Three's Company: QB Controversy in Denver

I read an interesting article on the Mile High Report today about the relationship between Denver's two quarterbacks.  The article states that Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow's relationship has become somewhat adversarial, and there is discussion as to whether or not the two can coexist in the same locker room.  To me, the Broncos have put themselves in a precarious spot by inserting another quarterback into the situation: John Elway.

I realize the journalistic suicide in mentioning Elway's name in any context that depicts him as anything other than a demi-god, but try to separate names from the situation, and look at it from a purely sociological standpoint.

Football is a sport of type A personalities.  Denver's two quarterbacks are alpha males who have spent their whole lives as on-field leaders.  Pitting them against each other in a competition for the starting job is going to cause friction, but a little competition can be healthy.  Orton hasn't earned the reputation to be a true mentor for a young quarterback, and that dynamic doesn't exist with their relationship.  Tim Tebow wants to play, and he believes in his heart that he is better than his counterpart. It's not altogether unhealthy so long as the issue is resolved prior to the start of the season.  Certainly no reason to panic.

This issue I see is inserting John Elway into the situation.  His role within the Broncos' front office has been laid out in semi-specific terms, but I'm not too sure I fully comprehend what is expected of him, both from fans and from his superiors.  The article, linked below, talks about Elway being active on the practice field with the QB's, and I think this is a huge misstep by the unproven football executive.  Since the Shanahan era, the coaching staff and front office have been one-and-the-same, and the overwhelming sentiment is that this model is no longer effective.  Elway's presence on the practice field sends the message that not only is he the final say in personnel decisions, but he is serving as an unofficial QB coach.

It's no secret that Elway is the quintessential alpha male, and getting him involved in the current QB controversy on this level will only muddy the waters. With ego's of this size, you're going to have a few too many cooks in the kitchen.  The best GM's in the NFL don't spend the time mentoring specific atheltes, because they realize that they become biased and more emotionally invested in certain players.  If Elway wants to grow into an effective executive, he needs to distance himself from situations that will confuse emotion with rational thinking.  This is a step backwards, not only for the Broncos' quarterbacks, but for the new-look front office as well.  Leave the coaching to the coaches, and observe the situation as it unfolds.  Only then can Elway make an objective and informed decision about who's under center next season.

If you want to read the article, here's the link:

http://www.milehighreport.com/2011/2/4/1974728/more-john-elway-this-time-on-the-vic-and-gary-show

-Sam