Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day Two Observations

Trevor Siemian had a nice bounce-back day after struggling for the better part of Thursday’s practice.  With the Broncos opening up the field today, Siemian opened up and aired it out a bit more than we’ve seen.  His first deep pass was overthrown, but during a nice 7 on 7 set early in practice, Siemian hit back-to-back passes traveling more than 20-yards in the air.

The first went to tight end Jeff Heuerman on a deep crossing route for about a 20-yard gain.  The second play seemed to be a bit of a broken play as Sanders turned up the sideline and Siemian found him for another 20-yard gain.

The middle of practice wasn’t the finest for Siemian, who struggled with some inaccuracies. Siemian was intercepted by Bradley Roby in the end zone on a deep pass that was badly overthrown.  Siemian finished practice strong though, throwing back-to-back touchdown passes in a 7 on 7 period with the second team.  It was a better day for Trevor, if nothing else for the willingness to attempt to throw the ball down the field.

With all this said, this was Paxton Lynch’s day once again.  Lynch made multiple eye-popping plays that resemble what you would expect from a first round pick.  His best throw of the day was a perfectly placed ball to Cody Latimer on a deep-post into double coverage.  The throw covered roughly 40-yards in the air and showed off the type of arm talent that wowed the Broncos brass during the pre-draft process.

However, the highlight play of the day came with Lynch using his legs, instead of his arm.  With a collapsing pocket, Lynch escaped the pocket to his right.  With a receiver streaking deep, Lynch pump-faked the only defender in his path, clearing the way for the long-strider to dart down the right sideline for what would have been a sure 40-yard touchdown run under game circumstances.

Plays like these may eventually be the deciding factor in who ultimately wins the job.  If Lynch can consistently make plays with his legs, without putting himself in much of harms way, it is going to be a huge X-factor that he will possess over Siemian.

Lynch wasn’t perfect, as he threw a near pick to Aqib Talib as he tried to force a ball into double coverage to Emmanuel Sanders.  But two plays before that, he had thrown a perfectly placed deep out to Sanders near the goal line.

We are only two days into camp, and the Broncos have yet to strap on the pads, but it is clear that Lynch is already separating himself from Siemian.  If the separation carries itself into the weekend, this competition could be over sooner than most expected.

A Couple More Noteworthy Items

• De’Angelo Henderson continues to flash in camp.  Friday, he even received a few reps with the first team.  Henderson shows great speed, and great burst.  It will be fun to watch him once the pads come on.
• Cody Latimer is having another good training camp.  This is starting to become an annual note, but he could be in a good position to win that third receiver spot.  However, Latimer has always flashed in practice, he needs to show he can produce during the games.
• Rookie Garret Bolles had another strong day, working mostly with the starting unit.  I don’t believe there is any question that he will be the Broncos week one starter at left tackle.

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