Preseason game vs. 49ers a “make or break” outing for quarterbacks?
SANTA CLARA, CALIF. » The Broncos did this on purpose. They did not attach a timetable to the Great Quarterback Competition of 2017, believing and hoping that the decision would be made for them, that one quarterback would separate himself.
“Eventually we’re going to name a starter,” general manager John Elway said Thursday. “We just don’t know when.”
Maybe they will after Saturday’s game, when the Broncos face the 49ers in their second preseason game and quarterbacks Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian each get another quarter-and-a-half to audition.
Lynch will start, as planned prior to the preseason, and the first-teamers on both sides will play about a quarter, possibly a little more.
The Broncos have spent the majority of the week in Santa Clara for two joint practices against the 49ers, two more key days in the offseason-long tryout for the quarterbacks.
“I don’t know if it’s last chance or make or break. Right now, I know the coaches are just expecting the quarterbacks to go out there and move the ball and score points,” Lynch said. “So that’s what I’m really focused on and that’s what I’ve been focused on since I’ve had the opportunity to play quarterback here. It’s
just getting better and progressing, then seeing the progression in me.”
Head coach Vance Joseph and his staff want to see confidence from both quarterbacks. They want to see consistency, good ball-placement and smart decision-making. Yes, they want to see scoring, but really they want
What to watch
to see a true starter reveal himself.
“I can’t speak for Paxton, but as a room and as a team, every day is a make-or-break day for us,” Siemian said. “Every week is a make-or-break week for us. I think we’ve had a really competitive camp, and we’ve taken on intensity every day. Now, we’re just trying to build on that and see where we end up.”
In Denver’s preseason opener at Chicago last week, Siemian started and went 6-of-7 for 51 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions and (Aside from the QBs) Offensive line. So far Elway likes what he’s seen from his retooled offensive line. “We made huge strides there and that’s where we needed to. That was our starting point and we’ve been able to do that so far,” he said. But the starting five has yet to be decided. One name to watch: Allen Barbre, whom the Broncos traded for to compete for a starting job at left guard. He received more time with the first-team offense in practice this week and could start against the 49ers. a 97.0 passer rating. He guided the Broncos to a field goal.
Lynch went 6-of-9 for 42 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions and no points, with a 77.1 passer rating.
Following the Broncos’ victory, receiver Demaryius Thomas said he advised Lynch to mentally move on from mistakes to maintain his confidence and poise in the pocket.
In Thursday’s joint practice, Thomas saw Lynch heed his advice as he went 12-for-12, seemingly “Bubble” receivers. Injury has created opportunity across the board, but especially at receiver, where the Broncos have a lot of talent but only so many available roster spots. Vance Joseph said he’s unsure if Emmanuel Sanders (shoulder) or Cody Latimer (knee) will play. But Carlos Henderson definitely will not, as he’s recovering from thumb surgery. Jordan Taylor and Kalif Raymond have shined in recent camp practices. Strong showings against the 49ers could determine their future on the final 53. throwing a spark back into the quarterback conversation.
“It was one of his best days,” Thomas said. “That’s good for him. It’ll give him a little confidence and maybe he can be himself more often. You saw him smiling, so that was good.”
Thomas, who had initially hoped the quarterback decision would be decided before Saturday, is now hopeful it’ll be decided soon after. But even he knows it may not be.
“We want one of them to take Test of depth. The Broncos’ defense is depleted, especially on the line. Zach Kerr and Adam Gotsis will take on expanded roles with Jared Crick and Derek Wolfe both sidelined with injuries. Their performances will be a gauge of Denver’s true depth on defense. “Young guys come in and have to step up,” cornerback Aqib Talib said. “We get to see who is really going to make this team. It’s a perfect opportunity to see if those guys can play with the ones or play with the twos. It reveals a lot.” the reins and take over. It would be the ideal situation,” Elway said. “We’re getting through this game and we’ll go from there, see what happens.”