The Miami Dolphins host the Denver Broncos on Sunday, with the Broncos making the change from Kyle Orton to second year quarterback Tim Tebow. With two completely different styles of play, the offense for the Broncos should change with the quarterbacks.
Not according to Tebow. "Obviously you play to your player's strengths, and I think our coaching staff has done a good job," Tebow said.
"But no, it's not a different offense or a different scheme. It's the same plays, and maybe the ones I practice a little better out here we'll probably call more."
Tebow took over two weeks ago after Orton was benched by head coach John Fox. Tebow finished the game 4-for-10 passing, for 79 yards and a touchdown, a passer rating of 101.7. He also ran 6 times for 38 yards, and another score. More importantly, Tebow's introduction to the offense served as a jump start to the stagnant Broncos. They were down 26-10 behind Orton; Tebow led them back to within 2 points, at 26-24, before San Diego pulled out to 29-24. Tebow tried to rally the team one last time, falling just short.
Now, named the starter going in to Denver's bye week last week, Tebow has prepared to take on the Dolphins. According to Football Outsiders, Miami has the 30th ranked pass defense and the 26th ranked rush defense. They have the 31st overall defense, with only the Carolina Panthers ranked lower.
And, as if a horrible defense isn't enough of an advantage for Tebow, he is playing in Sun Life Stadium, where he won a high school state championship and a college National Championship.
But, wait, the welcome to south Florida isn't done for Tebow. Having graduated from the University of Florida, and being considered among greatest college football players of all time, the Tebow fans in Miami will be supporting him, even if they are rooting for the Dolphins. Plus, the Dolphins are honoring Tebow, Dolphins rookie Mike Pouncey, and the rest of the 2008 Florida Gators for their National Championship - which was won in Sun Life Stadium.
As the Dolphins prepare to take on the Broncos, Denver's Tim Tebow is the biggest story of the game. While one start in 2011 won't make or break his legacy in the NFL, it could make or break the head coaching tenure of Miami coach Tony Sparano. If the Dolphins can't beat a 1-4 Denver, then look for Stephen Ross, Miami owner, to "review" Sparano's status this week. With the advantages Tebow has going in to this game, that review may be necessary.