Before we get into the nitty gritty, let me say this: Trevor Siemian has far exceeded any and all reasonable expectations, and the kid is doing a heck of a job. For a second-year, seventh-round pick, the fact that he’s entering his third NFL start with a 2-0 record is remarkably impressive.
That said, he’s left a lot of meat on that bone.
In two games, the Denver Broncos have driven into opponent territory on 13 of their 18 offensive drives (not counting kneel downs at the end of halves), which is an impressive number for a quarterback in his first two starts. Unfortunately, the Broncos have only turned four of those 13 drives into touchdowns, which is not nearly as impressive.
Whether it be four turnovers inside the 30-yard line, an overthrow to Emmanuel Sanders in the end zone or a misread from an inexperienced quarterback, the Broncos have had plenty of prime opportunities slip through their grasp.
Yet, they’re 2-0, so all is well and fine in Broncos Country, right?
Well, at face value, yes. But if we dive a little deeper, if we read between the lines, maybe not.
Let’s break down some of the Broncos’ postgame quotes from Sunday and see if maybe there isn’t a little more concern at the quarterback position than some might think.
Gary Kubiak on Trevor Siemian’s decision making
“The one thing about this business is Trevor has been out there twice in his career, but as a coach you want to feel like he’s been out there 10 years. Some of the things that keep coming up are young, but seven out of nine times I think Trevor took us inside the 35-yard line. It was amazing. We punted twice. We threw the heck out of the ball, but there are plays that we have to make that are the difference in putting points on the board and not putting points on the board. There has to be some growth there from him standpoint and our standpoint as coaches.”
Gary Kubiak is one of the most honest head coaches you’ll ever find on the microphone, and this is a very honest answer.
Siemian clearly missed several opportunities to put points on the board on Sunday, and Kubiak knows it. He also knows that another, more-experienced (better?) quarterback would likely capitalize on those same opportunities. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
But Kubiak also understands that Siemian is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie, and rookies make mistakes; they miss reads and throw interceptions. So Kubiak hopes things will get better as the season progresses, not worse.
But what if the third option occurs? What if Siemian doesn’t get better or worse? What if he is who he is?
In that case, Kubiak’s frustration grows and the leash shortens.
The Broncos understand they can win with Trevor Siemian, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want more. At this moment, Siemian isn’t giving them that.
Emmanuel Sanders on the lack of production
“I had three catches all in the first quarter and then after that I didn’t have a catch. It’s definitely tough going to practice and you bust your butt all of practice, having great practices going into the game thinking that you’re going to have a big game and you don’t. At the end of the day we got the win so no complaining from me. I’ll be back at work on Wednesday trying to get better, trying to put up a 100-yard game and try to show everybody that this guy over here from Denver is one of the best receivers in the league.”
Sanders has a right to be frustrated. In a game where the Colts’ secondary was decimated with injuries, he should have had a huge game. Instead, he finished with just three receptions for 39 yards, all of which came in the first quarter.
Now, who is he frustrated with? Himself, Siemian, the play calling? Likely some combination of all three, but there’s no denying that Siemian missed Sanders on several plays, most noticeably an overthrow in the end zone.
The Broncos may have the best receiving duo in the NFL, and yet you wouldn’t know it by looking at the stat sheet. Even with two wins under their belt, that may begin to get under the skin of the Denver receivers.
Demaryius Thomas on settling for field goals
“It’s a little worrisome. You can’t keep kicking field goals; it’s any given Sunday, Monday or Thursday. One day a team might come out and score three touchdowns on our defense and if we kick five field goals we lose the game. We’ve got to figure out what we can do to get in the end zone.”
This isn’t a direct jab at Siemian — and the blame shouldn’t fall on his shoulders alone — but he is the quarterback, and when the offense is struggling the fingers start pointing at the man behind center.
The offense knows they have to be better, and starts with Trevor Siemian. Whether or not he’s exceeding expectations, the clock is ticking, and unless Siemian continues to reset the timer, the Paxton Lynch era will be upon us eventually.
There’s still plenty of time for Siemian — that’s what happens when you’re winning games — but he has to continue to improve.
