National Football League

Broncos name Tebow starting QB

Published Oct. 11, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Denver Broncos are Tim Tebow’s team now.

Head coach John Fox informed his team Tuesday morning that Tebow will be the starting quarterback in Week 7 for an Oct. 23 game at Miami, FOXSports.com has learned. The Broncos have a bye this week.

The move was expected after Tebow almost led a second-half comeback Sunday after replacing an ineffective Kyle Orton. The Broncos lost 29-24 at home to the Chargers. Denver trailed 23-10 when Tebow took over on the Broncos' first possession of the second half.

Now, Fox has made the switch official.

''Well, I think 1-4 has a lot to do with it,'' Fox said. ''We haven't gotten it done as a football team. It's not one guy. It's not all Kyle Orton's fault. But we do have to make adjustments, we have to change and we have to do something to win football games.''

Tebow started three games as a rookie in 2010, but was beaten out by Orton during the preseason. Broncos fans have clamored for Tebow as Denver has gotten off to a 1-4 start.

Fox informed Orton and Tebow of his decision privately before telling the team at their 8 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

''He's the coach. He makes the decisions,'' Orton said. ''I'm the player, and I live with it.''

The Broncos will have to adjust their offense for Tebow, but Fox downplayed the difficulty.

''Well, it's not like we signed him off the street,'' Fox said. ''He's been in meetings the whole season.''

Tebow will get a shot to prove to the coaching staff if he's a quick learner. Fox certainly hopes so.

''We're 1-4, and we've got to move on,'' Fox said. ''We're going to do whatever it takes to get out of that. Whether this works or not, time will tell.''

The Associated Press contributed to this report.