Broncos Country is segmented down the middle. A sizeable chunk of the fanbase campaigns for second-year player Trevor Siemian to build on his ascent last year, which saw him go from third-string afterthought to starter.
On the other side of the fence however, contains fans who believe that Siemian is simply keeping the quarterback spot warm until first-round pick Paxton Lynch is ready to see the field. That debate is expanding to the national stage, as notable pundits have weighed on the long-term viability of Siemian as the Broncos starting quarterback.
On a local TV show, former Denver Broncos lineman and national analyst, Mark Schlereth, gave his insight on who he felt should be lining up under center come the season opener when he said, “he’s head and shoulders above Paxton Lynch in the development; where he is right now.” In closing the interview, Schlereth pressed the point that the starting job should be Siemian’s to lose going forward based on performance and the respect Siemian has earned from teammates.
In contrast, former Buffalo Bills and New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan, made an appearance on 104.3 The Fan and questioned the lack of playing time given to Paxton Lynch last year.
“I don’t know why you don’t go with Lynch,” said Ryan. “It makes no sense. You draft a guy for a reason. He’s not going to get better just sitting there, so put him in there. The other kid’s a journeyman. You made the investment in Lynch. You’ve gotta go with him.”
As the starter for 14 games last year, Siemian threw for 3,401 yards to go along with 18 touchdown passes against 10 interceptions. Playing with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder and behind a poor offensive line with an absentee running threat, are what many point to when giving reasons why Siemian can only get better with improvements the team can potentially makeover this offseason.
The opposition to Siemian as the starter for Denver is equally vocal. In trying to shine a light to his struggles, those critical of the quarterback make mention to his below average third down conversion percentage, leading an offense that led the league in three-and-outs and failing to make it through a season healthy as evidence to give Lynch the nod against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Monday night opener and for the foreseeable future.
The former seventh-round pick will only continue to gain support the longer the quarterback position for the Broncos remains unsettled. For all the good or bad Siemian did in his first season as the starting quarterback, it has only set the stage for a crucial training camp battle where the team will need either Siemian or Lynch to solidify themselves as the starter and stabilize the most important spot on the field.
