Moving on up. Chad Kelly worked with the number two offense in practice Monday for the Denver Broncos, taking Paxton Lynch’s spot on the depth chart…
In an expected move, the Denver Broncos moved Chad Kelly up the depth chart behind Case Keenum.
Kelly played in the second half of the Minnesota Vikings preseason game. His play won over the crowd instantly as they chanted his last name: “Kelly, Kelly, Kelly!”
Kelly’s play at quarterback was second-best in the game behind Kirk Cousins who didn’t play hardly at all in the first quarter. The two other quarterbacks of the Broncos decided to not challenge at all for that distinction.
Kelly made that a priority early and often.
His play was dazzling more often than not. While he did throw an ill-advised interception, Kelly never wavered. His positive accuracy still continued to take center stage.
On his first touchdown of the game, Kelly saw the breakdown in the secondary. Matt LaCosse was wide open down the left hash marks of the football field. An NFL caliber quarterback doesn’t miss that throw. Kelly didn’t.
The play that might have won the backup spot was a touchdown throw to Phillip Lindsay on a third-down play. Matt Waldman broke down this play and another in particular on Twitter late Saturday night.
Mike Zimmer and his defensive coordinator decided to pressure Chad Kelly. Kelly in an instant found the mismatch with Lindsay on the linebacker. He threw a perfect pass leading Lindsay to the open field. This type of decision making, especially on third down, is the mark of an elite quarterback. Kelly showed moxie standing tall in the pocket.
Both Case Keenum and Chad Kelly have the swagger to win over their teammates. After the game, Keenum was impressed with Kelly.
Keenum stated Kelly worked his checks and energized the entire team in the second half nearly beating one of the deepest teams in the NFL on defense.
After his play Saturday, it should not come as a surprise Chad Kelly is the backup.
Due to Paxton Lynch’s struggles, Kelly might be the backup for a while.