"John Fox maintained Thursday afternoon that the Broncos will have a "wide-open competition" at quarterback, but admitted, for the first time publicly, that "deep down, I have an idea" who will be No. 1 when the season starts.

The coach is not telling me or you who it is.

He did say: "I prefer a gamer to a good practice player. . . . I want someone who will execute under pressure in a game."

Truthfully, I couldn't figure out who Fox is favoring.

According to neighbors, Orton has moved out of the house he was renting in Cherry Creek Country Club (it has been sold to someone else). Tebow rents a house with family members in a south suburban development. I don't know where Quinn lives.

Fox, who currently is a coach without quarterbacks or other players because of the ongoing lockout, pointed out: "We do have a depth chart."

The Broncos' official website states that the "2011 depth chart will be released before the first preseason game."

In Fox's new office at the northwest corner of the second floor in the Dove Valley complex, a shallow cabinet — with wooden doors that can be locked — hangs on the wall. There is the double-secret depth chart.

"I opened it just for you," the coach said jokingly.

The names at quarterback in order from top to bottom are: Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow, Brady Quinn.

However, the cards are not glued permanently, and the names could be interchangeable."