The Denver Broncos open training camp on Thursday. They will answer one major question within the coming weeks. Who will be the starting QB on Monday Night September 11 when the Los Angeles Chargers come to town? The two options are last year’s starter Trevor Siemian or backup Paxton Lynch. Do the Broncos really have a case here?
The Denver Broncos finished the 2016 season with a record of 9-7. That was good enough for third in the AFC West. They did that with a sub-par offensive line, an injured QB, and a backup running back. If all these pieces would have been in place, could they have been better?
Many in the organization believe they could have. Now that they have made some upgrades to the offensive line and their RB is healthy can they be better in 2017? That is up to the QB. However, Head Coach Vance Joseph does not know who that will be. He wants to have a decision by week 3 of the preseason.
Last year’s starter Trevor Siemian will enter camp as number one on the depth chart. Although he will be closely contended by Paxton Lynch. If the Denver Broncos want to increase on last year’s win totals, the battle will not be close. The incumbent should be the clear winner. Here is why.
Siemian was 8-6 as a starter in 2016. He threw for 3,400 yards, 18 TD, and 10 INTs. This is after missing two games due to a shoulder injury. Had they had Trevor for one more game and a win, could 10-6 have got them into the playoffs? Probably not, due to their conference record.
Many from outside the organization believe that Paxton Lynch is simply not ready. He does not have command of the offense. If this is the case, it should be an easy win for Trevor Siemian in Broncos camp.
The Denver Broncos really do not have a QB issue on their hands. Siemian showed last season that he is more than capable of being a starter in the NFL. With the defense that this team deploys they could challenge for the playoffs. However, only if they answer the QB question correctly. That answer is clearer than most people think.