Evans: Breaking down the pile of Broncos preseason storylines

Observations from the unusually storyline filled Denver Broncos third preseason game:

1. I’ve been a long-time member of #TeamTrevor, but …

His performance against the Green Bay Packers will not cut it come the regular season.

The interception he threw to set up Green Bay’s first touchdown was unacceptable. The supposed advantage in going with Siemian is he won’t make as many mistakes, certainly not the killer mistakes that puts defenses in tough positions.

Throwing a pick that is returned 42 yards to the Broncos 2-yard line is a tough position.

He was off target with a number of throws. Again, in making the case for Siemian, the idea is he will make good decisions and good throws.

There weren’t enough of those against the Packers.

2. There was some good news with Siemian.

He didn’t hang his head after that interception. The next series he was 3-for-5 for 30 yards on a 75-yard scoring drive capped off by a C.J. Anderson touchdown run.

Siemian also showed off some good mobility with a 17-yard scamper, which indicated to me that the guy has some of that mental toughness you look for in a starting quarterback.

He also showed a good grasp of the two-minute offense, going 6-for-7 for 48 yards on the way to a game-tying field goal.

There was also a gorgeous deep pass to Emmanuel Sanders that should’ve been caught for a touchdown.

All in all, a mixed bag for Siemian. He needs to be better.

3. Not to rub it in for #TeamPaxton, but …

All I heard about making the case for Paxton Lynch, and against Siemian, was, “Why would you want to go with Siemian? All he’ll do is get hurt.”

Hmmm, but it’s Lynch that turns out to be an injury risk — something, by the way, I warned against. When your first inclination is to run when the first read isn’t open, a quarterback is going to absorb a lot of unnecessary hits.

No matter how young and strong a quarterback, he’s no match for the power punches delivered by NFL defenses.

It’s a painful lesson learned by Lynch.

4. Lynch’s injury closes a disappointing chapter in his development.

He failed to grasp the job general manager John Elway so desperately wanted him to take.

Lynch isn’t ready.

While Elway stretched the truth by saying during the game broadcast he was happy with Lynch’s camp and felt he is right on schedule, the truth is this is a major setback for Elway.

He didn’t draft Lynch in the first round thinking it would be a three-year project. If he thought that, then that’s a mistake by Elway because you can’t spend first round picks on three-year projects.

I, for one, am not ready to bury Lynch because I do believe he’s a three-year project, and if you can put aside the fact he was a first-round pick, there’s still a chance he can grow into a decent NFL quarterback.

5. What about Kyle Sloter?

I don’t think it’s that hard. He’s been the Broncos second-best quarterback throughout camp.

Maybe his success has come against second- and third-stringers, but he looked better against the twos and threes than Lynch.

So, he’s the second best QB on the roster. Should he be the backup to start the season?

I say yes.

When you consider the possible veteran quarterbacks who could be available after roster cut down day, it’s not a promising group. The likes of Zach Mettenberger, Christian Ponder, T.J. Yates, or even “Clipboard Jesus” himself, Charlie Whitehurst, does nothing to excite me.

Sure, they have NFL resumes, but those resumes suck. You can’t tell me they walk in here, cold, and are much better than a guy like Sloter, who’s been here throughout the summer, knows the playbook, knows the coaches, the coaches know him, and he’s been able to build some rapport with the other offensive players.

Go with Sloter. (Cue the song)

6. I’m feeling vindicated by Jamaal Charles’ performance.

As training camp went on with Charles kept under wraps and fellow running backs De’Angelo Henderson, Stevan Ridley, and Juwan Thompson flashing, the talk around town, and on 104.3 The Fan, was the veteran was likely done.

I kept insisting the Broncos plan was to take it easy with Charles, and all he would have to show was a glimpse of the once-four-time All-Pro. That one glimpse would be enough to remind people that the potential of Charles is unlike anything else the Broncos have in their running back stable.

Well, that happened against the Packers. My, how people changed their tune quickly.

Not only did it take just a few flashes to convince people Charles needs to be on the team, but they started debating how big his role should be and if he may be the best running back on the Broncos.

Wow.

7. Put me in the camp of …

… not being bothered by the Emmanuel Sanders slide short of the first-down marker.

Funny, all we talk about during the preseason is trying to avoid key injuries. And with Julian Edelman’s season-ending knee injury fresh in everyone’s mind, I’m supposed to be upset because Sanders didn’t dive head first or bull ahead with three Packers waiting for him?

Sorry, this is preseason. Self-preservation should always be applauded.

Now, if this happens during the regular season, we can discuss. Until then, it’s an overwrought topic.

8. I love Aqib Talib.

But it’s getting a bit worrisome that he continually finds himself involved in dust-ups with his own teammates.

From Jordan Norwood to Russell Okung to now Todd Davis — at what point does he go from being an emotional leader to a hot-headed disruption?

9. The T.J. Ward trade talks aren’t surprising if …

… the Broncos feel his game is slipping.

There is nothing wrong with getting rid of a player a year before you believe his decline.

Especially if that player is heading into the final year of his contract and you want to make sure you get something for him.

And especially if you have recently drafted a pair of safeties — Justin Simmons and Will Parks — with the idea they are the heirs apparent.

This is about player evaluation. If the Broncos feel Ward isn’t the same player and Simmons is ready to take his place, then that’s the smart move to make.

Staying loyal to players who are starting to slip will get you beat long-term in this unforgiving league.

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