It’s been a good run, but the Trevor Siemian experiment may have run its course.
On Sunday night, the Denver Broncos offense took on the Oakland Raiders for AFC West supremacy, and the five-time reigning divisional champions fell flat. More specifically, Trevor Siemian and the offense fell flat.
Some garbage time numbers helped pad the stats, but it’s extremely difficult to compete when you’re doubled up in time of possession and go three and out six times.
The highest percentage of three-and-outs in the NFL, but I'm wrong about the QB? Give me a break. #broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) November 7, 2016
While there’s plenty of blame to go around, the problems start with the man behind center, who began the game 0-6 before finally hitting Bennie Fowler for a 4-yard gain on third and 7, forcing Denver’s third straight three and out to begin the game.
Throwing short of the sticks again…
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) November 7, 2016
Third and 7… let's run a 3 yard route. On three, ready, break!
— Dan Fellman (@dfellman) November 7, 2016
Three possessions, and three three and outs. . . Where is my Air sickness bag. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) November 7, 2016
Siemian may have entered the day 6-1 on the season, but even after last week’s victory, Broncos Country was getting a little anxious about their starting quarterback. Sunday didn’t help.
The question begin to bubble up: Is it time for something different?
Jeez…Siemian was JUST named a captain. Would Kubiak consider benching him if it meant giving the offense a spark?
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) November 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/JoshPennock/status/795450413210341376
Get this guy outa here! Most 3 and outs to start a game since Tebow… good company
— Dan Fellman (@dfellman) November 7, 2016
Warm up the Paxton bus? pic.twitter.com/X9DDrMPqP9
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) November 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/RonnieKRadio/status/795450737677504512
The second half should be Paxton Lynch time. No reason for it not to be. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) November 7, 2016
Against a defense Football Outsiders ranked as the fifth worst in the NFL, Siemian finished the night completing just 49 percent of his passes for 283 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a fumble — 69 of those yards and one of those touchdowns came on a screen pass to Kapri Bibbs, who deserves all the credit.
That type of production clearly didn’t cut it against the Oakland Raiders, and it most certainly won’t do the trick against an elite, or even average, defense.
The one worry, of course, would be that the Broncos’ other option, Paxton Lynch, may not be what they’re looking for either.
You know what I'm afraid of? Kubiak being pressured into going with Lynch and it getting worse, not better.
— Josh Dover (@JoshuaDover) November 7, 2016
In Lynch’s lone start of the year, the Broncos lost to the Falcons 16-23, while he completed 66 percent of his passes for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It was largely regarded as a poor performance, but it’s becoming harder and harder to point to Siemian as the more productive passer.
The Broncos will head to New Orleans next week to face a high-powered Saints offense that is coming off their fourth victory in their last five games. Following that game, they’ll head into their bye.
Denver may still be 6-3, but they’re currently third in the AFC West. It’s no longer status quo as normal in Broncos Country. A mix up at the quarterback position may be the spark this team needs.
