Denver Broncos: Why Quarterback Battle Isn’t Biggest Concern

While few Denver Broncos fans have hopped on either Team Trevor or Team Paxton, here is why I believe it will not matter who starts without proper support.

The biggest competition going on right now in training camp for the Denver Broncos is the quarterback position. On one side, you have last year’s starter Trevor Siemian. On the other side, you have the Broncos 2016 first round pick Paxton Lynch. I have no doubt that both players could be great at the position down the road.

Trevor Siemian had, in my opinion, a solid season for a first year starter. While some of the numbers will not reflect that, he did what he could with the support around him.

Paxton Lynch could be the next big thing at the quarterback position. He certainly has all of the tools to become that player. Makes plays from the pocket and has quite an arm on him.

Both players have their strengths and weaknesses. But it is really difficult to read and see a very loyal fanbase split and belittling one another on the quarterback battle.

Fans of Broncos Country have become so divided on whom they want to see as the starter. It has become so heated that there is now a battle on social media. Team Trevor or Team Paxton. I am not a fan of dividing up. We need to all be Team Broncos.

I am not paying any mind to this quarterback battle for two reasons. One, I know Vance Joseph and John Elway will put the best quarterback on the field. Second, I am more concerned about the supporting cast around the starter.

The wide receivers of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are as good as you can get as a tandem. So, the quarterback named starter will have them. It is the running backs, tight ends, and offensive line that I am more focused on.

Offensive Line

To me, it all starts with the offensive line. It has been a long time since I have seen an offensive line that was solid on all five positions. The last couple years have seen them struggle. And it showed in a big way last season.

I cannot even phantom how many times I was frustrated with the offensive line. They are supposed to help the running back get to the open field and protect the quarterback. When C.J. Anderson was lost for the year, the running game was inconsistent. The offensive line was not helping.

What has really impressed me this training camp is the work of Garett Bolles. I think he could solve all of our problems at left tackle. And we know Matt Paradis is one of the best centers in the league. If the other three members of the line follow suit, then no worries. It even looks like they have improved. So, the offensive line is on their way.

Running Backs

Like I stated, when Anderson went down, the running game went along with him. We are going to need to see more of Devontae Booker this season. However, he will be on the shelf this preseason with an injury.

Jamaal Charles can really help out the running game if he can stay healthy. The Denver Broncos are being very cautious with him. A good move on Vance Joseph’s part.

If the offensive line performs well, so will the running backs. And they can help take out a chunk of yardage so that every third down will not seem so daunting.

Tight End

When it comes to the short yardage plays or red zone drives, that is where I want to see the tight ends succeed. They have a good bunch in VIrgil Green, Jeff Heuerman, and A.J. Derby. When Jake Butt recovers completely, he could become the dark horse in the offense.

I would like to see the tight ends used more often this season. They can be such a useful weapon in the passing game and help when it comes to the run. I have not heard a lot about the tight ends so far, to my knowledge. But this will be the position I will be watching closely.

Conclusion

The three positions I listed above are the battles that I am more concerned about. If those three do their jobs, it will not matter who is behind center. It can be Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch. This is the reason why I am okay with the quarterback competition going on for as long as it has. We may not know who the starter will be for another week or two.

But I do know that Broncos Country and the fans need to just relax and trust the process. I have complete faith that the right quarterback for the job will earn the role.

Next: Denver Broncos Quarterback Competition is Slow Going

Nothing in the NFL is given to you. The quarterback that wins the starting job earned the role. Earning a role in the starting lineup gives a player the support of his teammates. And the last thing the Denver Broncos need is a divided locker room.

Trust Vance Joseph and John Elway and let the quarterback battle go for as long as they feel it needs. I have faith in the process and so should you.