The Denver Broncos have a quarterback problem. Their solution? To be determined.
Mark Sanchez has and continues to be the easy answer. He’s the only option of the three to have actually attempted a pass in the NFL, and when working with an elite supporting cast, not unlike the Broncos roster surrounding him, he’s been solid. And while Paxton Lynch is the exciting solution, it certainly isn’t the prudent one.
But what about Trevor Siemian?
Despite being the only passer in Denver with experience in the Gary Kubiak offense, Siemian’s chances of starting Week 1 for the Broncos against the Carolina Panthers have seemed like a pipe dream, at best; a fun story created to show that Kubiak and Elway are conducting a fair and equal quarterback competition.
But … maybe there is a chance?
Siemian most certainly has not won himself the job, but he’s done enough to keep Sanchez from running away from the rest of the pack, as evidenced by their co-starter designation on the team’s first depth chart of the season. And based on reports out of the UCHealth Training Center, he’s earned it. Some may even argue that he’s earned more — the starting gig, outright.
Safe to say, it was interesting day down at camp, and in case you missed it, here’s what you need to know.
As always, we begin with Mile High Sports Radio’s Benny Bash and his 3.5 takeaways:
3.5 Hot Takes —
Episode 1.4 (I think)@MileHighSports pic.twitter.com/yDQg8UXwam— Benny Bash🎧 (@TheBennyBash) August 8, 2016
Siemian On The Rise
Interesting Broncos depth chart. Siemian and Sanchez listed as the co-number ones #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/gq6W5MJPoS
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 8, 2016
Kubiak said "ones are back" and Trevor Siemian ran on the field
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 8, 2016
"Make that play Trevor" Gary Kubiak talking to Trevor Siemian after overthrowing his WR. Every pass is important now in the QB competition
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 8, 2016
Siemian said he spoke to Peyton before camp. He wished him luck. Mentioned he thinks Peyton will be there for the opener.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2016
#Broncos Siemian "I Take stuff from peyton and Brock and but I still be myself" #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 8, 2016
Kubiak "Nothing has changed at QB". Says starter for this week will likely be decided today #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/Kai1GbZuNW
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 8, 2016
#Broncos Siemian "Each day try to treat separately. Try to keep stacking good days up. Games are big time #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/4fRzDyTkdD
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 8, 2016
Aqib Talib Makes His Return
Aqib Talib is BACK #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/fcmCAVU3Aq
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 8, 2016
#Broncos CB Aqib Talib jogs out to the field for his 1st practice since being shot in shells/helmet. pic.twitter.com/W8SN9CpETa
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 8, 2016
Well look who's back. Aqib Talib rejoins the #NoFlyZone on the field @ChrisHarrisJr @darianstewart26 pic.twitter.com/XltUSP6rUy
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 8, 2016
Kubiak says Talib on a similar "progression" schedule as Von Miller and Russell Okung were.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2016
Kubiak not ruling out possibility of Talib playing in preseason.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2016
Talib: "It's a blessing to be out here."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2016
Talib on June 5 incident: "The situation is still under review & we got to respect that process. I'm not going to talk about that right now"
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2016
Talib: "Sitting on that sideline & being away from football, you see how important it is to you. I learned to love the game a little more."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2016
#Broncos Wade Phillips said Talib "looked good" today. Will ease him back in, but strong first practice #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 8, 2016