BRONCOS

Siemian beats out Sanchez, named Broncos starting quarterback

Aug 29, 2016, 9:38 AM | Updated: Aug 30, 2016, 5:38 pm

It’s the kid, Trevor Siemian, and not the veteran, Mark Sanchez, who’ll take the first regular season snaps for the Denver Broncos when the team opens its season against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8.

Head coach Gary Kubiak informed his team Monday morning of the decision to go with Siemian over Sanchez and rookie Paxton Lynch as they began a week of practice ahead of Denver’s final preseason tilt against the Arizona Cardinals.

“I think he’s earned the right to be our guy. That’s what I told the team this morning,” Kubiak said. When I go back and I look at the body of work throughout the course of the offseason — I watch training camp and throughout the preseason, and how far he’s come. I watch how much he’s improved, in my opinion, the grasp that he has on what we’re doing. ”

Siemian seemingly cemented the starting role with his performance Saturday night in the Broncos’ “dress rehearsal” against the Los Angeles Rams, going 10-of-17 for 122 yards, one interception, and one touchdown.

The young quarterback said he thought he earned the role by staying within himself, taking day-to-day, and trying to be a good teammate.

“I’m really fortunate in the sense that I got a chance to get some pretty good coaching while I’m here, so I just tried to take as much coaching the whole way through and take it day-by-day,” Siemian said.

Sanchez did not play after saying the previous week that he “squandered” a chance to make a push for the job against the San Francisco 49ers in preseason Week 2.

The move comes not totally as a surprise, despite the prevailing sentiment that Sanchez had the edge over Siemian heading into training camp. The veteran couldn’t quite pull away from the second-year pro and started just the first game of the preseason against the Chicago Bears.

Sanchez has the best QB rating (85.3) and completion percentage (66.7) of all three Broncos quarterbacks, but he also owns the most turnovers (3), including two red zone fumbles against the 49ers to end potential scoring drives.

Through his first three preseason games, Sieman’s amassed 285 passing yards on 27-of-43 passing for a touchdown and two picks.

Whether Sanchez makes the Broncos final roster remains to be seen, though two factors seem to be working against him. He’s due $4.5 million in 2016, a large sum for a potential third-string quarterback, and the Broncos would surrender a seventh-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles only if Sanchez makes the roster.

Broncos

Drake Maye Broncos QB...

Andrew Mason

Broncos have George Paton, QB coach at Drake Maye Pro Day

QB prospect Drake Maye had his Pro Day workout on March 28, and Broncos GM George Paton was among those on hand.

12 hours ago

Jayden Daniels...

Cecil Lammey

How much interest do the Broncos have in LSU QB Jayden Daniels?

The Denver Broncos have interest in LSU QB Jayden Daniels, but how realistic is getting him in the 2024 NFL Draft? Watch Orange and Blue Today with Cecil Lammey and Andrew Mason! Follow @CecilLammey

1 day ago

Drake Maye Broncos QB...

Will Petersen

Report: Broncos attending two more QB Pro Days on Thursday

Mike Klis says the Broncos will have representatives at the Pro Days of former UNC QB Drake Maye and Washington QB Michael Penix Jr

2 days ago

Josh Reynolds...

Jake Shapiro

Broncos make significant free agent splash at WR, leaving questions

The Denver Broncos are adding a proven weapon to Sean Payton's offense, signing former Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds

2 days ago

J.J. McCarthy Broncos mock draft...

Will Petersen

ESPN’s latest mock draft has Broncos trading to No. 4 overall

Broncos head coach Sean Payton said it's realistic for Denver to move up; Matt Miller is projecting that as reality in his new mock draft

2 days ago

Jayden Daniels...

Andrew Mason

Broncos visiting with LSU QB Jayden Daniels after his Pro Day

Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels will meet with six teams at his Pro Day on Wednesday, including the Denver Broncos.

2 days ago

Siemian beats out Sanchez, named Broncos starting quarterback