Is Paxton Lynch Ahead in the QB Race Already?

Day one of the Denver Broncos OTA’s is in the books and there seemed to be one consistent theme out of Dove Valley today; Paxton Lynch looked darn good. Sure, it is just one day, in a relatively meaningless practice, playing against guys in shorts, but it finally gave the coaches and media the first look at the Broncos first round draft choice in a team setting with all the guys there, and he didn’t disappoint.

Many folks in Denver, myself included, have resigned themselves to the fact that Mark Sanchez probably had the inside track to the starting quarterback job to open the season, as it was assumed that Paxton Lynch would need a year, or possibly more to be ready to go. John Elway has indicated that the kid may be ready be ready sooner than that, and Kubiak indicated today that this is indeed a three-horse race between Lynch, Sanchez, and second year man Trevor Siemian, who also, from the sound of things had a very good day.

#Broncos Gary Kubiak says there is no staring QB at this point, it's a competition. pic.twitter.com/f84IotuVlW
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) May 24, 2016

If this is the case, it has to be the Broncos number one priority to do everything they can to set their prized rookie loose on the rest of the league. Mark Sanchez was a limited participant in the practice today due to his thumb injury, however on his second pass during a 7-on-7 session, he ended up throwing an interception. Surprise surprise right?. Mark Sanchez has been a turnover machine since he entered the league, and guys typically don’t change their stripes this late into their careers.

Lynch on the other hand got glowing reviews from today:

Paxton Lynch is owning the day. Not even close
— Darren McKee (@DMacRadio) May 24, 2016

The biggest question that I had with Lynch coming out of Memphis was with his footwork, and ability to come from under center, go through progressions, and throw from the pocket. Well it seems as if the extra work he has been giving to that has also been paying off:

the talk of OTAs today is #Broncos QB Paxton Lynch, showing fire, enthusiasm, leadership and improved footwork as a passer
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) May 24, 2016

Looked like a good day for rookie QB @paxtonlynch. Highlight was a deep TD to Jordan Taylor. Coaches happy with progress on footwork.
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) May 24, 2016

The Broncos, and Broncos fans should be incredibly excited to hear these reports coming out. It would seem to me, that based on comments by John Elway and Gary Kubiak, that the Broncos would like to give the youngster every opportunity to win this job.

Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

If he keeps this up, it would seem he would have the edge to open the season as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. With this defense behind him, and the running game to protect him, Lynch will give the Broncos a fantastic shot to not only get back to the playoffs, but to win it all once again.