Jojo Doria

Tim Tebow's NFL era is set to begin in Denver after one of the most popular backup quarterbacks in recent memory has been named the starting quarterback for the Broncos.

On Tuesday, head coach John Fox announced that Tebow will start October 23 at Miami. He will replace Kyle Orton, who has struggled since winning the starting job with an impressive training camp.

Tebow, the No. 25 overall pick in last year's draft, not only played well in relief of Orton in Sunday's loss to the San Diego Chargers, but fired up the Broncos with his unbridled enthusiasm.

After taking over Orton in the second half, the former Florida star tried to spark a late rally. Tebow ran for a 12-yard TD and passed for a 28-yard score, but his pass from the Chargers 29-yard fell incomplete in the end zone as time expired in Sunday's 29-24 loss to San Diego.

Meanwhile, observers, which include Denver leader and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, have noted that in order to really make an impact the 24-year-old Tebow must make necessary improvements, including becoming an effective pocket passer.

Apart from the problem of staying in the pocket, Tebow's accuracy is also considered an issue.

In his rookie season, Tebow played sparingly in six contests as a back-up before getting the start in the last three games of the Broncos' season.

With backups not having a lot of practice time, the Broncos (1-4) will have training camp-like practices with Tebow Tuesday and Wednesday as they adjust to their new starting quarterback.

Tebow is set to make his first start of the season in two weeks when the team travels to Miami after their bye week.

 

NFL 2011 - Tim Tebow Expected to Make Adjustments as Broncos Starting Quarterback