FanPost

How does a QB change affect a defense?

In my prior post "The truth about Tebow", I suggested that playing Tebow will positively impact the defense. Let's debate the QB affect.


I am on record that QB play has a significant affect on a defense. I'll make my case and you can make yours in the comments.

1. Orton has 9 turnovers in 4 1/2 games. That is 2 per game. The defense has a difficult situation every time the offense turns the ball over for two reasons (maybe more). Firstly, a turnover typically means a shorter field for the opponent--a big disadvantage to a D. Secondly, a TO means that instead of a D resting, they have to suddenly take the field again, interrupting their break from the action. Consider how having a QB who is prone to TO's can disrupt a defense. Rest is really important, and I expect under Tebow, our D will get more of it than under Orton, unless of course Tebow begins turning the ball over as much as Orton did. This is reason #1 why I think our D will be better under T.

2. Momentum. I believe football to be a game of momentum. I can't count the number of games I've watched that were going one way one minute and then a significant play happens that turns the tide and the game changes permanently from that point forward. It's the kind of thing you can feel in your gut. Tebow is a "baller" (to quote Mays). He will absolutely have bad plays, but he will also have momentum changing plays (and not the kind Orton had). A vanilla offense that doesn't do anything but sputter around is nothing to gain inspiration from and I think Tebow will bring the kind of momentum changing plays that will bring a tenacious D to life.

3. Psychology. The difference between success and failure in sports is often mental. Which QB would get you ready to perform, one that marches the sidelines encouraging you with fire in his eyes, or a QB who is parked on a bench with his tail between legs because we're down by 10 pts?

QB's get paid the big bucks because they are put in charge of the scoring side of the ball, but also because their leadership sets the tone for EVERYONE else. This is why the Denver Broncos have emulated Orton for the last few seasons--and stunk while doing so. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming him for everything, but it is a factor.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.