For the first time in four years, the Denver Broncos know who their starting quarterback will be when 2018 starts.
Peyton Manning started 2015, but lost his job to Brock Osweiler and injury, 2016 brought Trevor Siemian and a little Paxton Lynch mixed in, and last year was more of the same.
But, this year will be different. Well, Lynch is still on the roster and he’s still fighting for playing time, but everyone expects Case Keenum to be “the guy” from Day One, and to hold onto that job throughout the season.
Keenum’s the best quarterback Denver has seen since the days of Manning — when he was healthy — and the Broncos have to make sure they keep their new gun-slinger clean in the pocket, too. Of course, Denver’s offensive line is still a work in progress, so that may be easier said than done.
Here’s one note that should help Broncos fans rest a bit easier when it comes to Keenum’s escapability; Pro Football Focus graded him the second-most mobile quarterback in their top-10 behind only Russell Wilson.
After a long road, mostly as a backup or as a starter of bad teams, Keenum found his way to Minnesota in 2017, the best team he’d ever been part of in the NFL. Last year, in 14 games, he flourished; with a career-high 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions.
If the Broncos defense improves this year — with the addition of Bradley Chubb and others — Keenum could be the perfect fit at quarterback, more a game-manager than a “hero” signal-caller. He may not go out and win a ton of games by himself, but Keenum also won’t throw ill-timed interceptions which end drives and kill hopes of winning games.
Keenum is the unquestioned starter, and as long as he stays healthy, the chances of one of his backups getting into the game are incredibly small. But, in football, the backup is always only one play away from being the starter, so let’s take a look at what Lynch and Chad Kelly bring to to the table.
Paxton Lynch:
By many people’s standards, Lynch is a bust. When John Elway selected him in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft, he was supposed to be the next starting quarterback for the Broncos. And many hoped his giant build would mean he’d play like a monster on the gridiron, like Ben Roethlisberger. Instead, he’s been nothing more than a bench-warmer.
Still, entering his third year currently, Lynch finds himself squarely on the roster, partly because Elway is loyal to his draft picks. Sometimes to a fault.
“It means a lot, especially the head coach and the big guy upstairs too having their back or having my back, especially [President Mr. Elway],” Lynch said on June 14. “The fact that he drafted me, moved up in the first round to come get me.
“Like I said, I’m just coming out here to do my job and be pro and be a quarterback and be the best quarterback that I can be. So, whenever I get the opportunity to go out there and take over then I’m going to be ready for that,” Lynch finished.
If things go right for the Broncos, he won’t be taking over any time this year. While the sample size is small for Lynch, his lack of accuracy and lack of understanding the offense has made it clear he’s not ready to quarterback the Broncos.
His rookie season, Lynch completed only 59 percent of his passes, and that increased last year to 66.7, which would be a great percentage if he could do so for an entire season instead of a mere two games. He’s also thrown for four touchdowns and an equal four interceptions in his career, while holding onto the ball too long too often, resulting in 18 sacks.
And while Lynch’s 5.9 average yards per attempt as a rookie were very low, his 4.4 yards per attempt last year weren’t even enough to register in the top 35.
The jury still might be out on whether or not Lynch is for sure a bust, the numbers aren’t looking good for the Broncos backup QB.
Chad Kelly:
“Swag” Kelly, as many call him, is popular because he’s an unknown quantity. Last year, fans hoped Kelly could play; maybe he could be better than Siemian or Lynch? But, Jim Kelly’s nephew was placed on the injured reserve with knee and wrist injuries.
This offseason, he’s been working with Phil Simms, in the lead-up to his first NFL season:
Even with Keenum on the roster now, some still believe Kelly is the most athletic and physically gifted quarterback with the Broncos. But, will he get a chance to show off those skills?
For now, Kelly’s behind Keenum and seemingly Lynch, too. Although, Kelly could — and likely will — push Lynch for that No. 2 spot.
Stay tuned in training camp to see which one wins that No. 2 position. Because, if history holds true, the Broncos will have to use two QBs again this year. If they do, it may spell doom in Denver.