Denver Broncos: Paxton Lynch Must Seize Day At San Francisco
For Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch to further his confidence from Training Camp on Thursday, he must seize the day against the San Francisco 49ers…
Last year during the preseason, Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch played the entire second half versus the San Francisco 49ers. He struggled early in the half, but later led impressive drive after impressive drive.
Lynch finished the night completing 15 of 26 passes with two touchdowns. He did throw an interception with 36 seconds left in the game. Overall it was all for not as Trevor Siemian was named starter last season.
Fast forward to 2017, where Lynch and Siemian are battling for the starting quarterback job again.
Siemian is not starting against the 49ers this time around. Lynch gets the nod. The six-foot seven quarterback dazzled during Thursday’s practice not throwing a single incompletion. Vance Joseph even said he (Lynch) made three to four “wow” throws.
While it is practice, this is the type of statement Lynch must make to close the gap with Siemian. Siemian is the leader in the clubhouse, but not by a wide margin. If he was, the battle would be called off. Joseph said on Thursday he wants Lynch to be comfortable tonight.
"“I want Paxton to relax and go out there and play his game. Make good decisions, move the chains and score points. Simple as that. I don’t want him to feel pressure. I want him to be himself and be an athlete when he’s called to be an athlete. Just play quarterback for us. Simple as that.”Vance Joseph – Quotes via Broncos PR"
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Moreover, Lynch must translate this practice to game time tonight. He needs play the style he is comfortable with as quarterback. Do not perform like someone he is not. Lynch played like Siemian against the Bears. Siemian is a fine quarterback in his own right, but both Lynch and him are not the same.
In order for Lynch to play at a high level he needs to take the chances and make his progressions count after the first read. If the wide receiver is not open on the first look of his eyes, go to the next target.
Furthermore, Lynch acknowledged his progressions when asked about where he is from now to beginning of camp.
"“Just my progressions and being comfortable in the offense I think is growing over time and day in and day out with these guys. Knowing where they’re going to be, knowing when to adjust plays and fix protections, and having the ability to change the plays. I know that [Offensive Coordinator] Coach Mike McCoy is starting to have some trust in us and give us the ability to go up to the line of scrimmage and get us in the right look.”Paxton Lynch – Quotes via Broncos PR"
The first round quarterback has all the tools to be successful in the NFL. Tonight, Lynch needs to have fun and play loose. His arm strength is the biggest strength of his game as a gunslinger. Lynch must take appropriate chances down field spreading out a defense and reading safety help if it presents itself.
Ideally, if Paxton Lynch boasts stat line of 10 for 14 with 130 yards and two to the three touchdowns he cements himself as leader or even with Siemian. Lynch has to limit the turnovers as well in ball/hand placement in the pocket and determining where defenders are. He is capable of it.
It is time for Paxton Lynch to seize the day against the San Francisco 49ers in preseason game number two.