A Tale of Two Football Teams

He's a Heisman trophy winner with a throwing motion that makes scouts and analysts fear he can't make it at the NFL level. He's a football player that draws admiration from some and blistering animosity from others. He's a Florida Gator who was drafted by the Denver Broncos to bring back their winning ways. He's Tim Tebow and it is imperative that he succeeds.

When people talk about Tim Tebow, the one thing they can agree on is that he's a "winner". They might not agree that he can make it as and NFL QB, but they don't question his work ethic and competitive fire. Those attributes have fired up a city whose last hero, John Elway, is far removed from a generation of Broncos fans who are coming of age with no real memories of those Super Bowl teams he led. For them, all they have is hope that the man who made Florida a consistent national power house can do the same for them. That's why they have made his #15 jersey the hottest selling item coming out of the NFL store. They need Tim Tebow and he needs them. That's why his transition from college to the pros has the city of Denver on pins and needles.

Josh McDaniels is staking his career on this kid with the big smile and overwhelming determination. For the next few months and throughout the 2010 season, McDaniels will pour all his energy, all his knowledge into Tebow in hopes of molding him into a pro style quarterback. If he does, if he succeeds in that and Tim can take hold of the starting position, the Denver Broncos can expect to compete not only for championships, but for the hearts of millions of young fans. That in and of itself will secure the organizations relevance for another decade. Anything less than that might send them into a tailspin.

Northeastern Ohio however is in a much different predicament. There, Texas' favorite son Colt McCoy is in a far different position as well as is the organization. Currently he is the third string quarterback on a team who may have finally turned the corner and headed towards respectability. There is a sense of calm in Berea these days with Mike Holmgren at the helm and a coaching staff with a year's experience guiding the players.

In this environment most young quarterbacks could begin to build a resume guaranteed to bring about success. Fans would long for the day that QB starts under center with polished skills and confidence while patiently cheering on the incumbent. Hope would abound and the team's future would seem bright.

However, Colt McCoy is not in a situation like Tim Tebow. It is not best for Colt McCoy to succeed because the city of Cleveland needs to continue forward with its rebuilding. Especially at the QB position. There is no need for a savior here now, and no need to put expectations onto a player that they cannot fulfill. In this case what is needed is clear thinking and long term plans.

In this case, it is best to recognize that Colt McCoy is a much better 2nd string quarterback than a starter. He isn't built to face the rigors of a 16+ game schedule in a division known for it's toughness. He isn't built to throw into the winds that blow off the shores of Lake Erie. He is meant to solidify a position that has for too long been a
liability. That maybe hard to hear, especially as fans begin to emotionally connect with their young third stringer. Who didn't laugh along with the wedding video recently released with his friend Jordan Shipley singing "When I grow up I want to be just like Cold McCoy." Who didn't wish him and his new wife the best?

For the Cleveland Browns to succeed as an organization though, they need to find a starting quarterback. It would be a mistake to put McCoy in those shoes. The quicker they realize that, the less likely there is a chance for McCoy to get in the game and make a case for himself. No doubt he could lead a team. But this city has had enough flickers of hope. You can't build a contender on the arm of a Holcomb, Dilfer or Anderson, which the Browns found out the hard way. They need a real franchise performer. Next year they will be in a great position to do that.

So, now these two franchises stand on the precipice of a new future. One of great promise. However, in the case of their young quarterbacks they couldn't stand more diametrically opposed. Denver needs Tebow to succeed to ensure a bright future. Cleveland needs McCoy to fail in order to have a chance at finding a real leader. Denver needs its starter, Cleveland needs its backup.