Klis: Rookie Lynch could be Broncos starting QB if camp longer
Aug 26, 2016, 11:46 AM | Updated: 11:51 am
At the beginning of training camp, it was the Mark Sanchez show. The veteran quarterback spent most of offseason slightly ahead in the battle for the Denver Broncos starting quarterback role, according to 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis.
Then, it was Trevor Siemian. The second-year pro will start the preseason dress rehearsal Saturday night against the Los Angeles Rams and by many accounts will be the team’s starter come Week 1 on Sept. 8 against the Carolina Panthers.
But, what if training camp was another few weeks? Could rookie first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch have earned the top quarterback spot?
“Had camp gone on three more weeks, I think Paxton Lynch would be the opening day starter,” Klis told “The Drive with Big Al and DMac” Thursday.
Siemian will play most of the first half Saturday, Klis said, but who follows him into the game is still up in the air as of Friday morning.
But, Klis said, regardless of who comes in next, Sanchez will likely be held to just a few series and Lynch will likely play a lot.
“I don’t think Kubiak’s made his mind up. I think he’s being honest about that,” said DMac, talking about the quarterback battle now between Siemian and Lynch. “Sometimes we can tell when coaches are just fibbing about stuff. I think he’s really, really thinking about it and has not made his mind up.”
If Kubiak does go with Siemian and Lynch at No. 1 and No. 2, does that put Sanchez’s future in Denver in jeopardy?
“You gotta have three quarterbacks into the season,” Klis said.
He added: “Now, you’re going to have three quarterbacks with no experience on your roster? They’d have to get a veteran, and maybe Sanchez is the veteran at a reduced rate.”
Statistically, Lynch has been the highest ranked quarterback of the three thus far in the preseason, with a quarterback rating of 86.3. Sanchez comes in second at 85.3 and Siemian third at 66.6.
Each has thrown roughly 30 passing attempts, with Sanchez connecting on a best 66.7 percent of them for the most yards (219).
However, turnovers have hurt Sanchez’s prospects –– one interception and two lost fumbles in three games compared to just one from Siemian in which Kubiak took the blame for a poor play call.
Lynch has tossed the most touchdowns (2) but also has an interception and 6 sacks.