Who will start at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2017, Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch? I break it down here as the competition begins to heat up.
Now that the Romo-drama is officially over, the big question is pretty clear. Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch? Who gives the Denver Broncos the best chance to win in 2017? We’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of both. Ready? Let’s jump into it!
Trevor Siemian
Pros: Almost an afterthought heading into training camp in 2016, all Siemian did was beat out veteran Mark Sanchez and first round pick Paxton Lynch. In his first three starts Trevor defeated Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and Andy Dalton.
When Cincinnati attempted to put it on Siemian’s shoulders he responded with 312 yards and four touchdown passes while completing over 65% of his throws. In a prime time matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, Siemian had one of his best games. Despite losing, Trevor threw for three touchdowns and a career high 368 yards.
Teammates and coaches have repeatedly said that Siemian is a leader and someone teammates love playing with. His first season as a starter saw him post the following numbers: 59.5% completion percentage, 3,401 yards passing with 18 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions leading to a quarterback rating of 84.6.
Not bad. Especially compared to some of the best in the business. Tom Brady? His first season as a starter ended with a 63.9% completion percentage, 2,843 yards with 18 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a rating of 86.5 (Brady didn’t begin the season as the starter.
He entered during the fourth quarter of game two due to an injury to then starter Drew Bledsoe). Drew Brees? 60.8% completion, 3,284 yards, 17 TD’s to 16 INT’s and a rating of 76.9.
Cons: Can he stay healthy? Siemian managed to miss two games and most of a third game due to injury last season and enters this year recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.
Head coach Vance Joseph has stated that Siemian is “full go” for offseason activities. But after missing almost a quarter of last season, can he be counted on to stay healthy for a full 16 games plus playoffs?
Trevor also seemed to disappear in the most crucial point of the season. During weeks 12-17 following the bye week, with Denver fighting for the playoffs,
Siemian managed a 1-4 record and missed a game due to injury. During games against Tennessee, New England and Kansas City in weeks 14-16 Siemian managed one touchdown pass. Those 3 losses sealed Denver’s first non-playoff season since 2010. So which Trevor Siemian will show up this year?
Paxton Lynch
Pros: The Future. The young quarterback with a cannon arm entered the 2016 season with a chance to start. A slim chance, but a chance.
Transitioning from a spread offense in college to a pro offense in Denver proved to be a bit overwhelming for the youngster. No one was surprised by this as it was said numerous times leading up to the draft that Lynch was about two seasons away from really being ready to start.
In three games (two as a starter) Lynch was a bit of a mixed bag. He looked promising in relief of an injured Trevor Siemian in Tampa Bay throwing for 170 yards and a touchdown in helping lead Denver to 27-7 victory over the Buccaneers.
Game two saw Paxton complete 65.7% of his passes for 223 yards and another touchdown against the eventual NFC champion Atlanta Falcons.
Cons: As expected, there were growing pains. Against the Atlanta Falcons the youngster managed to throw an interception, fumble twice and get sacked six times. In his second start he managed to complete only 50% of his passes for 104 yards and no scores.
The decision-making in his two starts was spotty. Rookie mistakes of missing open receivers and holding onto the ball too long happened a lot. Former head coach Gary Kubiak made comments throughout camp that Lynch seemed overwhelmed. That he wasn’t picking up on the playbook well enough.
Are these long-term reasons for concerns or just your typical growing pains?
Next: Von Miller Declares 2017 Will Be His Best Year
Heading into training camp for 2017 both quarterbacks will be given an equal shot to start. Siemian has the advantage of being the reigning starter. Lynch has the chance to impress a new coaching staff and show he learned from his rookie season. So Broncos Country, who’s your pick to lead the Denver Broncos in 2017?