“Tim goes about it the right way,” Orton told reporters Monday. ”He offered to grab books for everybody and grab helmets for everybody and all that stuff so he goes about it the right way, he knows the deal.”
Tebow should expect a long season of carrying books and helmets and buying food. As a rookie in 2006, Jay Cutler was seen at local eateries during the lunch-hour rush buying for his fellow Denver quarterbacks.
Orton indicated that Tebow, who was the No. 25 pick last month, will be busy this season.
“Oh, (hazing) hasn’t started yet but it most certainly will,” Orton said. “The higher you get picked, the more hazing there is.”
It’s OTA time. Usually that doesn’t mean much. But it was a big deal in Denver on Monday.
It marked the first time first-round pick Tim Tebow hit the field with his veteran teammates. Denver had a rookie minicamp the weekend after the draft and will have a mandatory full-team minicamp next month. OTA’s are boring exercises. Yet, there was a buzz in the Mile High air Monday.
A longtime Broncos employee tweeted Monday that there hasn’t been this type of offseason excitement in Denver since John Elway’s rookie season 27 years ago. That’s what the drafting of Tebow means. Everything is suddenly interesting. Tebow himself tried to deflect being the center of attention.
"That's not something I can control much," Tebow told reporters. "I think something my (teammates) will know is how hard I'll work, and my character and what I'm all about. So I don't think that will bother them too much, to be honest."
While Tebow is the big story in Denver, it is clear he still has a long way to go before he actually hits the field. Tebow is starting off as the fourth-string quarterback behind Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tom Brandstater. Denver coach Josh McDaniels said during the draft weekend that Tebow would have to show he is better than each of his competitors before he bypasses any of them.
Still, the Broncos plan to use Tebow in some packages, likely in the red zone, before he takes over as the starter. So, expect him to move up to No.2 sometime this summer. It will be difficult to activate Tebow in games if he is the No. 3 quarterback.
Meanwhile, ESPN.com has a fun look at the Tebow hysteria as No. 15 experiences a dramatic change in Denver.
It marked the first time first-round pick Tim Tebow hit the field with his veteran teammates. Denver had a rookie minicamp the weekend after the draft and will have a mandatory full-team minicamp next month. OTA’s are boring exercises. Yet, there was a buzz in the Mile High air Monday.
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AP Photo/Ed AndrieskiBroncos' No. 1 pick Tim Tebow (15) practiced with the team's No. 1 quarterback, Kyle Orton (8), on Monday. Tebow is currently the team's No. 4 QB.
AP Photo/Ed AndrieskiBroncos' No. 1 pick Tim Tebow (15) practiced with the team's No. 1 quarterback, Kyle Orton (8), on Monday. Tebow is currently the team's No. 4 QB."That's not something I can control much," Tebow told reporters. "I think something my (teammates) will know is how hard I'll work, and my character and what I'm all about. So I don't think that will bother them too much, to be honest."
While Tebow is the big story in Denver, it is clear he still has a long way to go before he actually hits the field. Tebow is starting off as the fourth-string quarterback behind Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tom Brandstater. Denver coach Josh McDaniels said during the draft weekend that Tebow would have to show he is better than each of his competitors before he bypasses any of them.
Still, the Broncos plan to use Tebow in some packages, likely in the red zone, before he takes over as the starter. So, expect him to move up to No.2 sometime this summer. It will be difficult to activate Tebow in games if he is the No. 3 quarterback.
Meanwhile, ESPN.com has a fun look at the Tebow hysteria as No. 15 experiences a dramatic change in Denver.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It is clear Josh McDaniels believes he has found his ideal quarterback of the future in Denver in the form of Florida’s Tim Tebow.
McDaniels traded three picks to take Tebow at No. 25. Despite mixed feelings on Tebow around the league, McDaniels believes he can make him a star.
Much of McDaniels’ attention will be spent getting Tebow ready to be an NFL starting quarterback. Still, the Broncos have three other quarterbacks on the roster: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn (acquired in a trade last month) and Tom Brandstater.
Thursday night, McDaniels said Orton is still the starter, but he made it clear Tebow will get a chance to play when he’s ready. McDaniels said the team may design some packages for Tebow to play immediately and he could potentially play in the Wildcat formation as a rookie.
The following are my thoughts on where the four quarterbacks fit in Denver:
Orton: If Tebow develops as planned, this will likely be Orton’s last season in Denver. Orton is a free agent next year. If Tebow is starting in 2011, Orton will likely take a hike. If Tebow struggles with his mechanics and doesn’t develop, perhaps Orton could stay. Clearly, though, McDaniels envisions Orton as a bridge player and not the long-term answer.
Tebow: He is the star pupil at Camp McDaniels. Tebow will get every chance to succeed and McDaniels will give him masterful tutoring. Tebow is famous for his work ethic. If he stays the course, Tebow will have the chance to play some as a rookie and take over in 2011.The future is Tebow’s in Denver. He has to seize it.
Quinn: He has to be chagrined today. He was brought to Denver from Cleveland for Peyton Hillis and two low drafts picks last month. Quinn looked at the trade as a chance to salvage his career which began a first-round pick in 2007. Now, Quinn is yesterday’s news in Denver. Already. It’s all about Tebow. Quinn could possibly be Orton’s backup in 2010 and Tebow’s backup in 2011, but his realistic chances of being the quarterback of the future in Denver took a major hit Thursday night.
Brandstater: Like Quinn, Brandstater can’t be thrilled. He was a sixth-round pick last year and was considered a project. Brandstater did play decently in the preseason last year. Assuming Quinn is kept, Brandstater will be a candidate for the practice squad after being the No. 3 quarterback last year. If Quinn is ousted, Brandstater will likely stay as the No. 3.
McDaniels traded three picks to take Tebow at No. 25. Despite mixed feelings on Tebow around the league, McDaniels believes he can make him a star.
Much of McDaniels’ attention will be spent getting Tebow ready to be an NFL starting quarterback. Still, the Broncos have three other quarterbacks on the roster: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn (acquired in a trade last month) and Tom Brandstater.
Thursday night, McDaniels said Orton is still the starter, but he made it clear Tebow will get a chance to play when he’s ready. McDaniels said the team may design some packages for Tebow to play immediately and he could potentially play in the Wildcat formation as a rookie.
The following are my thoughts on where the four quarterbacks fit in Denver:
Orton: If Tebow develops as planned, this will likely be Orton’s last season in Denver. Orton is a free agent next year. If Tebow is starting in 2011, Orton will likely take a hike. If Tebow struggles with his mechanics and doesn’t develop, perhaps Orton could stay. Clearly, though, McDaniels envisions Orton as a bridge player and not the long-term answer.
Tebow: He is the star pupil at Camp McDaniels. Tebow will get every chance to succeed and McDaniels will give him masterful tutoring. Tebow is famous for his work ethic. If he stays the course, Tebow will have the chance to play some as a rookie and take over in 2011.The future is Tebow’s in Denver. He has to seize it.
Quinn: He has to be chagrined today. He was brought to Denver from Cleveland for Peyton Hillis and two low drafts picks last month. Quinn looked at the trade as a chance to salvage his career which began a first-round pick in 2007. Now, Quinn is yesterday’s news in Denver. Already. It’s all about Tebow. Quinn could possibly be Orton’s backup in 2010 and Tebow’s backup in 2011, but his realistic chances of being the quarterback of the future in Denver took a major hit Thursday night.
Brandstater: Like Quinn, Brandstater can’t be thrilled. He was a sixth-round pick last year and was considered a project. Brandstater did play decently in the preseason last year. Assuming Quinn is kept, Brandstater will be a candidate for the practice squad after being the No. 3 quarterback last year. If Quinn is ousted, Brandstater will likely stay as the No. 3.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
